Blinded by Greed, Saved by Mercy
There are stories in the Bible that feel like thunder rolling across the heavens, shaking us awake to see the majesty and patience of God. Balaam’s story is one of those. It’s not every day you read about a prophet, supposedly gifted with the power to interpret dreams and speak the words of the divine, suddenly having his plans interrupted by a donkey that talks. It sounds almost like a fable, yet it is Scripture—and through it, God shouts to us about His unmatched mercy and His determination to open the eyes of the blind, even when their blindness comes from stubbornness and greed.
Balaam was not just an ordinary man; he was a prophet who held a reputation for his ability to bless or curse with power (Numbers 22:6). Kings feared him, nations sought him, and his words carried weight. But with all his prophetic gifting, Balaam had one fatal weakness—he allowed greed to cloud his vision. When Balak, the king of Moab, saw the Israelites encamped and feared their growing strength, he called Balaam to curse them. Balaam inquired of the Lord, and God’s answer was clear: “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). That should have been enough. When the Almighty declares a people blessed, no curse can overturn it. But Balaam’s heart was enticed by the promise of wealth, status, and favor with kings.
Even after God’s warning, Balaam lingered. He entertained Balak’s messengers, hoping perhaps that God would change His mind. This is where the mercy of God shines brightest—how many times have we, too, heard God’s “No” yet pushed for a “Maybe”? How many times have we convinced ourselves that our way might still work if we just bend God’s Word a little? And still, the Lord gives us chance after chance to turn back.
When Balaam saddled his donkey to journey toward Balak, God’s anger burned because of his stubbornness. Yet instead of striking him down instantly, the Lord placed an angel in his path (Numbers 22:22–24). Balaam was too spiritually blind to see, but the donkey—yes, the humble animal beneath him—saw the angel standing with a drawn sword. Three times the donkey turned aside, protecting Balaam’s life, and three times Balaam beat the poor creature in frustration. Then, in a moment both shocking and divine, the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth: “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28). Can you imagine? Even creation had to speak when God’s prophet would not listen.
Finally, God opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel with the sword. Fear gripped him as he realized how close he had come to destruction. The angel’s words were piercing: “The donkey saw me and turned aside these three times. If she had not turned aside, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live” (Numbers 22:33). Balaam confessed his sin, but the story reveals more than just his failure—it reveals God’s mercy. The Lord did not destroy him on the spot; instead, He allowed him to continue on, but with strict instructions: “Only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak” (Numbers 22:35).
In the end, Balaam could not curse Israel. Instead, he blessed them repeatedly, declaring God’s favor over His chosen people (Numbers 23–24). What the enemy intended for harm, God turned into blessing. But Balaam’s heart never truly changed. Later, Scripture reveals he counseled Balak to entice Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality (Numbers 31:16, Revelation 2:14). For all his prophetic insight, Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15), and it became his downfall.
What can we learn? That gifts and talents mean nothing without obedience. That a prophet’s words may carry power, but only a surrendered heart carries God’s approval. That our God is slow to anger, abounding in mercy, and willing to use anything—even a donkey—to redirect us when we are heading toward destruction. And most importantly, that when God declares His people blessed, no curse, no enemy, no scheme of man can undo it.
Balaam’s story is a mirror. We see ourselves in his hesitation, his bargaining spirit, his blindness to what God was clearly showing. Yet we also see hope—the God who gives second chances, who opens eyes, who stops us from rushing headlong into ruin. He is the God of mercy, the God of protection, the God who will not let His promises fail. Let us then lift our voices in praise, declaring with full assurance that what the Lord has blessed, no one can curse.
So let Balaam’s donkey remind you today: if God must, He will use the most unexpected means to get your attention, because His love is that relentless. His mercy is that deep. His promises are that unshakable. And all glory belongs to Him forever.
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