Balaam's Donkey Speaks
The Lord opened the mouth of a donkey to rebuke the prophet Balaam.
Hired by Balak to curse Israel, Balaam saddled his donkey and rode toward Moab. Three times the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way with a drawn sword and turned aside. When Balaam beat her, the Lord opened her mouth to speak — and then opened Balaam's eyes to see the angel.
God
On the road to Moab
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
"And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?"
"The dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet."
Spiritual Significance
God can use any voice — even a donkey's — to confront a prophet who has gone astray. The miracle exposes the absurdity of greed-driven religion.
Lesson for Today
When God blocks your way, do not beat the messenger. Stop, look, and listen — He may be sparing your life.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Balaam's donkey really speak?
Yes. Numbers 22 and 2 Peter 2:16 both treat it as a literal event in which the Lord opened the donkey's mouth to rebuke Balaam.
Why was God angry with Balaam?
Balaam was going to curse Israel for money, against God's known will. He loved 'the wages of unrighteousness' (2 Peter 2:15).
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Balaam's Donkey Speaks?
The miracle of Balaam's Donkey Speaks is recorded in Numbers 22:28 (KJV), with additional references in 2 Peter 2:16.
Who performed the miracle of Balaam's Donkey Speaks?
Scripture records that God carried out this miracle at On the road to Moab. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
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Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Balaam's Donkey Speaks
The Lord opened the mouth of a donkey to rebuke the prophet Balaam.
Balaam's Donkey
Numbers 22:1–41 • warning
What Happened with Balaam's Donkey?
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The prophet whose donkey spoke and whose covetousness led Israel astray.