Don't Beat the Donkey

The donkey has been associated with such characteristics as being dumb and stubborn. They are actually very loyal, live long, and are cautious. Their sense of smell is acute and they are good companions.

In Numbers 22, there is an account of a donkey. The Isrealites had finished 40 years in the desert and had conquored two cities. At this time, they were encamped around the city of Moab. King Balak of Moab sent some of his court to ask Balaam, a pagan prophet, to put a curse on the Isrealites. God warned Balaam against setting such a curse and he initially refused to do so. After the second demand from King Balak, Balaam got ready to travel to the king. On the way, his donkey prevented him from continuing because she saw an angel with a sword in the path. Balaam didn't see the angel and repeatedly beat the donkey, who then spoke to him, using the words the angel would also later use. God knew Balaam's motives and intents and how to stop him from doing harm to the Isrealites. In the end, Balaam pronounced a blessing over God's people.

God stopped Saul in a similar way when he was persecuting the early church.

When God is leading me in the narrow way and something prevents me from going a certain direction, do I “beat the donkey” that is preventing me from harm? This is God's way of protecting me. Who am I listening to and following?