Balaam's donkey was prevented from passing by a soldier carrying a sword

True or False?

Isn't it fascinating how a straightforward story like Balaam and his donkey can teach us so much? This episode unfolds in Numbers 22, where Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, embarks on a journey under divine disapproval. With the added element of a talking donkey, this only gets better!

While many people might relish a good duel between a warrior and a beast, Balaam's encounter with the divine isn't about swords; it’s a metaphor wrapped in humor. As the story goes, Balaam is stopped not by a soldier but by an angel of the Lord, who stands in the way with a drawn sword. The donkey sees the angel first and stops short, forcing Balaam to lash out at his poor mount. This ultimately leads to an unforgettable moment where the donkey speaks, and hey—who wouldn’t pause momentarily if your ride began conversing?!

Fun fact: Balaam’s donkey has sparked countless debates about animals in scripture. Some scholars see this as a symbol of how sometimes, the most unexpected creatures reflect deeper truths. This is true even today—like how pets in our life loyal creatures can illustrate love and truth in surprising ways. And of course, an incredible part of this tale is the great importance placed on listening—whether it's to animals, nature, or even our sixth sense that tells us when something is just wrong. So, who needs soldiers when you have celestial episodes like these?