Keraia
Numbers 22

Numbers 22:26

The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey · Numbers 22:22–41
Read Numbers 22

Translations

Modern
And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left.
Traditional
And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
Literal
And the angel of YHWH added to pass over and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Latin
…et nihilominus angelus ad locum angustum transiens, ubi nec ad dexteram, nec ad sinistram poterat deviare, obvius stetit.

Original

Hebrew
English
And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left.

Notes

Numbers 22:21–41

This passage clearly uses humor to make fun of Balaam, the professional diviner. The story shows that his spiritual understanding and obedience to God were less than those of his own donkey.

Numbers 22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Theme notes and profiles

Balaam Moab and Ammon Angels

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of False Prophets Jannes and Jambres Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Prophets, False Shittim (Place)

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Remonstrates with Balaam Animals: Cruelty to Balaam Balaam: Anger of, Rebuked by his Ass Donkey: Domesticated used for Riding Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: Balaam not Permitted to Curse Israel Miracles: Catalogue of Balaam's Donkey Speaks Repentance: Balaam, of his Spiritual Blindness