Fearful of the Israelites and their God, Balak, King of Moab, asks Balaam, a local sorcerer known for his curses and blessings, to pronounce a curse upon the Israelites. God stops Balaam by sending an angel, unseen to Balaam at first, but seen by the donkey who speaks to him. Balaam realizes he's made a mistake, but it's not enough to change his heart.