Numbers — Chapter 22

Balak sends messengers to Balaam: \"Come, curse this people for me; for they are mightier than I.\" Balaam was a true diviner — an ariolus who sought auguries from extispicy; he is an example of the prophet who has the gift of vision but corrupt will.

The angel of the Lord bars Balaam's way; the ass sees the angel and refuses to advance; Balaam strikes the ass and God opens its mouth to rebuke him. Even God's rebuke is mediated through a dumb creature to shame the prophet.