Keraia
Numbers 22

Numbers 22:33

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

Translations

Modern
The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.”
Traditional
And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
Literal
And the donkey saw Me and turned aside before my face these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely by now I would also have killed you and let her live.”
Latin
…et nisi asina declinasset de via, dans locum resistenti, te occidissem, et illa viveret.

Original

Hebrew
English
The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.”

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

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 Repentance: Balaam, of his Spiritual Blindness