2 Peter 2:16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
Balaam was rebuked by a donkey for pushing through to go with the Moabites to curse Israel (Numbers 22:31-41). This is a strange story in the Bible. God put a road block by way of the donkey in front of Balaam to get his attention. God warned Balaam to say only what he commanded. Do not prophecy false things of your own making. He was not to give a lie or his own thoughts but only the truth that came directly from God. The lesson is clear for us today. We must only speak or listen to what comes from God and not of human invention. God may not send a donkey to stop false prophets or to keep teachers from teaching heresy. But God does give warnings in different ways. Surely, God’s people should be aware of those who teach false doctrines. The best defense is to know well the truth of the gospel, not just the surface, simple things but the implications that come from deep study and reflection. Too many Christians treat the Bible as a dictionary, just going there when they need a quick definition on something. We must treat it as the food for our souls, that without it, we will starve.
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