The Talmud lists a mysterious “portion” about this character alongside Job and the Torah as the writings of Moses. In a thrice-repeated formula, this character orders a sacrifice of seven bulls and seven rams at seven altars. In an infamous inconsistency, God rages at this character for taking a journey just after commanding it. Aramaized fragments of a lost holy book about this character were found in red ink on plaster at Deir ‘Alla. This man is credited with the only Jewish prayer by a gentile, the Ma Tovu, which begins, “How (*) lovely are your tents, O Jacob!” and is one of three blessings he recites while trying to issue curses on behalf of the King of Moab. This man thrice fails to see an angel blocking his path in a story that, apart from the serpent in Genesis, features the Bible’s only talking animal. For 10 points, name this non-Israelite prophet from Numbers who is rebuked by his donkey. ■END■
ANSWER: Balaam [or Balaam, Son of Beor; or Bīl‘am; accept Bal‘am bin Ba‘ura]
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= Average correct buzz position