Numbers 22:23

Numbers 22:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path.

King James Version KJV

And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

American Standard Version ASV

And the ass saw the angel of Jehovah standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the ass saw the angel of the Lord waiting in the road with his sword in his hand; and turning from the road, the ass went into the field; and Balaam gave the ass blows, to get her back on to the road.

Free Bible Version FBV

The donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road holding a drawn sword, so it turned from the road and went into a field. So Balaam beat it to make it go back to the road.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when the asse saw the Angel of the Lord stand in the way, and his sworde drawen in his hand, the asse turned out of the way and went into the field, but Balaam smote the asse, to turne her into the way.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the ass seeth the messenger of Jehovah standing in the way, and his drawn sword in his hand, and the ass turneth aside out of the way, and goeth into a field, and Balaam smiteth the ass to turn it aside into the way.

World English Bible WEB

The donkey saw the LORD’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the donkey turned out of the path, and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the path.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The ass seeing the angel standing in the way, with a drawn sword, turned herself out of the way, and went into the field. And when Balaam beat her, and had a mind to bring her again to the way,

Translation for Translators T4T

Balaam’s donkey saw the angel. The angel was standing in the road and was holding a sword in his hand, but Balaam did not see him. Balaam’s donkey turned off the road into a field. So Balaam struck the donkey and forced it to go back onto the road.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:23

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 22:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֵּ֣רֶא הָ/אָתוֹן֩ אֶת מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהוָ֜ה נִצָּ֣ב בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ וְ/חַרְבּ֤/וֹ שְׁלוּפָה֙ בְּ/יָד֔/וֹ וַ/תֵּ֤ט הָֽ/אָתוֹן֙ מִן הַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ וַ/תֵּ֖לֶךְ בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה וַ/יַּ֤ךְ בִּלְעָם֙ אֶת הָ֣/אָת֔וֹן לְ/הַטֹּתָ֖/הּ הַ/דָּֽרֶךְ

וַ/תֵּ֣רֶא râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

הָ/אָתוֹן֩ ʼâthôwn H860 she-ass Art | N-fs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מַלְאַ֨ךְ mălʼâk H4397 messenger N-ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

נִצָּ֣ב nâtsab H5324 to stand V-Niphal

בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

וְ/חַרְבּ֤/וֹ chereb H2719 sword Conj | N-fs | Suff

שְׁלוּפָה֙ shâlaph H8025 to draw V-Qal-Inf-c

בְּ/יָד֔/וֹ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

וַ/תֵּ֤ט nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

הָֽ/אָתוֹן֙ ʼâthôwn H860 she-ass Art | N-fs

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 way Art | N-cs

וַ/תֵּ֖לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms

וַ/יַּ֤ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

בִּלְעָם֙ Bilʻâm H1109 Balaam N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ֣/אָת֔וֹן ʼâthôwn H860 she-ass Art | N-fs

לְ/הַטֹּתָ֖/הּ nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

הַ/דָּֽרֶךְ derek H1870 way Art | N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:23

וַ/תֵּ֣רֶא râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

הָ/אָתוֹן֩ ʼâthôwn H860 "she-ass" Art | N-fs

A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.

Definition: she-ass, she-donkey

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מַלְאַ֨ךְ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" N-ms

A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.

Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel

Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

נִצָּ֣ב nâtsab H5324 "to stand" V-Niphal

To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.

Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.

בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

וְ/חַרְבּ֤/וֹ chereb H2719 "sword" Conj | N-fs | Suff

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

שְׁלוּפָה֙ shâlaph H8025 "to draw" V-Qal-Inf-c

This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.

Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.

בְּ/יָד֔/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

וַ/תֵּ֤ט nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.

הָֽ/אָתוֹן֙ ʼâthôwn H860 "she-ass" Art | N-fs

A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.

Definition: she-ass, she-donkey

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Art | N-cs

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

וַ/תֵּ֖לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה sâdeh H7704 "field" Prep | N-ms

A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)

Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.

וַ/יַּ֤ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

בִּלְעָם֙ Bilʻâm H1109 "Balaam" N-proper

Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ֣/אָת֔וֹן ʼâthôwn H860 "she-ass" Art | N-fs

A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.

Definition: she-ass, she-donkey

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.

לְ/הַטֹּתָ֖/הּ nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

הַ/דָּֽרֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Art | N-cs

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Study Notes — Numbers 22:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 22:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:23
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:23
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:23
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:23
Sermons on Numbers 22:23

Context — The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey

21So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. 22Then God’s anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

23When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path.

24Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow passage between two vineyards, with walls on either side. 25And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her once again.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jude 1:11	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.
2	2 Peter 2:16	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.
3	1 Corinthians 1:27–29	But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence.
4	1 Chronicles 21:16	When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown.
5	Acts 22:9	My companions saw the light, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me.
6	Daniel 10:7	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.
7	Jeremiah 8:7	Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD.
8	2 Kings 6:17	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.

Numbers 22:23 Summary

In Numbers 22:23, the donkey sees the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword, and it tries to avoid the angel by turning off the path. However, Balaam beats the donkey, not understanding the warning sign. This event shows how God can use unexpected means to warn us or guide us, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 where we are encouraged to trust in the LORD with all our heart. We can learn from this verse to be more aware of God's presence and intervention in our lives, and to seek His guidance and correction, just as the psalmist does in Psalm 139:23-24 where he asks God to search his heart and know his thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the donkey in Numbers 22:23 see the angel of the LORD but Balaam did not?

The Bible does not explicitly state why the donkey saw the angel and Balaam did not, but it may be because God allowed the donkey to see the angel as a means of warning Balaam, as seen in Numbers 22:22 where God's anger was kindled against Balaam for his actions, similar to the way God spoke through a donkey in Numbers 22:28-30.

What can we learn from Balaam's treatment of his donkey in Numbers 22:23?

Balaam's actions towards his donkey demonstrate a lack of understanding and compassion, beating the donkey for trying to avoid the angel, which can be seen as a reflection of his own spiritual blindness, as noted in 2 Peter 2:15-16 where Balaam is described as loving the wages of unrighteousness.

How does the angel of the LORD fit into God's plan in Numbers 22:23?

The angel of the LORD in Numbers 22:23 serves as a physical representation of God's presence and intervention, similar to the angel in Exodus 23:20-22, who was sent to guide and protect the Israelites, and the angel in Judges 2:1-5, who reminded the Israelites of their covenant with God.

What is the significance of the drawn sword in the hand of the angel of the LORD in Numbers 22:23?

The drawn sword in the hand of the angel of the LORD signifies God's judgment and authority, as seen in Joshua 5:13-15 where the captain of the LORD's army appears with a drawn sword, indicating the seriousness of God's warning to Balaam and the potential consequences of his actions, similar to the description of the angel in Revelation 10:1-11.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be spiritually blind, like Balaam, and how can I seek God's guidance and correction?
How do I respond when faced with unexpected obstacles or challenges, and what can I learn from the donkey's attempts to avoid the angel in Numbers 22:23?
In what ways can I demonstrate compassion and understanding towards others, especially when they may be trying to warn me or guide me, as the donkey tried to warn Balaam?
How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and intervention in my life, and what role can Scripture play in helping me discern God's will, as seen in Psalm 119:105 where the word of God is described as a lamp to our feet?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:23

And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way,.... Which Balaam did not; his eyes being held from seeing him by the power and providence of God, that he might be reproved and rebuked by

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:23

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:23

Balaam saw not the angel because God withheld his eyes, as he did the eyes of Daniel’ s companions, . It is a truth, which mere philosophers own, that when God withdraws his concourse or help from any of his creatures, they cannot perform their natural acts and offices; the eye cannot see, as Genesis 19, nor the ear hear, nor the fire burn, as Daniel 3.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:23

Numbers 22:23 And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.Ver. 23. And the ass saw the angel.] Which Balaam saw not; his eyes were put out with the dust of covetousness, or dazzled at least with the glittering of the promised promotions.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:23

Verse 23. And the ass saw the angel] When God granted visions those alone who were particularly interested saw them while others in the same company saw nothing; see Daniel 10:7; Acts 9:7.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:23

23. with his sword drawn in his hand] Numbers 22:31. Joshua 5:13. and went into the field] The road would run through the open country (‘the field’), without walls or fences. These would only be employed between vineyards, to keep out animals.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:23

23. And the ass saw the angel — “To the great disgrace of the prophet, the glory of the angel was first of all apparent to the ass.… He had been boasting before this of extraordinary visions, and now

Sermons on Numbers 22:23

	Sermon	Description
	(Beginning a New Year) True Faith Is Putting God First by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Cain and Abel from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of giving God the best of what we have, rather than just offering som
	Church History - Session 2 (Growth From Antioch) by Edgar F. Parkyns	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of watching and remembering the teachings of the word of God. The speaker, inspired by the success and power of his ministry,
	The Dangers of Irreverence Before God by Robert Wurtz II	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with reverence and fear. He criticizes a fellow preacher for not preaching God strongly enough a
	The Way, the Truth, the Life - Jude by Anton Bosch	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the presence of false teachers and mockers in the last days. He warns the believers to be aware of these individuals who walk according to the
	The Great Deception by Edgar Reich	Brother Edgar Reich delivers a powerful sermon on the great deception, emphasizing the dangers of falling into deception and the importance of defending the faith. Drawing from the
	Heaven: Its Hope by D.L. Moody	The preacher delves into the concept of hostility, describing it as a word spoken against or defiance against authority, often involving strife and enmity. The term 'antilogia' is
	Epistle 25 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of walking in the light of God’s love and truth, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid turning away from the light that