Seven Days with Balaam

Remember Balaam? He is the main character in the biblical story of the talking donkey. Balaam has the dubious distinction of being known as the Judas of the Old Testament. What did he do to deserve such a reputation? King Balak of the Moabites hires Balaam, a well-known soothsayer to curse the Israelites who are amassed on his border. King Balak knows he needs "divine help" to defeat the Israelites, and Balaam has a strong reputation. Whoever he blesses is blessed and whoever he curses is cursed. Does Balaam's donkey really talk? Why? Does Balaam heed his warning? When God won't let Balaam curse the Israelites, what Plan B does he devise? Balaam's story earns a PG-13 rating because of violence.