Numbers 22

This chapter contains the first half of the story of Balaam, including the popularly-known tale involving his donkey. I've always found this story interesting, as it is the only place I am aware of where we are told that God gave an animal the ability to talk. Such ability has been the topic of many movies and books, but here we have it in real-life! Also, the fact that before the donkey is given speech it acts in an intelligent manner does lend credence to the idea that some animals have a level of understanding we might not always appreciate.

It is also noteworthy that Balaam seems to revere God, though he is not from among the Israelites. I wonder why that is, and how someone from a different nation and people knew of Yahweh - and moreover had contact with Him!