Balak, King of Moab, was terrified of Israel in the light of their recent victories in battle, so he asked Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites so that he could defeat them and drive them out of the area. Balaam consulted God on the matter, and he spoke against him doing the curse or even going to speak with King Balak. Balak therefore sent further envoys to ask Balaam to invoke the curse, increasing the financial reward for it. God agreed this time that Balaam could go to Balak as long as his words were guided by God.
The following morning Balaam went on his donkey with the princes of Moab, but the angel of the Lord stood in their way. Apparently the donkey saw the angel but not Balaam. 3 times the angel of the Lord, drawn sword in hand, caused the donkey to rear off course, so Balaam beat the donkey each time. Then the donkey spoke to Balaam! He asked Balaam why he was beating him as he was his well relied upon donkey. Only then did Balaam perceive the presence of the angel who asked Balaam why he was beating his donkey because the animal was in fact saving him.
Balaam confessed he had sinned, after which he went on to meet King Balak who proceeded to sacrifice cattle and sheep, giving some to Balaam and to the princes. They went together to Bamoth Baal.
(Balaam is an enigmatic figure. He seems to be the sort of believer with one foot in the world and the other in the church!)
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