What's Crazier Than a Talking Donkey?

July 3 2026

Balak "Balak"

TORAH: Numbers 22:2-25:9 | PROPHETS: Micah 5:6-6:8 | GOSPEL: Matthew 21:1-11

When most people think of the Torah portion Balak, one thing immediately comes to mind—a talking donkey.

As remarkable as that miracle is, it may not be the most astonishing part of the story.

The account begins with Balak, the king of Moab, who becomes fearful of Israel's growing strength. He offers Balaam, a well-known soothsayer, a large reward if he will come and curse the nation of Israel.

At first, God tells Balaam not to go.

Later, God permits him to go—but only under His conditions. In doing so, God demonstrates His sovereignty. He would take Balaam's greed and Balak's desire to curse Israel and ultimately turn their plans into a blessing.

The Talking Donkey

As Balaam travels, the Angel of the Lord stands in his path with a drawn sword. Balaam cannot see the danger, but his donkey can.

Three different times the donkey turns aside, saving Balaam's life. Each time Balaam becomes increasingly angry and strikes the animal.

Then something extraordinary happens.

God opens the donkey's mouth, and it speaks to Balaam.

While many focus on the miracle of a talking donkey, perhaps the greater miracle is what God was revealing through it.

Hearing God Isn't the Same as Obeying Him

One of the surprising aspects of this story is that God communicated with Balaam, even though Balaam's heart was not truly devoted to Him.

Balaam appeared to respect God in some ways, but his love of money proved stronger than his desire to obey.

His greed became the god he chose to serve.

This reminds us that simply hearing from God is not the same as walking in His will. God may speak, warn, or even redirect someone, but obedience is what reveals a heart that belongs to Him.

What's Crazier Than a Talking Donkey?

Perhaps the real question isn't whether a donkey could speak.

Perhaps the crazier thing is setting out on a journey to curse what God has already blessed.

God's first instruction to Balaam was simple: DO NOT GO.

Yet Balaam continued pursuing what he desired.

There is wisdom here for all of us.

Sometimes God's first word is the one we should cling to. If we continue insisting on our own way, God may allow us to pursue the very desires that leads us into trouble.

You Cannot Curse What God Has Blessed

During Balaam's first attempt to curse Israel, he instead declared:

"How can I curse whom God has not cursed?"

What a powerful statement.

If God has chosen to bless something, no human effort can overturn His purposes.

As Israel camped below, they had no idea someone was attempting to curse them. Yet God was already working behind the scenes, protecting His people and turning every intended curse into a blessing.

It is a wonderful reminder that God often works on our behalf in ways we never even see.

Blessing Does Not Remove Discipline

God's blessing upon Israel did not mean He overlooked their sin.

In fact, later in this same portion—and as referenced in Revelation 2:14—Balaam advised Balak to entice Israel through the women of Moab and the worship of Baal.

Israel fell into sin, and God brought severe discipline upon His own people. Thousands died in a plague because of their disobedience.

This teaches us an important balance.

God protects His covenant people from those who seek to destroy them, but He also lovingly disciplines them when they turn away from Him.

He alone is their Judge.

Our Calling

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to bless Israel, not curse her.

Some argue that the promise found in Genesis 12:3 applied only to Abraham personally and not to the nation of Israel. Yet in Numbers 24:9, Balaam declares over the nation:

"Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you."

Those words were spoken over Israel itself.

As Israel faces increasing hostility in our own day, this passage remains a timely reminder.

Rather than joining the voices of accusation and condemnation, may we be found among those who bless the people God has chosen to bless.

May we trust God to judge righteously, while we faithfully obey His Word.

Final Thought

The greatest miracle in this Torah portion may not be a talking donkey. It is the faithfulness of a God who watches over His people, overturns the plans of the wicked, and transforms intended curses into blessings.

And perhaps the greatest lesson for us is this:

Never set yourself against what God has chosen to bless.

Shabbat Shalom.

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NEXT PORTION June 12 2026 Pinchas "Phineas"

TORAH: Numbers 25:10-30:1 | PROPHETS: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3 | GOSPEL: Luke 13:1-10