“The Talking Ass” response

Number 22:27-30

27 “When the ass saw the angel of the LORD there, she cowered under Balaam. So, in anger, he again beat the ass with his stick.”

28 “But now the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you should beat me these three times?”

29 “You have acted so willfully against me,” said Balaam to the ass, “that if I but had a sword at hand, I would kill you here and now.”

30 “But the ass said to Balaam, “Am I not your own beast, and have you not always ridden upon me until now? Have I been in the habit of treating you this way before?” “No,” replied Balaam.”

31 “Then the Lord removed the veil from Balaam’s eyes, so that he too saw the angel of the LORD standing on the road with sword drawn; and he fell on his knees and bowed to the ground”

Our creatures may not be comprehensive thinkers but they are our creatures. I believe every creature has a purpose in this world and every thing has a job. It may not be a sophisticated job but they are still our creatures given to us by God. Reading the way Balaam speaks to his ass seemed cruel and irrational. The ass is unable to defend itself. Her owner should have treated her better, and attempt to analyze the situation. Our animals need patience and understanding just like everything else.