Numbers 22:32
Numbers 22:32 in Multiple Translations
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.
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:
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:
And the angel of the Lord said to him, Why have you given your ass blows these three times? See, I have come out against you to keep you back, because your purpose is not pleasing to me.
The angel of the Lord asked him, “Why did you beat your donkey three times? Listen, I have come to confront you because you're being obstinate.
And the Angel of the Lord said vnto him, Wherefore hast thou nowe smitten thine asse three times? beholde, I came out to withstande thee, because thy way is not straight before me.
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,
The LORD’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.
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:
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:
The angel asked him, ‘◄Why did you strike your donkey three times?/ You should certainly not have struck the donkey three times! [RHQ] I have come to block your path because what you are planning to do is wrong.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:32
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 22:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֵלָי/ו֙
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
יְהוָ֔ה
עַל
מָ֗ה
הִכִּ֨יתָ֙
אֶת
אֲתֹ֣נְ/ךָ֔
זֶ֖ה
שָׁל֣וֹשׁ
רְגָלִ֑ים
הִנֵּ֤ה
אָנֹכִי֙
יָצָ֣אתִי
לְ/שָׂטָ֔ן
כִּֽי
יָרַ֥ט
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
לְ/נֶגְדִּֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מָ֗ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הִכִּ֨יתָ֙
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲתֹ֣נְ/ךָ֔
ʼâthôwn
H860
she-ass
N-fs | Suff
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
שָׁל֣וֹשׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
רְגָלִ֑ים
regel
H7272
foot
N-fp
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
אָנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
יָצָ֣אתִי
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לְ/שָׂטָ֔ן
sâṭân
H7854
Satan
Prep | N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָרַ֥ט
yâraṭ
H3399
to push
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Art | N-cs
לְ/נֶגְדִּֽ/י
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:32
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
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.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מָ֗ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הִכִּ֨יתָ֙
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
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.
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.
אֲתֹ֣נְ/ךָ֔
ʼâthôwn
H860
"she-ass"
N-fs | Suff
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.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
שָׁל֣וֹשׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
רְגָלִ֑ים
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fp
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אָנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
יָצָ֣אתִי
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לְ/שָׂטָ֔ן
sâṭân
H7854
"Satan"
Prep | N-ms
Satan is the arch-enemy of good, an opponent who withstands God and humanity. This name is used in the Bible to describe the devil or a personal adversary, often in books like Job and 1 Peter.
Definition: This name means adversary, one who withstands 1a) adversary (in general-personal or national) 2) superhuman adversary 2a) Satan (as noun pr)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: adversary, Satan, withstand. See also: Numbers 22:22; Job 1:8; Psalms 109:6.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָרַ֥ט
yâraṭ
H3399
"to push"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word yarat means to wring or hurl headlong. It can also mean to be rash or perverse, and is translated as such in various Bible verses.
Definition: to precipitate, be precipitate, push headlong, drive recklessly
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: be perverse, turn over. See also: Numbers 22:32; Job 16:11.
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Art | 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.
לְ/נֶגְדִּֽ/י
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep | Suff
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:32
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Context — The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey
30But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?” “No,” he replied.
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.
32The 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.
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.” 34“I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:18 | He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. |
| 2 | Acts 13:10 | 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? |
| 3 | Numbers 22:22 | Then 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. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:2 | He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him. |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:6 | Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse. |
| 6 | Exodus 3:2–6 | There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. |
| 7 | Psalms 147:9 | He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. |
| 8 | Jonah 4:11 | So should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?” |
| 9 | Psalms 145:9 | The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made. |
| 10 | 2 Peter 2:14–15 | Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed. They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. |
Numbers 22:32 Summary
[This verse shows that God cares about how we treat all creatures, and that our actions have consequences. The angel of the Lord asked Balaam why he beat his donkey, and this question helped Balaam to see that his way was not pleasing to the Lord. As we read in Numbers 22:32, the angel said that Balaam's way was perverse before Him, which means that Balaam's actions and motivations were not in line with God's will. This teaches us to be kind to all creatures and to seek God's obedience in our lives, as we are called to do in Proverbs 12:10 and Deuteronomy 13:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the angel of the Lord ask Balaam why he beat his donkey?
The angel asked Balaam this question to confront him about his actions and to reveal that his way was perverse before the Lord, as seen in Numbers 22:32, highlighting the importance of treating all creatures with kindness and respect, as taught in Proverbs 12:10.
What does it mean that Balaam's way was perverse before the Lord?
Balaam's way was perverse because he was motivated by selfish desires and a lack of obedience to the Lord, as seen in Numbers 22:32, which is similar to the warnings against selfishness in James 3:14-16 and the importance of obedience in Deuteronomy 13:4.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual blindness?
This verse illustrates spiritual blindness, as Balaam was unable to see the angel of the Lord until the Lord opened his eyes, as seen in Numbers 22:31, which is similar to the concept of spiritual blindness in 2 Corinthians 4:4 and the importance of seeking spiritual sight in Ephesians 1:18.
What can we learn from the donkey's actions in this verse?
The donkey's actions demonstrate a desire to avoid harm and to obey its master, as seen in Numbers 22:30, which teaches us about the importance of obedience and humility, as also seen in Psalm 25:9 and Matthew 18:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be beating my 'donkey' - those around me or the circumstances in my life - and how can I treat them with more kindness and respect?
- In what ways may my own way be perverse before the Lord, and how can I align my actions and motivations with His will?
- How can I cultivate spiritual sight and discernment, so that I can see the Lord's presence and guidance in my life?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be motivated by selfish desires, and how can I surrender those to the Lord and seek His obedience instead?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:32
And the angel of the Lord said unto him,.... When risen up, and standing before him: wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:32
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: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:32
Howsoever thou mayst deceive thyself or others, I see the perverseness of thy heart and way, the wickedness of thy design and desires in this journey, which thou hast undertaken, not to please me, but to gratify Balak, and, if it be possible, to curse my people.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:32
Numbers 22:32 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:Ver. 32. Because thy way is perverse.] Thou art resolved to curse howsoever, and not to lose so fair a preferment, which he must needs buy at a dear rate that pays his honesty for it. Better a great deal lie in the dust, than rise by such ill principles. I shall shut up with that excellent prayer of Zuinglius: Deum Opt. Max. precor, ut vias nostras dirigat: ac sicubi simus Bileami in morem, veritati pertinaciter obluctaturi, angelum suum opponat, qui machaerae suae minis hunc asinum, inscitiam et audaciam dico nostram sic ad maceriam affigat, ut fractum pedem, hoc est, impurum illicitumque carnis sensum auferamus, nec ultra blasphememus nomen Domini Dei nostri. Zuing., Epist., lib. tertio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:32
(32) Because thy way is perverse before me.—Or, because the way leads to destruction in my sight.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:32
32. thy [lit. the] way is headlong] The word, however, is doubtful. Perhaps we should read ιָ ?ψַ ?θְ ?ϊָּ for ιָ ?ψַ ?θ, ‘thou hast precipitated [undertaken precipitately] the journey.’
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 22:32
Is perverse - Rather, is headlong. Compare Peter’s words 2 Peter 2:16, “the madness of the prophet.”
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:32
32. Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass — That God cares for the well being of the brutes is shown by the fact that the first words of the angel of the Lord are a reproof for the abuse of the ass.
Sermons on Numbers 22:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spirit of Perversion - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and resisting the perversion of God's ways, as seen in the encounter between Paul and the sorcerer Elemas in Acts 13 |
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A Word to the Anxious by Kenneth MacRae | The preacher delves into the concept of 'methodeia,' which refers to the devil's orderly, logical, and effective schemes to deceive and mislead believers. These schemes involve acc |
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Willed Blindness by Elisabeth Elliot | Elisabeth Elliot preaches about the consequences of deliberate deception and the danger of holding onto darkness within ourselves, which can lead others away from the light of Jesu |
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(Angel of the Lord) 02 - Balaam by Ed Miller | Ed Miller explores the story of Balaam, emphasizing the significance of the angel of the Lord's appearances in the Old Testament, particularly how they represent Jesus. He highligh |
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"The Unequal Contest Between God and Man" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the unequal contest between God and man, illustrating that God always prevails against those who oppose Him. He uses the story of Balaam and the angel of the |
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Letter 114 by James Bourne | James Bourne addresses a dear friend, expressing concern about their light-heartedness and engagement in frivolous talk that may hinder their spiritual walk. He warns against being |
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K-513 Theology of Exile (2 of 2) by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the significance of understanding God's judgment as a means to grasp His true nature, particularly in the context of the Holocaust and the exile of Israel. He a |