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And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/04_Num_22_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:31 - The Angel and Balaam's Donkey" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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. 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So he bowed low and fell facedown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed his head down and prostrated himself to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and lay himself face down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the path with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam knelt low and bowed in worship on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened Balaam&#8217s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the path with a drawn sword in His hand. Balaam knelt and bowed with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jehovah opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of Jehovah standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Just then, the LORD let Balaam see the angel standing in the road, holding a sword, and Balaam bowed down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD let Balaam see the Messenger of the LORD who was standing in the road with his sword drawn. So Balaam knelt, bowing with his face touching the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD let Balaam see the angel standing there with his sword; and Balaam threw himself face downward on the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD enabled Balaam to see, so he observed the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with an unsheathed sword in his hand. So he bowed down and prostrated himself on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn in his hand; so he bowed his head and threw himself down with his face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then God opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of God standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Yahweh opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw Yahweh’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH uncovers the eyes of Balaam, and he sees the Messenger of YHWH standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand, and he bows and pays respect, to his face;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah uncovereth the eyes of Balaam, and he seeth the messenger of Jehovah standing in the way, and his drawn sword in his hand, and he boweth and doth obeisance, to his face;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will uncover the the eyes of Balsam, and he will see the messenger of Jehovah standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand; and he will bow down and worship upon his face.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Forthwith the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel standing in the way with a drawn sword, and he worshipped him falling flat on the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Immediately, the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the Angel standing in the way with a drawn sword, and he reverenced him prone on the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, so that he saw the angel of the LORD standing on the road with sword drawn; and he knelt and bowed down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road, with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed down, falling on his face.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn and held in his hand; and he bowed down his head and worshipped on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH uncovered the eyes of Balaam and he saw the Angel of LORD JEHOVAH standing in the way and his sword drawn and held in his hand, and bowing, he fell on his face.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And God opened the eyes of Balaam, and he sees the angel of the Lord withstanding <i>him</i> in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand, and he stooped down and worshipped on his face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7113" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">The Angel and Balaam's Donkey</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?” “No,” he replied. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1540.htm" title="1540: way·ḡal (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To uncover, remove. A primitive root; to denude; by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal.">opened</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: ḇil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">Balaam’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nê (N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">eyes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and he saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’aḵ (N-msc) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">the angel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5324.htm" title="5324: niṣ·ṣāḇ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A prim root; to station, in various applications.">standing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bad·de·reḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">in the road</a> <a href="/hebrew/8025.htm" title="8025: šə·lu·p̄āh (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fs) -- To draw out or off. A primitive root; to pull out, up or off.">with a drawn</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: wə·ḥar·bōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">in his hand.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·ta·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">And Balaam bowed low</a> <a href="/hebrew/6915.htm" title="6915: way·yiq·qōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to shrivel up, i.e. Contract or bend the body in deference."></a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: lə·’ap·pāw (Prep-l:: N-mdc:: 3ms) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">and fell facedown.</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-19.htm">Genesis 21:19</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-31.htm">Luke 24:31</a></span><br />Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-18.htm">Acts 9:18</a></span><br />At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Revelation 1:17</a></span><br />When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Daniel 10:7</a></span><br />Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-5</a></span><br />In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a></span><br />In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Matthew 17:2-3</a></span><br />There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-13.htm">Acts 26:13-14</a></span><br />About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. / We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-14.htm">John 20:14-16</a></span><br />When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not recognize that it was Jesus. / “Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” / Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12-16</a></span><br />And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. / And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2-6</a></span><br />There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. / So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” / When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-22.htm">Judges 6:22</a></span><br />When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/24-17.htm">2 Samuel 24:17</a></span><br />When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">opened</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-4.htm">Numbers 24:4</a></b></br> He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling <i>into a trance</i>, but having his eyes open:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-19.htm">Genesis 21:19</a></b></br> And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17-20</a></b></br> And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain <i>was</i> full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha… </p><p class="hdg">bowed down</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Exodus 34:8</a></b></br> And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/9-20.htm">Psalm 9:20</a></b></br> Put them in fear, O LORD: <i>that</i> the nations may know themselves <i>to be but</i> men. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/18-6.htm">John 18:6</a></b></br> As soon then as he had said unto them, I am <i>he</i>, they went backward, and fell to the ground.</p><p class="hdg">Fell flat on his face.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-27.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/numbers/22-30.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-27.htm">Balaam's</a> <a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-23.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/numbers/20-27.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/numbers/22-29.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/numbers/17-3.htm">Head</a> <a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Low</a> <a href="/numbers/22-27.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/exodus/34-8.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/genesis/24-48.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/numbers/22-24.htm">Road</a> <a href="/numbers/22-23.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/numbers/22-29.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-19.htm">Uncovereth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-26.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Balaam's</a> <a href="/numbers/25-2.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-3.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/numbers/25-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/numbers/25-14.htm">Head</a> <a href="/judges/6-6.htm">Low</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Road</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-20.htm">Uncovereth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes</b><br>This phrase indicates divine intervention, where God enables Balaam to perceive spiritual realities beyond normal human sight. In biblical context, God often opens eyes to reveal His will or presence, as seen in <a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17</a> when Elisha's servant's eyes are opened to see the heavenly army. This act signifies God's sovereignty and control over human perception and understanding.<p><b>and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road</b><br>The "angel of the LORD" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often considered a theophany, or a manifestation of God Himself. This appearance emphasizes the seriousness of Balaam's mission and God's direct involvement. The road symbolizes Balaam's journey, both physically and spiritually, highlighting the divine intervention in his path.<p><b>with a drawn sword in his hand</b><br>A drawn sword is a symbol of impending judgment or divine authority. This imagery is used in other scriptures, such as <a href="/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13</a>, where the commander of the LORD's army appears with a drawn sword. It signifies readiness for battle or judgment, underscoring the gravity of Balaam's situation and the potential consequences of his actions.<p><b>And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown</b><br>Balaam's response of bowing and falling facedown is an act of reverence and submission, common in biblical encounters with the divine (e.g., <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Genesis 17:3</a>, <a href="/ezekiel/1-28.htm">Ezekiel 1:28</a>). This posture indicates recognition of the angel's authority and Balaam's acknowledgment of his own position before God. It reflects a moment of humility and the acknowledgment of divine power and presence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Balaam is known for his interactions with God and his eventual blessing of Israel instead of cursing them.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">The Angel of the LORD</a></b><br>A divine messenger who appears to Balaam on the road. The Angel of the LORD is often seen as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God Himself, which is significant in this encounter.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_road_to_moab.htm">The Road to Moab</a></b><br>The setting of this encounter, where Balaam is traveling to meet Balak. The road symbolizes Balaam's journey and the spiritual crossroads he faces.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. His actions set the stage for Balaam's journey and the divine intervention.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_donkey.htm">The Donkey</a></b><br>Balaam's donkey, which sees the Angel of the LORD before Balaam does, and attempts to avoid the angel, leading to Balaam's eyes being opened by God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a></b><br>God intervenes in our lives, often in unexpected ways, to guide us back to His path. We must be open to recognizing His presence and direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_blindness.htm">Spiritual Blindness</a></b><br>Like Balaam, we can be spiritually blind to God's work around us. We should pray for God to open our eyes to His truth and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Balaam's response of bowing low and falling facedown is a model of humility and reverence before God. We should approach God with the same attitude of submission.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite human intentions, God's will prevails. Balaam's account reminds us that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_to_god's_voice.htm">Listening to God's Voice</a></b><br>Balaam's encounter teaches us the importance of listening to God's voice, even when it contradicts our own desires or plans.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam_in_numbers_22.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_balaam's_donkey_speak_to_him.htm">Why did Balaam's donkey speak to him?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_zechariah_3_2's_rebuke_unique.htm">Why does Zechariah 3:2 present the angel of the Lord rebuking Satan in a manner that seems inconsistent with other Old Testament accounts of divine judgment? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_job_4_15-16_a_vision_or_hallucination.htm">In Job 4:15–16, is the description of a spirit encounter credible or scientifically verifiable, or could it be a hallucination or vision? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel.</span> As on other occasions, the angel was not perceptible to ordinary sight, but only to eyes in some way quickened and purged by the Divine operation. This explains the fact that Balaam's companions would appear to have seen nothing (cf. <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Acts 9:7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֮</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">opened</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְגַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḡal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> </span><span class="str2">To denude, to exile, to reveal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balaam’s</span><br /><span class="heb">בִלְעָם֒</span> <span class="translit">(ḇil·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balaam -- a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eyes,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֞רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Angel</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאַ֤ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">standing</span><br /><span class="heb">נִצָּ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(niṣ·ṣāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take one's stand, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the road</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bad·de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with a drawn</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֻפָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lu·p̄āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8025.htm">Strong's 8025: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull out, up, off</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sword</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥar·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in His hand.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָד֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And Balaam bowed low</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·ta·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and fell facedown.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאַפָּֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ap·pāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - mdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:31 Then Yahweh opened the eyes of Balaam (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>