God and Animals: Summer Bible Lessons for Children

While not specifically mentioned in this story it is generally agreed by commentators that Balaam wanted to go with the second group of messengers because of temptation by the riches that they promised. God shows that while he allows us to follow our impulses, He is still ultimately in control.

Before their meeting with the Moabites the Israelites had conquered both Canaan and the land of the Amorites.

The Story
Adapted from the NIV

Part 1
Balaam is Called

After the Israelites took possession of the land of the Amorites, they traveled to the plains of Moab and camped along the Jordan River across from Jericho.

Now Balak, king of the Moabites, saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and all Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.

The Moabites, "This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field."

So Balak send messengers to summon Balaam, a famous prophet in Mesopotamia. Balak's message was: "A people have come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. Now come and put a curse on these people. because they are too powerful for me. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed."

The messengers went to Balaam with the fee for his services. When they came to Balaam, they gave me Balak's message.

But God said to Balaam, "Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed." Balaam said to Balak's messengers, "Go back to your own country, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you."

Later Balak sent princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first group. The came to Balaam and said, "This is what Balak son of Zippor says; Do not let anything keep you from coming to me, because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come and put a curse on these people for me."

That night God came to Balaam and said, "Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you."

Part 2
The Donkey Talks

Balaam go up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God was angry when he went and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his

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