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    Balaam's Donkey: Sunday School Lesson

    Numbers 22

    Ages 6–11 ~40 min Memory: Numbers 23:19

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    God can stop us with the smallest voice; the question is whether we are willing to see.

    Story Summary

    Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel. As Balaam rode out, the angel of the LORD stood in the way with a drawn sword — and only the donkey could see him. Three times the donkey turned aside and three times Balaam struck her, until the LORD opened her mouth and she spoke. Then Balaam's own eyes were opened.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?”

    Numbers 23:19

    Discussion Questions

    1. Who could see the angel first — Balaam or the donkey?
    2. Why did the donkey keep turning out of the road?

      Teacher hint: She was saving Balaam's life; the angel stood with a drawn sword (Num 22:33).

    3. Has God ever used someone small or unexpected to warn you?
    4. Balaam could not curse whom God had blessed. What does that tell us about God's promises?

    Craft Idea: Talking Donkey Puppet

    Supplies

    • Brown paper lunch bags
    • Grey and brown paper for ears
    • Googly eyes or paper circles
    • Glue and markers

    Steps

    1. Turn a paper bag upside down to make the puppet head.
    2. Glue on long ears, eyes and a nose.
    3. Write Numbers 23:19 on the puppet's body.
    4. Let the children retell the story using their puppets.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page for the verse card and discussion questions.

    This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Numbers 22.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the talking donkey puppet.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

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