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In 1967, archeaologists uncovered an inscription dating back to the eighth-century B.C. in the city of Jordan (modern-day Moab). The inscription was a story which revealed visions of seer who channeled information from dead animals, nature, and dreams. This pagan prophet practiced magic and divination and it was believed that he could communicate with the “gods” of many nations. The insciption was from none other than Balaam, the same man we read about in Numbers 22.
It’s interesting to note that although he was revered in the ancient world as a man who could communicate in the spiritual realm (this is why Balak immediately contacted him), he is continually referenced in Scritpure as a paradigm of evil. (Num 31:8, Num 31:16; Deu 23:4-5; Jos 13:22; Jos 24:9-10; Neh 13:2; Mic 6:5; 2Pe 2:15; Jud 1:11; Rev 2:14). Balaam was known as a baru prophet and he specialized in reading signs through animals. Some scholars believe he would inspect the organs of a ritually slain animal to gain details about the will of god(s). He then would seek to change their will by various mystical rituals.
So, assuming he was a man who did his research, he knew about the God of Israel who had delivered them time and time again. I’m sure that he arrogantly believed that Israel’s God would bend to his ritualistic practices. In fact, he tells Balak that he will speak with the Lord. A great takeway here is that just because someone acknowledges God and speaks as if they know Him, it doesn’t mean they actually do. We will find this out by the fruit of Balaam’s actions.
It is somewhat confusing as God first tells Balaam not to go and then later gives him permission. The bottom line is that God knew his heart. He was manipulative and crafty. So, just as God always does, he will use the situation to bring glory to Himself. The irony is that Balaam was an “animal god” but it was the donkey who would recognize the One True God and react accordingly. It’s likely that the reason Balaam engaged in conversation without acting surprised was because he was used to participating in strange rituals to gather information from animals.
And so we read at the end of the chapter that this sly, manipulative, false prophet is driven to his knees in submission to God’s authority. This is the power of the God we serve. He can take someone who seeks to destroy His people and turn him into an object of divine deliverance as we will soon read in the following chapter.
I want to make one final point. Many over the years have doubted the reality of this story and tried to explain it away as metaphorical. I find this disturbing on many levels. There is no contradiction for the believer who places their faith in the divine nature of Jesus. Consider for a moment how unbelievable it is logically-speaking to explain how a man is both human and divine. Now, also consider, that Jesus died, ressurected, and ascended to Heaven. If you can believe THAT, how can you doubt that God could inspire a donkey to speak human words?