A “through the bible” devotion from Numbers 22.
So far in reading through the bible there’s only been one talking animal, the serpent in the garden. Now, in response to Balaam’s beating, the donkey asks, “Why are you hitting me? What did I ever do to you? (Numbers 22:28)
This doesn’t seem to surprise Balaam at all, who engages in a conversation with the donkey. It’s not shocking for many readers like myself who often find ourselves talking with animals.
In fact, first thing in the morning, you’ll hear me talking to our Great Dane. “Good morning. How ya doin’? Come on, let’s go outside, then we’ll get you something to eat.” A wagging tail and a little wake up howl lets me know we’re on the same page. At the zoo I catch myself talking to the elephant: “Hey, turn around. I want to get a picture of something besides your butt!” Who hasn’t driven by a pasture with some cows, rolled down the window and let loose a long, “Mooooo”? I’ll engage in a little call and response with the birds singing at sunrise.
I know it’s not exactly the same, but I love communicating with animals. The dogs recognize plenty of words like treat, ball, bone, food, ride, and walk. I know what their different yips and woofs mean, too.
As Balaam learns, it pays to listen to animals. The donkey is the one who first saw the angel of the Lord. If she hadn’t stubbornly resisted Balaam’s leading, he would have died (Numbers 22:33)!
What do animals perceive and understand better than me? My dogs have a wonderful sense of who to trust or not. They hear thunder in the distance before me. They notice bunnies by the side of the road before I do. Somehow they know when someone is walking past the front of the house, and they usually let me know.
Talking animals? Makes sense to me.
Waite for it... 