In this week’s perasha, we read about Balak, the King of Moab, who, having witnessed the Jewish Nation’s decisive victories against the mighty kings Sihon and Og, wishes to protect his own kingdom. To do so, he devises a plan to hire Bilaam, a man with a level of prophecy perhaps greater than Moshe Rabbenu. Bilaam, who also desires to be rid of the Jewish Nation, is fully on board with this plan.
After a back and forth negotiation with Balak’s messengers, Bilaam speaks with G-D, seeking His approval. And although Bilaam receives what appears to be permission to go, it is met with some reluctance. This should have been reason enough for Bilaam to abandon his plan and just turn Balak down. However we witness instead how Bilaam eagerly makes his way towards Balak on his donkey the next morning.
To deter Bilaam from continuing, G-D sends an angel with a sword in its hand to block his donkey’s path. The angel stands in a narrow walkway, making it almost impossible for the donkey to pass. The donkey, actually caring about its owner, moves from side to side to avoid the angel while also trying to avoid hitting Bilaam’s leg against the wall.
Unaware of his surroundings, Bilaam strikes the donkey not once, not twice, but three times and is about to strike a fourth when, miraculously, the donkey starts to speak to him. Still, Bilaam is unmoved. He even states his claim that if he were to have a sword in his hand, he would have surely killed his donkey on the spot. We may ask ourselves how would that even benefit Bilaam? Now he would have no means to get to his destination!
Miraculously, the donkey speaks and asks, “Why have you hit me three times?” Bilaam bluntly replies, “Because you’ve strayed from the path now three times.” The donkey then asks if it has ever done anything to harm, hurt, or disobey Bilaam on any day, and Bilaam confirms that it has not. G-D then opens Bilaam’s eyes, and he sees the angel standing in front of him. Bilaam now speaks with the angel who also repeats how this is a bad idea, to continue and to meet Balak. After all this, still, incredulously Bilaam continues on.
Let’s take a step back and consider the situation here. Bilaam had his eyes set on cursing the Jewish nation, thereby enabling their defeat in battle. Due to his original discussion with G-D, he knows full well that G-D is not on board. Still, he goes. He sets out. G-D attempts to deter him with an angel and then a talking donkey, yet this still doesn’t deter him. Bilaam is dead set on achieving his goal at all costs. He is even willing to kill his donkey defying logic simply to further his agenda and get to where he wants to be.
We must ask ourselves how many times in our daily lives are we dead set on accomplishing something, ultimately knowing in our hearts and minds that it isn’t appropriate or just? And when we can’t realize it ourselves, or we choose not to, we take incredulous steps toward that goal while knowing truly in our hearts that we should instead pause and rethink.
As we go through our week, even our day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the talking donkeys in our own lives: the signs, the people, and the experiences that may be trying to guide us in a better direction. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration when things don’t go as planned, let’s strive to see these moments as opportunities for growth and intervention.
By cultivating a deeper awareness of G-D’s presence and guidance in our lives, we can learn to trust in His plan, even when it differs from our own. We can find comfort in knowing that G-D is always looking out for our best interests, and we can face life’s challenges with greater faith, resilience, and gratitude.
In the end, the story of Bilaam and his donkey reminds us that G-D’s love and protection are always with us, even in the most unexpected forms. By opening ourselves to His guidance and trusting in His plan, we can navigate life’s journey with greater purpose, joy, and fulfillment. All we have to do is open our eyes. G-D is always present with each and every one of us at every moment. And so we should be as well to the best of our abilities, relying on G-D to support us along the way.