Some people might be surprised that donkeys actually spoke in the Bible. In the book of Numbers, we read about how Balaam’s female donkey saved him from being killed by an angel. Despite this, Balaam relentlessly beat the donkey for refusing to move. This is because the donkey had seen an angel and didn’t want to hit him in its path. Since Balaam didn’t see the angel, he was enraged at his donkey for being too slow. Balaam then started hitting the donkey three times. For this reason, the donkey spoke with a human voice, complaining about how Balaam had badly treated her. This was the only time the donkey spoke in the Bible.
What Did Donkeys Represent in the Bible?
In the Bible, donkeys were often used as a symbol of suffering and as a sign of humble service. In the story of Balaam’s donkey, the donkey was obedient and saved Balaam’s life, even though Balaam didn’t treat it very well (Numbers 20:26). This shows that donkeys are loyal and helpful animals even if the donkey-herd doesn’t treat them fairly.
Donkeys also represent strength and determination. In the book of Judges, we read about how Samson killed a lion with his bare hands. Later, he saw a donkey’s jawbone lying down in the middle of the road, and he decided to use it as a weapon to kill more Philistines. This embodies strength and determination.
Why Did People in the Bible Use Donkeys for Transportation?
Donkeys were used for transportation in the Bible because they were very reliable and hardworking. They had the strength to carry heavy loads and travel long distances with their masters. In addition, they were often sold and traded by people. For these reasons, donkeys are used for transportation as they lead lives towards abundance and productivity.
What Does the Bible Say About Animal Cruelty?
While the Bible does not directly address the issue of animal cruelty, it does contain several passages that speak to our treatment of animals. In Genesis 2:18, we are told that God created humans and animals for companionship and that we are to care for them.
The book of Proverbs contains several verses that caution against the mistreatment of animals. In Luke 12:6, Jesus tells us to be kind to even the lowest creatures. This means that we must not show discrimination against any animal and treat them with respect.
This verse makes it clear that God cares about how we treat animals and that we are to show them compassion and mercy. How we treat the animals in our care reflects our character, and we must strive to be good stewards of the creatures God has entrusted to us. Unfortunately, far too many animals suffer at the hands of humans who do not follow these biblical principles.
If God Is Against Animal Cruelty, Then Should We Stop Eating Animals?
This question plagues many people trying to live morally good lives. If God is against cruelty to animals, then eating them is cruel. On the other hand, it’s essential to remember that God is also against human cruelty, but He remains merciful. He says that humans are entitled to eat animals, as Genesis 9:3 states that Noah and his family can eat meat.
It means not being cruel to animals but showing and treating them with love and kindness since we depend on them for our lives. Therefore, we will not be considered sinners if we eat meat. We just have to ensure that we kill these animals as humanely as possible and thank God for blessing us with sustenance through them.
It’s also worth considering what the Bible says about animals. While a few verses mention animal cruelty, such as Proverbs 12:10, most references to animals in the Bible are positive. Many depict animals as helpful to humans, such as when Balaam’s donkey spoke to him in Numbers 22:28-30.
What Do We Learn From Balaam’s Story?
Balaam’s story teaches us that God is concerned with how we treat animals. Intentionally or not, hurting them is something we should not do. This is because they, too, have their own lives that should be loved and respected. We see from Balaam’s story that even though the donkey was being disobedient, God gave it a voice to let Balaam know that it was no longer comfortable with how he treated it. Finally, it reminds us that we should be careful not to put ourselves in danger by disobediently following God’s commands.
Bottom Line
The moral of Balaam’s donkey is for humans to do goodness and kindness to animals. Despite their absence in vocals, they also have feelings that get hurt when maltreated. The donkey’s ability to speak in the Bible also implies that everything is possible for God, as He shows great concern for all the things He created. Therefore, we must all strive to be kinder to animals to honor God.
