The story of Balaam and the Ass appears in Numbers, 22, verses 1-35. Following the arrival of the Israelistes in the Jordan Valley, Balak, King of Moab, summoned Balaam and asked him to put a curse on them. On his way to the valley an angel barred the way, causing the ass to turn away. An argument ensued between man and beast, the latter answering him back as in all fables, until Balaam's eyes were opened and he saw the angel with drawin sword ahead of him. Regarded as a prefiguration of the appearance of Christ to St. Thomas, this theme was popular for decoration in Romanesque and Gothic churches.