The Mighty Call of a Donkey..

[CharliRenee]

I woke up thinking about a donkey, lol, actually about a specific donkey, Balaam's Jack Arse.

My first thought was, no wonder people don't believe the word. I know, my momentary feelings of disbelief are shameful. I get it. Bare with me please, it's just that I thought, “come on, donkey's don't have the anatomy for speech, even if they had the ability to reason”. The way their jaws and mouths operate, it is impossible. If this story isn't true, then how can any of the bible be true? I have moments like these, reading things that seem just too far fetched, like when I read about nephlims.

When these skeptical thoughts surface, I stop dead in my tracks of doubt. I attempt to reason instead. Maybe, He just telepathically heard thoughts of the donkey, or maybe this or maybe that. Nooooo, this is not how my faith is to work. I don't accept Him or the history of events shared in His word, based on my ability to substantiate or fathom the possibility. I am to believe, period, end of story.

I do accept that the angel of God made it possible for the creature to talk, so that Balaam would be compelled to give a blessing. I think we can take another cool component out of this information about His creatures. I think this speaks to the awareness of animals, even their intelligence. I do think animals will be a part of the Heavenly design. I know folks believe that the animals told of, in that glorious estate to come, are just symbolic. I think that with some it may be true, but not completely, not all. I know He made animals for us and for each other other. More importantly, He,having all He ever needs, made everything for His pleasure, including animals with their own set of possibilities.

Yes, I find the story of Balaam and His donkey of awareness and communication interesting, and hard to imagine. However, I take great pleasure in seeing His power, using the lesser of beings, ones not made for such things, to show things mighty and worthy. I think it also demonstrates the mercy and connection He shares with all His creation. I love how the donkey's role in the word has been super substantial. Upon the back of one rode our Mary as they, her and Joseph, were looking for a place to have their baby, our King. Amazingly, this Majestic and Worthy King, our Lord and Savior, also set upon a donkey, as He entered the city of Jerusalem, boldly demonstrating His beautiful heart and mind of a humble servant. We often ponder are we called, do we matter? Can we really make a difference for our Lord? I think the answer is not only found in the mighty men and women's accounts given in the bible. We see even the simple minded, so called lowly, animals being called by God for a prestigious job of honor. How inspiring it is knowing that even stubborn creatures like donkeys have callings. May we all answer His call.

 

[JimmieD]

I woke up thinking about a donkey, lol, actually about a specific donkey, Balaam's Jack Arse.

My first thought was, no wonder people don't believe the word. I know, my momentary feelings of disbelief are shameful. I get it. Bare with me please, it's just that I thought, “come on, donkey's don't have the anatomy for speech, even if they had the ability to reason”. The way their jaws and mouths operate, it is impossible. If this story isn't true, then how can any of the bible be true? I have moments like these, reading things that seem just too far fetched, like when I read about nephlims.

When these skeptical thoughts surface, I stop dead in my tracks of doubt. I attempt to reason instead. Maybe, He just telepathically heard thoughts of the donkey, or maybe this or maybe that. Nooooo, this is not how my faith is to work. I don't accept Him or the history of events shared in His word, based on my ability to substantiate or fathom the possibility. I am to believe, period, end of story.

I do accept that the angel of God made it possible for the creature to talk, so that Balaam would be compelled to give a blessing. I think we can take another cool component out of this information about His creatures. I think this speaks to the awareness of animals, even their intelligence. I do think animals will be a part of the Heavenly design. I know folks believe that the animals told of, in that glorious estate to come, are just symbolic. I think that with some it may be true, but not completely, not all. I know He made animals for us and for each other other. More importantly, He,having all He ever needs, made everything for His pleasure, including animals with their own set of possibilities.

Yes, I find the story of Balaam and His donkey of awareness and communication interesting, and hard to imagine. However, I take great pleasure in seeing His power, using the lesser of beings, ones not made for such things, to show things mighty and worthy. I think it also demonstrates the mercy and connection He shares with all His creation. I love how the donkey's role in the word has been super substantial. Upon the back of one rode our Mary as they, her and Joseph, were looking for a place to have their baby, our King. Amazingly, this Majestic and Worthy King, our Lord and Savior, also set upon a donkey, as He entered the city of Jerusalem, boldly demonstrating His beautiful heart and mind of a humble servant. We often ponder are we called, do we matter? Can we really make a difference for our Lord? I think the answer is not only found in the mighty men and women's accounts given in the bible. We see even the simple minded, so called lowly, animals being called by God for a prestigious job of honor. How inspiring it is knowing that even stubborn creatures like donkeys have callings. May we all answer His call.

I think the point of the story is that Yahweh was on Israel's side and he was defending them against the oracles of Balaam. Every time Balaam tries to curse Israel, he ends up blessing them instead. The funny thing is that Balaam keeps trying even though it's "obvious" that he's being opposed by Yahweh himself. In fact, it's so obvious that even something as stubborn as a donkey can see it. Balaam is more stubborn than and old jack.... you get the drift.

My second point is that this looks to me to be Israelite humor or some form of satire, probably based on real events surrounding Balaam and his failure to curse Israel and/or his curses turning into blessings and/or that the widely known and respect Balaam was nothing more than a buffoon. So I'm not sure the story is to be read literally as if whether or not donkeys can talk is the point of the story. I think the original hearers of the story would have probably LOL'd when Balaam has to be told by a donkey that he's being opposed by Yahweh. I think one can take the point of the story, the genre in which it is written, and still believe the point without believing in literal talking donkeys. I don't take talking donkey literally - it looks like humorous satire to me.

On a related note, Balaam is known from extra biblical sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deir_Alla_Inscription

 

[CharliRenee]

I think the point of the story is that Yahweh was on Israel's side and he was defending them against the oracles of Balaam. Every time Balaam tries to curse Israel, he ends up blessing them instead. The funny thing is that Balaam keeps trying even though it's "obvious" that he's being opposed by Yahweh himself. In fact, it's so obvious that even something as stubborn as a donkey can see it. Balaam is more stubborn than and old jack.... you get the drift.

My second point is that this looks to me to be Israelite humor or some form of satire, probably based on real events surrounding Balaam and his failure to curse Israel and/or his curses turning into blessings and/or that the widely known and respect Balaam was nothing more than a buffoon. So I'm not sure the story is to be read literally as if whether or not donkeys can talk is the point of the story. I think the original hearers of the story would have probably LOL'd when Balaam has to be told by a donkey that he's being opposed by Yahweh. I think one can take the point of the story, the genre in which it is written, and still believe the point without believing in literal talking donkeys. I don't take talking donkey literally - it looks like humorous satire to me.

On a related note, Balaam is known from extra biblical sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deir_Alla_Inscription

Now see that makes sense. Well thought out and yes entertaining and funny, but you took from the story exactly what was meant, or too me intended. Hmmmm, yes I get your drift, lol. Thanks so much for your input. I kinda feel silly.

 

[JimmieD]

Now see that makes sense. Well thought out and yes entertaining and funny, but you took from the story exactly what was meant, or too me intended. Hmmmm, yes I get your drift, lol. Thanks so much for your input. I kinda feel silly.

Well, don't feel silly. Other people would disagree with the way I see it and they'll probably be on this thread shortly.

 

[BaptistBibleBeliever]

God used a donkey to speak to Balaam. People say no way that happened. It only proves that the dumb asses yet speaketh.

 

[Quantrill]

Of course Balaam's donkey spoke. Scripture has recorded it. This is another instance where believers need to be willing to say what Scripture says. The same with the talking serpent in the garden. The same with the fish that swallowed Jonah. These are points that atheists constantly bring up to you the Christian as a reason to disbelieve the Bible.

Don't fall for it. Believe what the Bible says. Be willing to say, yes I believe that because the Bible says that. Don't be intimidated by non-believers.

Quantrill

 

[Nehemiah6]

I woke up thinking about a donkey, lol, actually about a specific donkey, Balaam's Jack Arse.

That was not a jackass or a jackarse (if such a term even exists). It was simply called an "ass", which was not a pejorative or vulgar term at the time the Bible was translated. It was equivalent to "donkey".

And it is clear from the narrative that this FEMALE donkey did speak intelligibly and was heard by Balaam, and actually saved his miserable life. In this incident Balaam was the jackass for even agreeing to talk to Balak.

 

[Lafftur]

Perhaps the donkey was a "smart" ass. LOL!

 

[Lafftur]

On a more serious studious note, isn't it interesting how God dealt with Israel's adversary (Balak the King of Moab) and the Israelites did not even know what the enemy was trying to conspire against them?! LOL!

I wonder how many times, enemies have risen up against me and God silenced them and I never knew! Truly, our God sees and deals with our adversaries - probably on a daily basis!

 

[Lillywolf]

And people argue human females can't preach. If a female ass could speak by God's will...well, you know.

 

[CharliRenee]

Of course Balaam's donkey spoke. Scripture has recorded it. This is another instance where believers need to be willing to say what Scripture says. The same with the talking serpent in the garden. The same with the fish that swallowed Jonah. These are points that atheists constantly bring up to you the Christian as a reason to disbelieve the Bible.

Don't fall for it. Believe what the Bible says. Be willing to say, yes I believe that because the Bible says that. Don't be intimidated by non-believers.

Quantrill

Thank you Quantrill, I need to maintain my resolve to believe Him, in the things that make sense to me and even with the things not so much.

 

[CharliRenee]

And people argue human females can't preach. If a female ass could speak by God's will...well, you know.

You are funny. Good point she spoke eloquently and Balaam was corrected for not listening to Her, lol.

 

[CharliRenee]

On a more serious studious note, isn't it interesting how God dealt with Israel's adversary (Balak the King of Moab) and the Israelites did not even know what the enemy was trying to conspire against them?! LOL!

I wonder how many times, enemies have risen up against me and God silenced them and I never knew! Truly, our God sees and deals with our adversaries - probably on a daily basis!

Hey Laffter, excellent point. I need to remember to thank our Lord for His protection that I don't even realize is happening. Excellent take away here, clever one.

 

[CharliRenee]

That was not a jackass or a jackarse (if such a term even exists). It was simply called an "ass", which was not a pejorative or vulgar term at the time the Bible was translated. It was equivalent to "donkey".

And it is clear from the narrative that this FEMALE donkey did speak intelligibly and was heard by Balaam, and actually saved his miserable life. In this incident Balaam was the jackass for even agreeing to talk to Balak.

I'm so pleased that God uses us gals and donkeys too, that we too have a voice. , lol. Yes, Arse would be better, leave poor Jack out of it, lol.

 

[Mel85]

I woke up thinking about a donkey, lol, actually about a specific donkey, Balaam's Jack Arse.

My first thought was, no wonder people don't believe the word. I know, my momentary feelings of disbelief are shameful. I get it. Bare with me please, it's just that I thought, “come on, donkey's don't have the anatomy for speech, even if they had the ability to reason”. The way their jaws and mouths operate, it is impossible. If this story isn't true, then how can any of the bible be true? I have moments like these, reading things that seem just too far fetched, like when I read about nephlims.

When these skeptical thoughts surface, I stop dead in my tracks of doubt. I attempt to reason instead. Maybe, He just telepathically heard thoughts of the donkey, or maybe this or maybe that. Nooooo, this is not how my faith is to work. I don't accept Him or the history of events shared in His word, based on my ability to substantiate or fathom the possibility. I am to believe, period, end of story.

I do accept that the angel of God made it possible for the creature to talk, so that Balaam would be compelled to give a blessing. I think we can take another cool component out of this information about His creatures. I think this speaks to the awareness of animals, even their intelligence. I do think animals will be a part of the Heavenly design. I know folks believe that the animals told of, in that glorious estate to come, are just symbolic. I think that with some it may be true, but not completely, not all. I know He made animals for us and for each other other. More importantly, He,having all He ever needs, made everything for His pleasure, including animals with their own set of possibilities.

Yes, I find the story of Balaam and His donkey of awareness and communication interesting, and hard to imagine. However, I take great pleasure in seeing His power, using the lesser of beings, ones not made for such things, to show things mighty and worthy. I think it also demonstrates the mercy and connection He shares with all His creation. I love how the donkey's role in the word has been super substantial. Upon the back of one rode our Mary as they, her and Joseph, were looking for a place to have their baby, our King. Amazingly, this Majestic and Worthy King, our Lord and Savior, also set upon a donkey, as He entered the city of Jerusalem, boldly demonstrating His beautiful heart and mind of a humble servant. We often ponder are we called, do we matter? Can we really make a difference for our Lord? I think the answer is not only found in the mighty men and women's accounts given in the bible. We see even the simple minded, so called lowly, animals being called by God for a prestigious job of honor. How inspiring it is knowing that even stubborn creatures like donkeys have callings. May we all answer His call.

I get what you mean. It’s not so much doubt but in complete awe of how God can do the impossible. Time after time. And that’s the beauty of Him.

I am in awe sometimes of how He manages to oversee millions of people in the world but still have the time to give His attention to me. At times on a personal level. It’s mind-blowing

God is Great.

 

[CharliRenee]

I get what you mean. It’s not so much doubt but in complete awe of how God can do the impossible. Time after time. And that’s the beauty of Him.

I am in awe sometimes of how He manages to oversee millions of people in the world but still have the time to give His attention to me. At times on a personal level. It’s mind-blowing

God is Great.

So true, I agree, impossible to even imagine. We are all so blessed that He invest Hisself within for us, and that He delights over us. I agree mind-blowing. God Bless Sis...♡

 

[Lafftur]

Perhaps the donkey was a "smart" ass. LOL!

Turns out, donkeys can be very smart, indeed! LOL!

 

[Locoponydirtman]

If God wants a jackass to speak, a jackass will speak.
If God said Jonah was swallowed by a fish, he was swallowed by a fish.
Someone might say what kind of fish can swallow a man and the man be able to live inside. I say the kind that God put there for that reason.
How did Sampson defeat an arm with the jaw bone of an ass for a weapon? By the power of the spirit of God upon him.
How did the sea part?
Water come from a rock?
Noah build a giant boat and the world flood?
How did Jesus rise from the grave? Walk on water? Feed the thousands?
We believe in the miraculous power of God. A good read of Job puts things in perspective

 

[dcontroversal]

I woke up thinking about a donkey, lol, actually about a specific donkey, Balaam's Jack Arse.

My first thought was, no wonder people don't believe the word. I know, my momentary feelings of disbelief are shameful. I get it. Bare with me please, it's just that I thought, “come on, donkey's don't have the anatomy for speech, even if they had the ability to reason”. The way their jaws and mouths operate, it is impossible. If this story isn't true, then how can any of the bible be true? I have moments like these, reading things that seem just too far fetched, like when I read about nephlims.

When these skeptical thoughts surface, I stop dead in my tracks of doubt. I attempt to reason instead. Maybe, He just telepathically heard thoughts of the donkey, or maybe this or maybe that. Nooooo, this is not how my faith is to work. I don't accept Him or the history of events shared in His word, based on my ability to substantiate or fathom the possibility. I am to believe, period, end of story.

I do accept that the angel of God made it possible for the creature to talk, so that Balaam would be compelled to give a blessing. I think we can take another cool component out of this information about His creatures. I think this speaks to the awareness of animals, even their intelligence. I do think animals will be a part of the Heavenly design. I know folks believe that the animals told of, in that glorious estate to come, are just symbolic. I think that with some it may be true, but not completely, not all. I know He made animals for us and for each other other. More importantly, He,having all He ever needs, made everything for His pleasure, including animals with their own set of possibilities.

Yes, I find the story of Balaam and His donkey of awareness and communication interesting, and hard to imagine. However, I take great pleasure in seeing His power, using the lesser of beings, ones not made for such things, to show things mighty and worthy. I think it also demonstrates the mercy and connection He shares with all His creation. I love how the donkey's role in the word has been super substantial. Upon the back of one rode our Mary as they, her and Joseph, were looking for a place to have their baby, our King. Amazingly, this Majestic and Worthy King, our Lord and Savior, also set upon a donkey, as He entered the city of Jerusalem, boldly demonstrating His beautiful heart and mind of a humble servant. We often ponder are we called, do we matter? Can we really make a difference for our Lord? I think the answer is not only found in the mighty men and women's accounts given in the bible. We see even the simple minded, so called lowly, animals being called by God for a prestigious job of honor. How inspiring it is knowing that even stubborn creatures like donkeys have callings. May we all answer His call.

Everything speaks and has voice.....deer have over 220 vocalizations.....experiments have shown that even buckets of minnows are filled with super high frequency communication, whales sing songs and the stanza changes every year and yet they all sing the same thing world wide<-----DAY unto DAY and NIGHT unto Night utters speech that is heard by ALL of the creation and NO voice is beyond the ability to be heard and or understood.......I have personally watched deer do things that can only be described as communication and I am not the only one.....a particular event comes to mind....a friend was bow hunting once and viewed a doe and a fawn feeding for about 45 minutes....all of a sudden the doe looked at the fawn and my buddy noticed the doe's mouth moving but he could not hear a thing from where he was..about 50 yards away....the fawn was looking intently at the doe and it without hesitation turned and hopped about 15 yards into some thick grass and lay down....the doe turned and walked away in the opposite direction and disappeared over the rise.....about 2 hours later the doe returned and stopped about 30 yards from the grass and grunted....out came the fawn and they went on their way...........

I have seen things like this as well...........amongst other things.......just some things to ponder...

 

[garee]

The Holy Spirit preaching the gospel beforehand uses that parable to show he is not served by human hands in any way shape or form. He can use a believer as a clean animal just as well as one who believes not (no faith) represented by the unclean to get His word out.

An ass is used in a ceremonial law as a unclean animals used to represent no redemption. And a clean animal as a lamb the redeemer or gospel . You could say God was protecting the integrity of His word. Balaam was not called to go out the first time the Holy Spirit used that it repented Balaam which it did according to the trial in verses 37-38 choosing to obey and not to fall by false pride as being honored by men.

Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.

Twice in the same book to emphasize he is not served by the flesh,

Exodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.Numbers 22:37-38

Makes me wonder if thay applies to Him riding on Ass into Jerusalem.