Did you know that only two animals of God’s creation ever spoke as man does? It’s true! And the circumstances of their speaking can teach us about the opposing forces battling for our attention in a sinful world.
The Serpent
In Genesis chapter 3, we are introduced to the first of these animals, along with his words. It says, “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”‘” The woman, Eve, replies to him, and then he speaks the first lie we find in the Bible: “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'” Genesis 3:4-5.
That’s it. The woman believed the serpent, ate of the fruit of the tree, and made her husband eat, also. The man and the woman find themselves to be exposed, and hurry to cover themselves. God calls for them as He walks through the garden, finds them, and asks about their folly. God curses the man, the woman, and the serpent, and kicks them all out of the garden of Eden. The three sentences the serpent spoke was all it took to cause the fall of mankind. Genesis 3:6-24
So from these verses, what do we know about the serpent? We are told the serpent is male and that he is cunning. We know that he is God’s adversary and that he speaks to the woman, rather than the man.
Now let’s take a look at the second of these animals who spoke.
The Donkey
In Numbers chapter 22, we are introduced to Balaam, a prophet of God who had turned away from God. Balak, the king of the Moabites, sends for Balaam, asking him to come and curse the children of Israel. Balaam at first refused, but eventually he gave in to the king (after God had come to him in the night) and agreed to accompany the king’s messengers. Numbers 22:1-21
But God was angry with Balaam, and sent His Angel to stand in their way. The donkey Balaam is riding sees the Angel and turns away into a field. Balaam strikes the animal and turns her back to the road. A second time the Angel blocks their way, this time in a narrow part of the path between two vineyard walls. Again the donkey sees the Angel and she pushes herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot, and again Balaam strikes her. A third time the Angel blocks their way, with no room to turn to the left or to the right, and the animal simply lies down. Balaam strikes her for a third time. “Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?’ And Balaam said to the donkey, ‘Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!’ So the donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, even since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?’ And he said, ‘No.’ Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.” Numbers 22:22-31
The Angel goes on to ask why Balaam has struck his donkey, and explains that that He stood in Balaam’s way because his way was perverse. Balaam is allowed to continue on his journey, but is only allowed to speak what God tells him to. Numbers 22:32-35
From the verses above, what do we know about the donkey? We know that she is female, that she is loyal to her master but also fears God. Like the serpent, she also only speaks three sentences. Those three sentences, rather than causing the fall of mankind, contribute to the salvation of God’s people.
Conclusion
Here’s a quick comparison of the two animals:
- The serpent was male, the donkey was female.
- God’s adversary gave the serpent the ability to speak, whereas God gave the donkey the ability to speak.
- The serpent’s words contributed to the fall of mankind, the donkey’s words helped save God’s people.
- Each animal only spoke three sentences.
- Each animal spoke to the opposite gender, and only to one person.
Who are you listening to? Do you believe the cunning serpent who speaks flattering words and lies? Or do you hear God speaking through his servants? It’s easy to be led astray, especially when we are alone, and especially alone with the opposite gender. It’s imperative that we surround ourselves with people who will help us on our journey, not lead us toward destruction. Words are powerful, and the most influential of them are spoken from the least likely of people. It doesn’t take much to turn opinions, thoughts, and actions in the opposite direction. Take some time today to assess your own journey. Are you on the right path?
What do you think about the differences between the two animals recorded in the Bible that spoke as man does? Do you have any questions or comments? Leave them below!
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