The Donkey & The Prophet: Part 2

Summary

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The Chosen People — Episode Summary

Episode: The Donkey & The Prophet: Part 2

Date: March 1, 2026
Host: Pray.com

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Episode Overview

This episode continues the dramatic account of Balaam, the enigmatic prophet summoned by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites as they advanced through the region. Through immersive storytelling and atmospheric narration, the episode explores the futility of opposing God's will, the nature of true prophecy, and the clash between human ambition and divine purpose. Balaam’s repeated confrontations with Balak reveal the profound difference between the God of Israel and the other deities Balaam has served, all culminating in a turning point that foreshadows future events in Israel’s history and spiritual journey.

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Key Discussion Points & Major Segments

1. Recap: Balaam’s Arrival and the Initial Failure (00:57–06:02)

• Narrative Picks Up: The Midianite kings and Balak are desperate—having seen their lands overrun and feeling powerless against Israel’s might (01:12–01:49).
• Balak Seeks a Curse: King Balak offers Balaam wealth, asking him to curse Israel (02:08).
• Balaam’s Encounter on the Hill: Balaam’s donkey sees an angel, and after a supernatural episode, Balaam is warned by God not to harm Israel (02:26–03:27).

2. Balaam Delivers God’s Message, Not a Curse (06:02–10:31)

• Divine Encounter: Balaam’s awe and terror before the God of Israel, who commands him not to curse the Israelites but to bless them instead (06:02–07:27).
• First Oracle: Balaam publicly proclaims Israel’s blessed destiny, much to Balak’s frustration:

  "How can I curse someone God has not cursed? How can I denounce someone the Lord has not denounced? ... Someday their descendants will be like the stars in the night sky, innumerable." — Balaam as God’s mouthpiece (07:27–08:25)

• Balak’s Rage and Bargaining: Balak sharply rebukes Balaam, who insists he cannot defy God (08:47–09:17).

3. Attempts to Change the Outcome (10:31–14:18)

• Balak’s Persistence: Believing location or ritual might change things, Balak proposes moving to another high place and tries to curry favor through further sacrifices (10:31–12:19).
• Balaam’s Reluctance: Balaam, sensing futility, is pressured but tries again (12:19–14:08).

4. The Second Oracle: God’s Blessing Is Unchangeable (14:08–16:56)

• Balaam’s Declaration: Again, Balaam can only bless, this time emphasizing God’s unwavering nature:

  "God is not like a man. He cannot lie or be persuaded to change his mind... There is no magic curse against Jacob, and no divination or sorcery against Israel." (15:43–16:30)

• Balak’s Fury Grows: An increasingly desperate Balak begs Balaam to stop blessing or cursing altogether (16:30–16:56).

5. The Final Attempt: The Oracle and Its Aftermath (17:33–25:40)

• A Third High Place: Balak directs one last effort from Mount Peor for a possible curse (18:29–21:17).
• Balaam’s Despair and Powerlessness: Isolated and abandoned by his familiar spiritual contacts, Balaam finds himself under the complete control of the God of Israel (21:17–24:29).
• The Third Oracle—A Prophecy of Triumph:

  "How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwellings, Israel... God brought him out of Egypt. ...He crouches, he lies down like a lion or a lioness. Who dares to rouse him? Those who bless will be blessed, and those who curse will be cursed." — Balaam, powerfully compelled (24:29–25:40)

• Balak’s Final Outburst: Humiliated, Balak denounces Balaam and refuses him any reward (26:04–26:46).

6. Balaam’s Prophetic Warning and the Future (26:46–29:16)

• Balaam’s Defense and the Fourth Oracle: Balaam insists he cannot go against God's command, then receives and delivers a final prophecy foretelling Israel’s future triumph:

  "A star will rise from Jacob, a scepter from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab." (28:23–28:46) "Who can survive when God acts?" (29:16)

• Balak Leaves Defeated: The defeated king and his entourage depart in silence; Balaam contemplates his humiliation and next move (29:16–30:35).

7. Balaam’s Bitterness and Plotting (30:35–31:44)

• Seeds of Revenge: Balaam, full of pride and resentment, begins to scheme about undermining Israel without directly defying God (30:35–31:39).
• Closing Tension: The episode ends with Balaam making an offer to the Midianite kings, hinting at new intrigue.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Balaam’s Reluctant Honesty:

  "Do you not listen at all? I do not speak to you in my own words, of course. I'd prefer to curse them. I want your money in my pocket. But I have told you multiple times, I speak only the words of the gods. Nothing more, nothing less."
  — Balaam to Balak (08:59)

• On God’s Unchanging Will:

  "God is not like a man. He cannot lie or be persuaded to change his mind... There is no magic curse against Jacob, and no divination or sorcery against Israel."
  — Balaam, delivering the second divine oracle (15:43)

• Balaam’s Powerlessness:

  "But when he opened his mouth, no sound came out. His throat had been closed. Panic surged as he grasped at his neck, struggling for air. ...The spirit of the God of Israel had taken hold."
  — Narrator (23:46–24:29)

• Balaam’s Final Prophecy:

  "A star will rise from Jacob, a scepter from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab."
  — Balaam, fourth oracle (28:23)

• Seeds of Revenge:

  "This God of Israel has made a fool of me. ...All he ever wanted was to use me like a puppet."
  — Balaam’s internal reflection (30:07–30:25)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:57–01:49 | The regional crisis; Balak’s plea | | 02:26–03:27 | The supernatural encounter and warning | | 07:27–08:25 | First oracle: Israel blessed | | 10:31–12:19 | Further attempts to change God’s mind | | 14:08–14:18 | Balaam seeks God’s answer again | | 15:43–16:30 | Second oracle: God’s unchangeable will | | 21:17–24:29 | Balaam’s powerlessness; the third oracle | | 24:29–25:40 | "How beautiful are your tents, Jacob" – Balaam’s blessing | | 28:23–29:16 | Fourth oracle and prophecy: A star will rise from Jacob | | 30:35–31:39 | Balaam’s resolve to seek revenge or undermine God’s plan indirectly | | 31:39–31:56 | Balaam offers new counsel to Midianite kings (episode conclusion) |

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Themes and Reflections

• Divine Sovereignty: The God of Israel is revealed as utterly unlike the gods of pagan nations—unyielding, unbribable, and always steadfast.
• The Limits of Magic and Power: Balaam, famed for his spiritual prowess, is rendered powerless before the true God.
• Human Pride and Divine Purpose: Both Balaam and Balak are deeply frustrated by their inability to manipulate God, highlighting the folly of pride against divine will.
• Seeds of Future Scheming: Despite God’s direct intervention, the episode ends ominously, suggesting Balaam may plot a more devious way to harm Israel, paralleling biblical warnings about cunning counsel.

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Memorable Moment

"A star will rise from Jacob, a scepter from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab."
— Balaam, speaking prophecy, foreshadowing Israel’s future kingship and triumph (28:23)

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This episode masterfully dramatizes an ancient showdown between worldly ambition and the sovereignty of God, leaving listeners pondering the role of faith, obedience, and the inescapable nature of true prophecy.

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Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Narrator]

on the Chosen People. The Medianite kings filed in, still in their traveling clothes, dust from the road clinging to them and dirtying his hall. Balak frowned at it as one of them stepped forward.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

A rival nomadic nation has just stormed through our lands and trounced to fortified cities. They have an army, an army of hundreds of thousands strong and a population of over 2 million people. This horde would devour everything around us like a swarm of locusts. The Israelites cannot succeed in this land. And if we cannot defeat them in battle, let us turn to the gods ourselves. What do you have in mind?

[Narrator]

Balaam was a renowned sorcerer, prophet, and conjurer of the mysterious arts. Many of his talents were mere tricks of the trade he'd learned from his master. Yet other aspects of his job required a true connection to the spiritual forces. This is where he truly made his weight in silver.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Please fail. Our king has authorized great sums for your reward. Let nothing keep you from coming with us. Our king will give you the moon and stars if that's what it takes. All you have to do is come to Moab and put a curse on the people of Israel.

[Narrator]

But as Balaam urged her forward with his heels, the donkey froze, refusing to move. Balaam's frustration boiled over and he yelled, flailing at the animal. What is wrong with you?

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Why won't you move? What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?

[Narrator]

He dropped the stick he was holding. An angel wielding a mighty sword stood directly behind him.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Why have you beaten your donkey these three times?

[Narrator]

She saw me and turned away.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

I came out to oppose you because

[Narrator]

I consider what you are doing to be evil. If your donkey had not turned away from me, I would have killed you by now and and let her live.

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[Narrator]

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[Narrator]

What Balaam experienced on that barren hill would stay with him forever. This God of Israel was unlike any power he had encountered before. Balaam had spent his life summoning and communing with supernatural entities. Some had been intimidating, but none compared to this presence, and he had no desire to encounter it again. The orders he received had been unyieldingly clear. The weather had shifted violently, the mountain groaning underfoot as if in fear. From a clear sky, a storm had erupted, battering him with rain and wind that threatened to throw him from the peak. As he stood receiving the God's message, adrenaline surged through him, leaving his knees shaking beneath his heavy robes and a nervous sweat clinging to his brow as he descended, the storm miraculously calmed with each step he took down from the summit. Balak, the Medianite kings and their entourage stared at him with wide eyes through the haze of altar smoke. Good. He must have looked more imposing than he felt. Balaam brushed sweat and rain from his face, swallowed hard, and clenched his fists, steadying himself to deliver the message from the God of Israel. The king would not be pleased. No, he would not like this one bit.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Balak, king of Moab, you have sought me to put a curse on your enemies, the Israelites. I have sought to do as you have asked, but their God has come to meet me on the mountain instead. Behold, he has an answer for you. This is what the God of Israel would have me relay. How can I curse someone God has not cursed? How can I denounce someone the Lord has not denounced? I, the lamb, can see them from the top of this mountain. All I see is a people living alone who do not even consider themselves among the nations. They are a people set apart for their God's holy purpose. Someday their descendants will be like the stars in the night sky, innumerable. Hearing of their future, their distinct calling. It almost makes me wish I were one of them.

[Narrator]

Balaam concluded his speech and awaited what would surely be a furious response from the king. Balak stood stupidly and blinked at Balaam as the words he had spoken took effect. Balak's face grew red and his eyes, still wide from shock at Balaam's dramatic appearance, now narrowed in rage.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

What are you playing at, Balaam? I'm paying you to curse them, and instead you come back saying they are blessed.

[Narrator]

Balaam knew Balak would be angry, but he grew defensive anyway.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Do you not listen at all? I do not speak to You. In my own words, of course. I'd prefer to curse them. I want your money in my pocket. But I have told you multiple times, I speak only the words of the gods. Nothing more, nothing less. What did you expect, Balak?

[Narrator]

Balaam watched as Balak's humiliation deepened under the watchful eyes of the Medianite kings and elders in his throne room. Flustered, he smoothed his damp robes, cleared his throat, and tried to reclaim control of the situation.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

You say you can only speak what this God tells you, but what of changing his mind? I thought the renowned Balaam would have some influence in the spiritual world. Haven't you bragged throughout the nations that you are the best? Or the songs written about you? False.

[Narrator]

Balaam gave Balak a tight smile at that. He knew the king was trying to bait him into manipulating the will of God. Internally, his stomach knotted at his inkling of where this confrontation would inevitably lead back to the God of Israel.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Speak plainly, my king. Tell me what you wish me to do. Tell me, if we were to go to a different high place in this mountain range and you were only able to see a portion of the Israelites, would you still be able to set a curse against the I have already told you what the God of Israel has said will not allow me to curse them.

[Narrator]

Balak, however, did not seem deterred. If anything, he seemed to recover his confidence as he fleshed out his theory.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

But what if we move locations, set up everything again, offer the seven bulls and seven rams to the gods once more? Doubling our efforts would surely please baal. Maybe this other God would be similarly appeased and be willing to step aside and allow you to place the curse on Israel.

[Narrator]

Balaam scowled as he considered. All that effort might please other gods he had encountered. It would surely impress them. But this God of Israel seemed different, unlikely to be so easily swayed. Besides, it was a significant amount of effort. As he weighed his options, the king suddenly stepped forward and gripped Balaam's arm tightly. With his face just inches away, Balak repeated his desperate request, speaking in a low voice out of earshot of the others.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Please come with me to another place where you can see them. Remember what I have brought you here to do, and remember the riches you will earn because of it. If you do not, I will never stop telling the tale of your failure. I will make sure every kingdom in the east knows Balaam is a failure.

[Narrator]

Balaam gritted his teeth. He wanted that reward to come all this way, over 500 miles and walk away empty handed. And to have this crotchety king Besmirch his reputation. No, that would not do. Balaam bit back his fear of approaching the God of Israel again and shook off the king's grip to approach the others still waiting by the smouldering altars.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Listen to me. We will go to a different high place from within these mountains. Let us go again and prepare what is required.

[Narrator]

King Balak's men once again built and prepared seven altars, this time on the field of Zophim, within the Pisgah range. Balak glowered down at the distant Israelite camp, only catching a partial view of the massive tent at its center, marked by the strange cloud rising from its roof. Against the dark sky, the cloud stood stark. Though the rain had paused, the sky threatened to unleash a torrent at any moment. Reports spoke of this cloud pillar transforming into an unearthly column of fire at night. The mysterious source of Israel's power, Balak surmised. He was sure they must have powerful magicians or diviners securing this stubborn God's protection. That was why Balak had sought out Balaam, rumored to be the most powerful prophet in the world. Rumored? Balak seethed. The morning had been disastrous, and Balaam's performance thus far left him unimpressed. Balak had leveraged hard, won favors and rallied the Medianite kings for this gamble, feeling their skeptical eyes on him as minutes passed without a single curse against Israel. The bulls and rams lay smoking on the altars, flames sputtering against the thick, humid air. Balak glanced at Balaam, who was staring toward the summit with irritation. The storm clouds grew heavier and the wind whipped around them as if stirred by an unseen force. Balaam sudden sharply, eyes flashing as if driven by the storm itself.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Stay here by your burnt offering as you did before. I will go again to consult with this God of Israel and return to tell you what he said.

[Narrator]

Without waiting for a response, the fuming prophet stormed up the incline to the summit to attempt to do the job Balak had hired him to do. When he was out of his line of vision, Balak sat heavily on a nearby boulder and folded his arms just as it started to rain. Despite the downpour, his attendants even attempted to offer him wine, olives, and bread. He waved them all off and made a show of not meeting anyone's eyes while they waited. Theirs or the Midianite kings or the elders of the two nations. A short while later, Balaam returned. Balak sprang to his feet, not bothering to worry how desperate it made him appear. This had to have worked. This couldn't have all been for nothing.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Balaam, what did the Israelite God say? Did you persuade him to step aside? Have you cursed Israel?

[Narrator]

The prophet again wiped his stringy hair from his eyes, his face unreadable. Balaam then yelled back full throated, to be heard over the wind.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

The God of Israel has a message for you, my king. Remember, I only say what the God places in my mouth.

[Narrator]

Balak's temper flared at his words, but he could do nothing now but listen to the prophet's words. Balak braced himself, and the Medianites and the elders leaned forward in anticipation.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Balak, son of Zippor, pay attention to what I say. God is not like a man. He cannot lie or be persuaded to change his mind. I, Balaam the prophet, have instead received a command to bless. And since the Almighty God has commanded me, I cannot change it. He considers no disaster for Jacob. He sees no trouble for Israel. The Lord their God is with them. He brought them out of Egypt. There is no magic curse against Jacob, and no divination or sorcery against Israel.

[Narrator]

Balak's temper reached its peak at the prophet's blatant refusal to curse Israel.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

What about what I have commanded of you? If you are not willing to curse them, then don't bless them. In fact, don't curse them or bless them. Say nothing at all. How many times have I told you, but you refuse to listen. Whatever the Lord says, I must do. Why do you insist on sending me before him?

[Narrator]

If Balak was not mistaken, there was a tinge of fear behind the prophet's eyes. The gods unbreakable loyalty to his people was worrying. But then he considered his own people. Would they be thrown aside by Israel? Fear pulsed through his veins and threatened to consume his anger. He heard what happened to the Amorites, the two kings who no longer possessed their kingdoms or their heads. Balak looked over at the Midianite kings. King Zur inserted himself in the heated exchange between the king and prophet. If you forbid the prophet from speaking, speaking, then.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Is our business here finished? Should we go back and arm our people for war? No. You heard the oracle. The prophet has foretold. The designs of war against them would fail. Then what? You rallied our peoples and promised us this was the only way to undermine Israel's rise in our land. But all we've done is labor in the rain. Over 14 altars and 28 sacrifices for this prophet to bless our enemy and proclaim their future victories. We should go to another spot, prepare again for the curse. But this time do not seek out this God of Israel. Balaam instead just professes the curse. No divination, no prophecy, just sorcery.

[Narrator]

Balak whirled to Balaam, who was still standing before them. Watching Balak's control over the assembly devolve, Balak again closed the distance between himself and the prophet.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Do I make myself clear? You are to go with us to Mount Peor. That is the place where we appease our gods. And you will curse Israel from its heights.

[Narrator]

Balaam steadily met his gaze. Though he was breathing heavily, the man was waging an internal battle, maybe even consulting with the otherworldly voices only he could hear. A After a long moment, Balaam gave his answer.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

I will go.

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[Narrator]

Balaam stood on the high place of Mount Peor, rain blurring his view of the Israelite camp below. Under better conditions, it would be an ideal spot to pronounce a curse. But nothing about this felt ideal. The God of Israel was relentless, and his unwavering devotion to these people was baffling. Fear had given way to frustration, and Balaam's pride simmered with offence. This God had summoned him to this miserable land, making him believe there was a way to fulfill his task. Now Balaam's reputation was crumbling, and Balak's fury left little hope of receiving any promised reward. King Balak barked orders as his men prepared the altars and sacrifices. Sacrifices for the third time, their faces betraying irritation and distrust. They had lost faith hours ago, and Balaam couldn't blame them. Unlike the fickle gods, he knew sin, Shamash, Ishtar, or even Marduk. This God of Israel was unwavering. Even more disheartening was the silence of those familiar deities. None answered his calls, not even their lesser servants.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

My too far away from home, from Aram. Are they respecting the boundaries and lands held by this God of Israel? Why, even this b this local deity feared by the Moabites and Midianites, is silent.

[Narrator]

This was what perturbed Balaam the most, the silencing of the voices he had grown accustomed to. It was as if they could not stand to be in the presence of the God of Israel. As Balaam stood on the mountainside, he strained to hear the familiar voices of the gods he had known all his life. Any God but the God of Israel. But only his own voice echoed back. There was no other. The men had finished their work, and the sacrifices were smoking on the lit altars. How they lit them in the rain was beyond Balaam, but it was no easy feet. The wind still howled, and the rain still fell steadily around them. The kings were now waiting expectantly. Balaam nodded solemnly and turned his gaze to the Israelite camp below. He would not seek the God on the heights again. Instead, he studied the rain soaked tents, arranged tribe by tribe in ordered circles around their sacred courtyard. Balaam's eyes swept over every row, every detail, as he prepared to speak a curse. But when he opened his mouth, no sound came out. His throat had been closed. Panic surged as he grasped at his neck, struggling for air. The moment stretched into what felt like an eternity, his mind reeling from the lack of oxygen. Suddenly, relief came as breath rushed back into his lungs. But his eyes widened in shock as words poured from his mouth, words not his own. The voice that spoke was controlled by a power greater than him. The spirit of the God of Israel had taken hold.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

This is the Oracle of Balance, of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened. The oracle of one who hears the saying of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered. How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwellings, Israel. They stretch out like river valleys, like gardens beside a stream, like flowers the Lord has planted like cedars beside the water. God brought him out of Egypt. He is like the horns of a wild oxford. He will feed on enemy nations and gnaw their bones. He will strike them with his arrows. He crouches, he lies down like a lion or a lioness. Who dares to rouse him? Those who bless will be blessed, and those who consume will be cursed.

[Narrator]

Balaam fought to regain control of his voice and body throughout this speech, while the kings and elders stood paralyzed in astonishment. After what felt like a lifetime, Balam regained his autonomy at the speech's conclusion and stumbled forward, gasping for air. He kneeled on the ground, panting, when King Balak recovered his shock and rounded on him.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

You arrogant pretender. How dare you? You deny my summons twice and when, when you finally deign to arrive in my lands, you would deny my requests three times. And not only that, you would bless my enemy three times. How has no one else found you out? For what you are, a pretender. If you think you are owing compensation of any kind, you are sorely messed up. Mistaken. The God of Israel, with whom you are clearly aligned, has denied you a reward. Now go home.

[Narrator]

Balak turned on his heel and stormed off. His attendants reluctantly followed, leaving Balaam sprawled out, still choking for air. When he caught his breath, his temper flared at Balak's accusations. He staggered to his feet to defend himself, yelling after him, what have I been telling you?

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Your stubbornness has made you deaf. Even if you were to give me a full house of silver and gold, I could not Go against this God's command. You saw for yourself. I had no choice but to say whatever.

[Narrator]

Balaam stopped short. Once more. He saw Balak and his men turn back to see what was wrong. The Medianite kings hadn't taken their eyes off him. Once transfixed since his first outburst, the God of Israel's voice once more sounded in his mind, but mercifully it did not take control of his body. Again he stood transfixed, listening to the prophecy the deity dropped into his mind. It was a prophetic foretelling this time. When it was over, he slumped to his knees again and trembled. He looked up and found the kings, elders and attendants of both nations standing as spellbound as he had been only seconds before.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

I will return to my people. But first I must warn you about what these people will do to your people in the future.

[Narrator]

They must have known, instinctually on some level, that the message he was about to impart would not favor them. But they were mesmerized just the same.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Once more. Alor Cumblam, son of Be, the man whose eyes are opened, who hears the word of God and sees the vision of the Almighty. A star will rise from Jacob, a scepter from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab.

[Narrator]

Balaam looked meaningfully at Balak, who was still enraged but enraptured by the prophecy.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

Here will become a possession, but Israel will be triumphant, and from Jacob our rule now helps arise. Amalek was first among nations, but his end is destruction, and the land's final uncle is this who can survive when God acts.

[Narrator]

Balak's words hung in the air, carried off by the wind and rain that filled the long silence. At last King Balak moved, turning abruptly and trudging down the mountain without a word, his attendants trailing behind him. Balaam doubted he would ever hear from the king again. The Medianite kings lingered, murmuring quietly among themselves. Seeing their disinterest as a sign of dismissal, Balaam gathered his belongings from the high place and loaded them onto his now thankfully silent donkey. He took deep, calming breaths, feeling the initial surge of fear ebbed as his heart steadied. But as moments passed, his anger began to simmer. He had been made a spectacle, humiliated.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

How can I ply my craft now? How can I possibly return to my homeland with my pride intact? This God of Israel has made a fool of me.

[Narrator]

He stopped short. It had been his worst plan all along, he realized. This was the reason he was permitted to come here at all.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

This Israelite God had no intention of relenting or changing his mind. All he ever wanted was to use me like a puppet.

[Narrator]

Revenge. The word took root in Balaam's mind and heart, expanding with each breath. He had never felt such humiliation, such fear. Fear or the terrifying loss of control he'd experienced when the God of Israel spoke through him? The memory made him shudder. But going against this God directly would be foolish. Balaam knew better than to challenge prophecy. Still, he pondered an alternative, a way to undermine this God's will and pride. A sly smile crept across his lips as a plan began to form. He recalled the oracle and noted a glaring omission in the list of Israel's enemies. His eyes slid to the Medianite kings, still gathered and murmuring among themselves across the clearing. With renewed confidence, Balaam smoothed his robes, pushed his damp hair back from his eyes, and walked toward them, each step fueling his newfound resolve.

[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

My kings, I have more to say that you may like to hear.

[Narrator]

The Medianites inclined their heads and edged closer to Balaam. Intrigued, they leaned in to hear Balaam's advice. If today's reading moved you, the Pray.com

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with daily prayers, Bible plans, and more. Download it Free Link in The description this prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Caltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.

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[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

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[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

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[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

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[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

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[Character - King Balak / Balaam / Other Voices]

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