The answer is: Numbers

It might be a well known story, but it's not easy to remember where it is found in the Bible. Numbers 22.

The story of Balaam and his donkey is one of those captivating tales that steps outside the ordinary flow of biblical narratives. Found in the book of Numbers, specifically chapter 22, this passage makes for quite an intriguing listen!

Imagine a renowned seer, Balaam, called upon by Balak, the King of Moab, to curse the Israelites. But wait—Balaam's talking donkey is the star of the show! As the story goes, the donkey sees an angel of the Lord standing in their path, but Balaam, oblivious and furious, beats her for turning aside. It’s not shocking to see earthly dignitaries in these reflections, yet celestial encounters paint an interesting picture of divine intervention.

Trivia: Balaam's donkey not only speaks, but she also expresses distress and confusion, ultimately highlighting the deep relationship between living beings and divine will. It reflects on the themes of perception and understanding—here’s a donkey able to see beyond what Balaam himself could!

Additionally, Balaam is a complex figure throughout biblical literature. What’s fascinating is how he reemerges in later texts, often seen as a cautionary tale. For example, his mention in the New Testament serves as a metaphor for those whose misguided motives lead to ultimate destruction. So, considering both contexts, we explore not just scratching the surface with this critique of power and selfish intentions, but also stepping into layers that challenge the thematic narratives across scripture.