SI Exifbelieve it or not, this guy was the rational one

In this series we’re looking at random moments in the Bible that feature individuals committing, what they would call, one “little” sin and then suffering the consequences thereof.

We turn our attention today to Balaam, and oh what an interesting character this was! Here was a man working as a “prophet” but lacking in, shall we say “moral integrity.”

While it’s clear in the reading that Balaam (a Gentile from Mesopotamia) has had communications with God in the past, it is also clear that he is not very good at his job. In fact John the Revelator compares his doctrine to evil teaching (Revelation 2:14). So it’s fair to say this guy wasn’t in the mold of Elijah or Elisha.

In fact, if there’s one prevailing characteristic of Balaam, its his moral weakness. He seems the kind of guy who would rat out his brother for a buck. He loved his money, though to him that’s just “one little sin.” That’s not a big deal, he thinks.

Balak (king of Moab) sends Balaam to put a curse on Israel and offers him a nice “reward” (i.e. a fat stack of cash) to do so (Numbers 22:7).

God then speaks to him and tells him not to curse Israel because that’s His people (Numbers 22:12).

Balaam tells the messengers of king Balak that he’s not going to do his dirty work, and just when you think this guy has done the right thing, he then says “I mean…maybe if you gave me a house full of silver and gold…then I could do something….” (Numbers 22:18).

God tells Balaam to go with them but only to say what He tells him to say. In other words “You go and be My messenger; you won’t be cursing My people…” (Numbers 22:19)

So Balaam gets up and goes, but it’s clear that he doesn’t intend to do what God says. It’s clear his love of money (“one little sin”) is going to cause Balaam to disobey. So God sends an angel to stop Balaam from going (Numbers 22:21-22).

Here’s where it gets hilarious.

The mule on which Balaam was riding, spots the angel and turns away from him. This causes Balaam to go off road into the ditch. Angry, Balaam strikes his mule (Numbers 22:23).

Later, the mule sees the angel again, this time while walking between two walls. The mule moves to the side to avoid the angel and slams Balaam’s foot against the wall. Angry (and not taking the hint), Balaam strikes his mule a second time (Numbers 22:24-25).

Finally Balaam and his donkey enter a narrow tunnel, but (you guessed it) the angel appears again and the donkey–with nowhere to turn–just falls down. Angry, Balaam strikes his mule a third time (Numbers 22:26-27)…

And the LORD opened the mouth of the mule, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
And Balaam said unto the mule, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
And the mule said unto Balaam, Am not I thine mule, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.

Numbers 22:28-30

Can we just take a moment and admire the brilliance of the translation here?

I mean Balaam is arguing with his donkey (and apparently unfazed by the fact that, not only is the mule speaking to him, but is winning the argument too), but when challenged to answer the donkey’s argument, Balaam’s response is… “nay.”

Hilarious.

Anyway, as funny as the circumstances are, the overall lesson to learn is: do what God says and don’t be distracted by your love of worldly things.

Balaam would say “it’s just a little gold” but God would say “one little sin is still a sin.” Look at the unnecessary pain Balaam endured because he refused to obey God. He car drove into the ditch, he stubbed his toe and he lost an argument with a donkey.

Don’t lose an argument with a donkey. It’s not worth it is all I’m saying. Just obey God and don’t be distracted by the so-called “little” sins.

Think about it,
have a great day!