<P> Balaam sends back word that he can only do what YHWH commands , and God has , via a nocturnal dream , told him not to go . Balak consequently sends higher - ranking priests and offers Balaam honours ; Balaam continues to press God , and God finally permits him to go but with instructions to say only what he commands . Balaam then sets out in the morning with the princes of Moab . God becomes angry that he went , and sends the Angel of the Lord ( Numbers 22 : 22 ) to prevent him . At first , the angel is seen only by the donkey Balaam is riding , which tries to avoid the angel . After Balaam starts punishing the donkey for refusing to move , it is miraculously given the power to speak to Balaam ( Numbers 22 : 28 ) , and it complains about Balaam 's treatment . At this point , Balaam is allowed to see the angel , who informs him that the donkey is the only reason the angel did not kill Balaam . Balaam immediately repents , but is told to go on . </P>
where does the donkey talk in the bible
Numbers 22 : 28