Biblical Reference: The account of Balaam's donkey is found in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 22:21-35. This narrative is a significant episode in the account of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites.

Context: The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, were journeying towards the Promised Land and had encamped in the plains of Moab. Balak, fearing the Israelites due to their numbers and the victories they had achieved, sought to employ Balaam to curse them, hoping to weaken them.

The Journey: Balaam initially refuses Balak's request, as God instructs him not to curse the Israelites. However, after Balak's persistent entreaties and the promise of great reward, God permits Balaam to go with Balak's messengers, but only to speak what God commands.

The Encounter with the Angel: As Balaam sets out on his journey, riding his donkey, God's anger is kindled because Balaam's intentions are not aligned with God's will. An angel of the LORD stands in the road as an adversary against him. The donkey sees the angel with a drawn sword and turns aside into a field. Balaam strikes the donkey to get it back on the road.

The angel appears a second time in a narrow path between vineyards, and the donkey presses against the wall, crushing Balaam's foot. Balaam strikes the donkey again. The angel appears a third time in a narrow place where there is no room to turn, and the donkey lies down under Balaam. In frustration, Balaam strikes the donkey with his staff.

The Donkey Speaks: At this moment, the LORD opens the donkey's mouth, and it speaks to Balaam: "What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?" (Numbers 22:28). Balaam, surprisingly, engages in conversation with the donkey, expressing his anger for being made a fool. The donkey questions Balaam if it has ever behaved this way before, to which Balaam admits it has not.

The Revelation: The LORD then opens Balaam's eyes, and he sees the angel of the LORD standing in the way with a drawn sword. Balaam bows low and falls facedown. The angel reproves Balaam for his mistreatment of the donkey and explains that the donkey saved Balaam's life by turning away. The angel permits Balaam to continue his journey but reiterates that he must only speak what God commands.

Significance: This narrative highlights several key themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Control: The account underscores God's ultimate authority over human intentions and actions. Despite Balaam's initial willingness to curse Israel for personal gain, God's intervention ensures that His purposes prevail.

2. God's Use of Unlikely Instruments: The speaking donkey serves as a reminder that God can use any part of His creation to fulfill His will and communicate His message. The donkey, a humble and lowly creature, becomes a vehicle for divine revelation.

3. Spiritual Blindness and Insight: Balaam's inability to see the angel initially contrasts with the donkey's spiritual perception. This serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and the need for divine illumination to perceive God's will.

4. Moral and Ethical Lessons: Balaam's interaction with the donkey and the angel serves as a moral lesson on obedience to God and the dangers of pursuing personal gain over divine command.

Legacy: Balaam's donkey remains a powerful symbol of God's ability to intervene in human affairs and the importance of aligning one's actions with divine will. The account is often cited in discussions of divine providence, obedience, and the unexpected ways God may choose to communicate with His people.