Numbers 22:31

Translations

Modern

Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.

Traditional

Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

Literal

And YHWH opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of YHWH standing in the way, and his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.

Latin

Protinus aperuit Dominus oculos Balaam, et vidit angelum stantem in via, evaginato gladio, adoravitque eum pronus in terram.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.

Notes

Numbers 22:28–31

The only similar event in Scripture is the serpent talking to Eve (Genesis 3:1–5). God used the donkey to correct the foolish diviner (2 Peter 2:15–16).

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

Related verses

Genesis 21:19
Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
Luke 24:31
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.
Numbers 24:4
…the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
Acts 26:18
…to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
1 Chronicles 21:16
When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown.
Numbers 24:16
…the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
Luke 24:16
But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.
John 18:6
When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Psalm 9:20
Lay terror upon them, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. Selah
Exodus 34:8
Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped.
2 Kings 6:17–20
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

People

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead

Glossary

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

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Balaam Animals: Cruelty to Balaam Balaam: Anger of, Rebuked by his Ass Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Donkey: Domesticated used for Riding Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: Balaam not Permitted to Curse Israel Repentance: Balaam, of his Spiritual Blindness

Numbers 22:31

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