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I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. <a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the LORD demanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. <a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. <a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a> And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: <a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a> And the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way was reckless and contrary to me. <a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> The angel of the LORD said to him, &#8220Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way was contrary to me. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way was contrary to me. <a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the angel of Yahweh said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary because your way was contrary to me. <a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your behavior was obstinate and contrary to Me. <a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you, because I consider what you are doing to be evil. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Angel of the LORD asked him, &#8220Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you, because what you are doing is evil in My sight. <a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the angel of Jehovah said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I am come forth for an adversary, because thy way is perverse before me: <a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The angel said, "You had no right to treat your donkey like that! I was the one who blocked your way, because I don't think you should go to Moab. <a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I am come forth for an adversary, because thy way is perverse before me: <a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Messenger of the LORD asked him, "Why have you hit your donkey three times like this? I've come here to stop you because the trip you're taking is evil. <a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> The angel demanded, "Why have you beaten your donkey three times like this? I have come to bar your way, because you should not be making this journey. <a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the angel of the LORD asked him, "Why did you beat your donkey in the space of only three footsteps? I've come to oppose you, because I say that what you're doing is perverted. <a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a> The angel of the LORD said to him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you because what you are doing is perverse before me. <a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The angel of God said to him, "Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Look, I have come forth as an adversary, because your way is perverse before me: <a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the angel of the LORD said to him, Why hast thou smitten thy ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: <a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh’s angel said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way is perverse before me. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the Messenger of YHWH says to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out for an adversary, for [your] way has been perverse before Me, <a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the messenger of Jehovah saith unto him, 'Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? lo, I -- I have come out for an adversary, for thy way hath been perverse before me, <a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the messenger of Jehovah will say to him, For what didst thou strike thine ass this three beats? behold, I came forth for an adversary, for the way is perverse before me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the angel said to him: Why beatest thou thy ass these three times? I am come to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse, and contrary to me: <a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Angel said to him: “Why did you beat your donkey three times? I have come to be an adversary to you, because your way is perverse and contrary to me. <a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a> But the angel of the LORD said to him: “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come as an adversary because this rash journey of yours is against my will. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? I have come out as an adversary, because your way is perverse before me.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the angel of the LORD said to him, Why have you struck your she-ass these three times? Behold, I went out to be an adversary against you, because you have directed your course contrary to me; <a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Angel of LORD JEHOVAH said to him, “Why have you struck your she donkey now three times? Behold I have come out to be to you an adversary, because you have directed the way contrary to me.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the angel of the LORD said unto him: 'Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I am come forth for an adversary, because thy way is contrary unto me; <a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the angel of God said to him, Why hast thou smitten thine ass this third time? and, behold, I came out to withstand thee, for thy way was not seemly before me; and when the ass saw me, she turned away from me this third time. <a href="/parallel/numbers/22-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7126" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">The Angel and Balaam's Donkey</a> …31Then 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. 32<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/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: hik·kî·ṯā (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">have you beaten</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: ’ă·ṯō·nə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A female donkey. Probably from the same as 'eythan; a female donkey.">your donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šā·lō·wōš (Number-fs) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: rə·ḡā·lîm (N-fp) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">times?</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">have come out</a> <a href="/hebrew/7854.htm" title="7854: lə·śā·ṭān (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- From satan; an opponent; especially Satan, the arch-enemy of good.">to oppose you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: had·de·reḵ (Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">your way</a> <a href="/hebrew/3399.htm" title="3399: yā·raṭ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be precipitate, to precipitate. A primitive root; to precipitate or hurl headlong; to be rash.">is perverse</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: lə·neḡ·dî (Prep-l:: 1cs) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">before me.</a> 33The 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15-16</a> They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. / 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. <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> 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. <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> 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. <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a> 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. <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> 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.’” <a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a> 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). <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a> For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-10.htm">1 Corinthians 10:10-11</a> 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. <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a> For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a> There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” <a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Psalm 106:23-26</a> 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. ... <a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a> For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Acts 13:10</a> and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the angel of the LORD said to him, Why have you smitten your ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand you, because your way is perverse before me:wherefore<a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Numbers 22:28</a> And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?<a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a> Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.<a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Psalm 36:6</a> Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.withstand thee.<a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Numbers 22:22</a> And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.thy ways<a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4</a> Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.<a href="/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6</a> Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.<a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.before me<a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20,22,35</a> And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do… <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2-6</a> And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed… <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Proverbs 14:2</a> He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/numbers/22-30.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/numbers/16-38.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/numbers/22-30.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Oppose</a> <a href="/numbers/22-24.htm">Path</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/numbers/15-14.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Three</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Times</a> <a href="/3_john/1-3.htm">Walkest</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Way</a> <a href="/numbers/21-27.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Withstand</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-27.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/numbers/28-5.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/numbers/35-18.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Oppose</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-37.htm">Path</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-5.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/numbers/28-2.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Three</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Times</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Walkest</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Way</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/numbers/31-23.htm">Withstand</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div>1. <a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a> 15. <a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a> 22. <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a> 36. <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>The angel of the LORD asked him In the Old Testament, the "angel of the LORD" often represents a divine messenger, sometimes interpreted as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This encounter emphasizes divine intervention in human affairs. The angel's presence signifies the seriousness of Balaam's actions and God's direct involvement in guiding His people.Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? The repetition of "three times" underscores the stubbornness and blindness of Balaam to spiritual realities. The donkey, an animal considered lowly, perceives the divine presence that Balaam, a renowned seer, fails to see. This irony highlights the theme of God using the humble to confound the wise, a recurring biblical motif.Behold, I have come out to oppose you The angel's opposition to Balaam serves as a divine check against Balaam's intentions. This phrase indicates God's active role in thwarting plans that go against His will. It reflects the broader biblical principle that God can intervene to redirect or halt human actions that are contrary to His purposes.because your way is perverse before me The term "perverse" suggests moral and spiritual deviation. Balaam's path is not aligned with God's righteousness, indicating a heart turned towards greed and self-interest, as later confirmed in <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a>. This phrase serves as a warning against pursuing paths that lead away from God's truth and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet 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. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">The Angel of the LORD</a> A divine messenger who appears to Balaam on the road to Moab. The Angel serves as God's representative, confronting Balaam about his actions and intentions. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_donkey.htm">The Donkey</a> Balaam's donkey, which sees the Angel of the LORD and tries to avoid him, ultimately speaking to Balaam after being beaten. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a> The region ruled by King Balak, who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 5. <a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a> The king of Moab who hires Balaam to curse the Israelites, fearing their strength and numbers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a> God intervenes in our lives to correct our paths when we stray. Balaam's encounter with the Angel of the LORD serves as a reminder that God sees our intentions and actions. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_perception.htm">Spiritual Perception</a> The donkey's ability to see the Angel of the LORD before Balaam did highlights the importance of spiritual awareness and sensitivity to God's presence. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god.htm">Obedience to God</a> Balaam's account underscores the necessity of aligning our actions with God's will, even when external pressures push us in a different direction. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a> Balaam's initial disobedience and the resulting confrontation with the Angel of the LORD illustrate the consequences of pursuing a path contrary to God's instructions. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite human intentions, God's purposes prevail. Balaam's inability to curse Israel demonstrates God's control over all situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a> <a href="/q/why_did_balaam's_donkey_speak_to_him.htm">Why did Balaam's donkey speak to him?</a> <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> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_animal_testing.htm">What is the Bible's stance on animal testing?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_a_donkey_speak_in_numbers_22.htm">How can a donkey speak in Numbers 22:28-30 without contradicting the known biological limitations of animals?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) Because thy way is perverse before me.--Or, because the way leads to destruction in my sight.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 32. - Because thy way is perverse. יָרָט, an uncommon word, which seems to mean "leading headlong," 1.e. to destruction. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The Angel מַלְאַ֣ךְ (mal·’aḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> A messenger, of God, an angel of the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel asked him, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Why עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against have you beaten הִכִּ֙יתָ֙ (hik·kî·ṯā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike your donkey אֲתֹ֣נְךָ֔ (’ă·ṯō·nə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_860.htm">Strong's 860: </a> A female donkey these זֶ֖ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that three שָׁל֣וֹשׁ (šā·lō·wōš) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice times? רְגָלִ֑ים (rə·ḡā·lîm) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> A foot, a step, the pudenda Behold, הִנֵּ֤ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! I אָנֹכִי֙ (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I have come out יָצָ֣אתִי (yā·ṣā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim to oppose you, לְשָׂטָ֔ן (lə·śā·ṭān) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7854.htm">Strong's 7854: </a> An opponent -- Satan, the arch-enemy of good because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction your way הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ (had·de·reḵ) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action is perverse יָרַ֥ט (yā·raṭ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3399.htm">Strong's 3399: </a> To precipitate, hurl, headlong, to be rash before me. לְנֶגְדִּֽי׃ (lə·neḡ·dî) Preposition-l | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/22-32.htm">Numbers 22:32 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:32 The angel of Yahweh said to him (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:33" /></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>