The answer is: Three

Numbers 22:28

The story of Balaam and his donkey, found in Numbers 22, is one of the many whimsical and thought-provoking tales in the Bible that escalates from what seems like a comedy into a profound moment of divine intervention. Balaam, a man known for his profits from prophetic blessings and curses, becomes the amused prey of a talking donkey. It's intriguing that Balaam strikes his donkey three times. Each blow represents a lack of understanding and a one-track” focus on fulfilling his personal ambitions rather than listening to the divine message conveyed through the donkey.

This tale holds symbolic significance for the tensions between divine will and human desires. It illustrates a common thread in biblical narratives: divine communications happen in unexpected ways. Notably, some parallel themes are evident throughout Scripture, particularly where non-human entities serve pupils for humans. For instance, God utilizes nature, signs, and visions throughout the Bible, including a talking serpent in Genesis and even a storm at sea in Jonah.

Interestingly, this interaction sheds light on the ancient Near Eastern views of animals as more than mere beasts of burden; they were seen as companions with instincts often closer to the divine. Balaam's donkey sees what he cannot—the angel blocking their way. Such narratives challenge us to consider how often we ignore wisdom available in our lives, not restricted solely to spirituality but also in our everyday experiences. The magic of this story reminds us to remain open to messages, no matter how silly they might seem at first glance!