Balaam's Donkey Speaks. King Balak of Moab asks Balaam to curse the people of Israel. Balaam rides his donkey to go, but God is angry because of Balaam's greedy heart. God sends an angel with a sword to stand in the road. Balaam cannot see the angel, but the donkey sees him and turns away three times. An angry Balaam hits the animal three times with his stick. God lets the donkey speak. The donkey asks Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?". Balaam argues with the donkey. Then, God lets Balaam see the angel, who explains that the donkey saved Balaam's life.