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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 22:27 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/04_Num_22_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:27 - The Angel and Balaam's Donkey" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/22-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/22-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/22-26.htm" title="Numbers 22:26">◄</a> Numbers 22:27 <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm" title="Numbers 22:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This time when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. In a fit of rage Balaam beat the animal again with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And when the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the donkey saw the angel of Yahweh and lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, so Balaam was angry and he struck the donkey [a third time] with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she crouched down under Balaam. So he became furious and beat the donkey with his stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she crouched down under Balaam. So he became furious and beat the donkey with his stick. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the ass saw the angel of Jehovah, and she lay down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So it just lay down. Balaam lost his temper, then picked up a stick and whacked the donkey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the ass saw the angel of the LORD, and she lay down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the Messenger of the LORD, it lay down under Balaam. Balaam became so angry he hit the donkey with his stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This time, when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down. Balaam lost his temper and began to beat the donkey with his stick. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she crouched down under Balaam. As a result, Balaam got so angry that he started to whip the donkey with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she crouched down under Balaam. Then Balaam was angry, and he beat his donkey with a staff. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The donkey saw the angel of God, and she lay down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The donkey saw Yahweh’s angel, and she lay down under Balaam. Balaam’s anger burned, and he struck the donkey with his staff. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the donkey sees the Messenger of YHWH, and crouches under Balaam, and the anger of Balaam burns, and he strikes the donkey with a staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the ass seeth the messenger of Jehovah, and croucheth under Balaam, and the anger of Balaam burneth, and he smiteth the ass with a staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the ass will see the messenger of Jehovah and she will lie down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger will kindle, and he will strike the ass With a rod.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the ass saw the angel standing, she fell under the feet of the rider: who being angry beat her sides more vehemently with a staff. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when the donkey had seen the Angel standing there, she fell under the feet of the rider, who, being angry, struck her sides more vehemently with a club.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD there, she lay down under Balaam. Balaam’s anger flared up and he beat the donkey with his stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it lay down under Balaam; and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when the she-ass saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the she-ass with a staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the donkey saw the Angel of LORD JEHOVAH and lay down under Balaam and provoked the wrath of Balaam and he hit the donkey with a rod.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the ass saw the angel of the LORD, and she lay down under Balaam; and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And when the ass saw the angel of God, she lay down under Balaam; and Balaam was angry, and struck the ass with his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-27.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=7075" 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">26</span>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. <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/860.htm" title="860: hā·’ā·ṯō·wn (Art:: N-fs) -- A female donkey. Probably from the same as 'eythan; a female donkey.">When the donkey</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/7200.htm" title="7200: wat·tê·re (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</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/7257.htm" title="7257: wat·tir·baṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to crouch; be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed.">she lay down</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">Balaam,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">and he</a> <a href="/hebrew/2734.htm" title="2734: way·yi·ḥar- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To burn or be kindled with anger. A primitive root; to glow or grow warm; figuratively to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy.">became furious</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap̄ (N-msc) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yaḵ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and beat</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/860.htm" title="860: hā·’ā·ṯō·wn (Art:: N-fs) -- A female donkey. Probably from the same as 'eythan; a female donkey.">her</a> <a href="/hebrew/4731.htm" title="4731: bam·maq·qêl (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A rod, staff. Or maqqlah; from an unused root meaning apparently to germinate; a shoot, i.e. Stick.">with his staff.</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?”…<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_peter/2-16.htm">2 Peter 2:16</a></span><br />But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a></span><br />Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a></span><br />But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a></span><br />For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a></span><br />Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a></span><br />My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a></span><br />because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-10.htm">1 Corinthians 10:10-11</a></span><br />And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. / Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-15</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Psalm 106:23-26</a></span><br />So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them. / They despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His promise. / They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/22-3.htm">Genesis 22:3-5</a></span><br />So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated. / On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. / “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants. “The boy and I will go over there to worship, and then we will return to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Exodus 4:24-26</a></span><br />Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. / But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. / So the LORD let him alone. (When she said, “bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-23.htm">1 Samuel 19:23-24</a></span><br />So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. / Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-10.htm">Isaiah 63:10</a></span><br />But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-6.htm">Jeremiah 8:6</a></span><br />I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.</p><p class="hdg">and Balaam's anger</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></b></br> A wise <i>man</i> feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-3.htm">Proverbs 27:3,4</a></b></br> A stone <i>is</i> heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath <i>is</i> heavier than them both… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/numbers/22-23.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Balaam's</a> <a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/numbers/19-8.htm">Burneth</a> <a href="/psalms/10-10.htm">Croucheth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/numbers/11-11.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Kindled</a> <a href="/numbers/19-9.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/numbers/22-26.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/numbers/21-24.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/numbers/20-11.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/genesis/38-25.htm">Stick</a> <a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Balaam's</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/numbers/25-3.htm">Burneth</a> <a href="/psalms/10-10.htm">Croucheth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/numbers/26-10.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-17.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Kindled</a> <a href="/numbers/24-9.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-13.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Stick</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Wrath</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>When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD</b><br>In the biblical narrative, animals are rarely depicted as having spiritual insight, making this event unique. The donkey's ability to see the angel of the LORD, while Balaam could not, highlights the spiritual blindness of Balaam despite his reputation as a seer. The "angel of the LORD" is often considered a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself, which adds gravity to the situation. This encounter underscores the theme of divine intervention and guidance, even through unexpected means.<p><b>she lay down under Balaam</b><br>The donkey's action of lying down is significant as it demonstrates her submission and recognition of divine authority, contrasting with Balaam's obstinacy. In the cultural context, a donkey was a common mode of transportation, and its refusal to move would have been seen as unusual and frustrating. This act of lying down symbolizes a halt in Balaam's misguided mission, emphasizing the need for humility and obedience to God's will.<p><b>and he became furious and beat her with his staff</b><br>Balaam's reaction of anger and violence reveals his character and lack of spiritual discernment. The staff, a symbol of authority and guidance, is misused here, reflecting Balaam's misguided leadership. This incident parallels other biblical narratives where human anger leads to sin, such as Moses striking the rock in <a href="/numbers/20-11.htm">Numbers 20:11</a>. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of reacting in anger rather than seeking divine understanding.<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_donkey.htm">The Donkey</a></b><br>Balaam's donkey plays a crucial role in this account. She sees the angel of the LORD and acts to protect Balaam, demonstrating a spiritual awareness that Balaam initially lacks.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">The Angel of the LORD</a></b><br>A divine messenger who stands in the path to oppose Balaam. The angel's presence is a significant turning point in the account, representing God's intervention.<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 the events involving Balaam and the donkey.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region where Balak rules and where the Israelites are encamped. It is the backdrop for the unfolding drama between Balaam, the donkey, and the angel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_awareness.htm">Spiritual Awareness</a></b><br>The donkey's ability to see the angel of the LORD before Balaam serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment. We should seek to be attuned to God's presence and guidance in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a></b><br>God's intervention through the angel demonstrates His sovereignty and care. Even when we are unaware, God is actively working to guide and protect us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_repentance.htm">Humility and Repentance</a></b><br>Balaam's initial anger and subsequent realization of the angel's presence call us to humility. We must be willing to acknowledge our blindness and repent when God reveals His truth to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_over_profit.htm">Obedience Over Profit</a></b><br>Balaam's account warns against prioritizing personal gain over obedience to God. We are called to align our actions with God's will, even when it conflicts with our desires.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_use_of_the_unlikely.htm">God's Use of the Unlikely</a></b><br>The donkey's role in this account illustrates how God can use unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. We should remain open to God's work through unconventional channels.<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_does_the_donkey_see_the_angel_first.htm">Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23-25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_god_angry_with_balaam_later.htm">If God permitted Balaam to go (Numbers 22:20), why did He become angry with him later (Numbers 22:22)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-27.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">When the donkey</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽאָתוֹן֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ṯō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_860.htm">Strong's 860: </a> </span><span class="str2">A female donkey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֵּ֤רֶא</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tê·re)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine 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">מַלְאַ֣ךְ</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">יְהוָ֔ה</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">she lay down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץ</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tir·baṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7257.htm">Strong's 7257: </a> </span><span class="str2">To crouch, be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balaam,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘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">and [he]</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘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">became furious</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּֽחַר־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·ḥar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2734.htm">Strong's 2734: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and beat</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[her]</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָת֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ṯō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_860.htm">Strong's 860: </a> </span><span class="str2">A female donkey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with his staff.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמַּקֵּֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(bam·maq·qêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4731.htm">Strong's 4731: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shoot, stick</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-27.htm">Numbers 22:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-27.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:27 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:28" /></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>