Definition: And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly strange verse from Numbers 22:28. It's a really fascinating example of how God can work in unexpected ways! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This passage describes a situation where Balaam, a spiritual leader for the Israelites, is chasing after a goat when he encounters an ass (a female donkey). The ass, understandably annoyed and perhaps angered by Balaam's presence, lashes out at him with three blows. Here’s what it’s saying in layers: God's Intervention: The verse immediately establishes that God is actively involved. It’s not just about a random act of violence; He’s directly intervening to correct something. Balaam’s Anger & Displeasure: Balaam is upset because he was struck three times. This shows his pride and perhaps his belief in his own power. The Ass's Reaction: The ass isn’t just reacting out of anger; it's speaking – uttering words! It's a clear, defiant statement. It’s taking offense to Balaam’s presence. God’s Purpose: The most important part is that God uses this situation to show His power and judgment. He’s using the ass to challenge Balaam and demonstrate that He controls everything. Symbolic Meaning (A bit deeper): This story has several layers of meaning: Testing & Discipline: It’s a test of Balaam's faith and obedience. It shows that God doesn’t simply tolerate wrongdoing; He actively intervenes to make things right and punish those who are defiant. God’s Justice: The ass's words represent a challenge to the Israelites, a reminder that they need to be careful and obedient to God's commands. The Power of God: It highlights God's power over all creation – even seemingly inanimate animals. In short, this verse is a story about God directly responding to disrespect and defiance, demonstrating His control and judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the symbolism more deeply? Provide a different interpretation of the verse?