Plain Truth 1962 (Vol XXVII No 08) Aug - Lcgmn.com

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The PLAIN TRUTH
August, 1962
ing a pathway leading back to the road. (Verses 22-24.)
To bypass the angel, the burro lunged to the side, this time painfully jamming
her master's foot and crushing it against the wall. Balaam vengefully struck the burro
on the neck with his staff, as the animal staggered fearfully forward. The angel
again stationed himself further down the narrowing path. When the burro saw it
could not get by the angel, it collapsed with fright and nervousness at being so close
to the ominous figure of an angel of God. What little patience Balaam had left came
to an abrupt end. He leaped up and brought tbe staff down on the animal's back
with all his strength.
The Burro Speaks'
With God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27.) The burro opened her mouth
and spoke her thoughts as though with a human voice!
"What harm have I done to you to cause you to strike me so violently these
three times'" the animal asked Balaam.
Balaam stepped back, his moutb falling open in astonishment. It was toO much
for him to believe that this animal had actually spoken, yet he somehow felt obliged
to reply.
"1-1 struck you because-because you have made me look ridiculous by tossing
me around and shoving me against that wall. Besides, you are delaying me in an important
trip," Balaam nervously but angrily answered. "If this staff of mine were a
sword, I would jab it through you!" (Num. 22:25-29.)
Balaam stared at the burro, wondering if he had been wrong in thinking that
she had spoken in the first place. Then the animal's mouth quivered again, and Balaam
was unhappily certain that it was actually the burro that was talking.
"Years ago you chose me as your favorite animal for riding," the burro said. "I
have served you faithfully all this time. Have I ever treated you so badly as you have
treated me JUSt now?"
Balaam was still a little srunned because of the human voice that came from
the mouth of his burro.
"-uh-no'" he finally managed to mutter. (Verse 30.)
God gave Balaam the ability to suddenly see the angel. The propbet staggered
back, his eyes popping in amazement. In dreams and visions he bad heard and seen
angels, but this was the first time he had ever seen one while awake. Because of his
feeling of guilt, he fell forward to prostrate himself before the powerful being from
God.
"What good did it do to beat your donkey'" the angel asked Balaam. "I was stand-