Numbers 22:23

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the ass {H860} saw {H7200} the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} standing {H5324} in the way {H1870}, and his sword {H2719} drawn {H8025} in his hand {H3027}: and the ass {H860} turned aside {H5186} out of the way {H1870}, and went {H3212} into the field {H7704}: and Balaam {H1109} smote {H5221} the ass {H860}, to turn {H5186} her into the way {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The donkey saw the angel of ADONAI standing on the road, drawn sword in hand; so the donkey turned off the road into the field; and Bil'am had to beat the donkey to get it back on the road.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:23 presents a dramatic moment in the narrative of Balaam, a prophet en route to curse Israel, where God directly intervenes to thwart his mission. This verse vividly portrays the supernatural encounter between Balaam's donkey and the unseen "angel of the LORD," highlighting divine opposition to Balaam's misguided path and God's sovereign protection over His chosen people, even through the most unexpected means.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Balaam and Balak, spanning [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and Balak Begin"), [23](/numbers/23 "Numbers 23 - Balaam's Oracles of Blessing"), and [24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Final Prophecies"). King Balak of Moab, terrified by the numerous Israelites encamped near his territory, sends for Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse them. Although God initially forbids Balaam from going ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam")), He later permits him to proceed under strict conditions: Balaam must only speak what God puts in his mouth ([Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God Permits Balaam to Go")). Despite this divine instruction, Balaam's heart seems inclined toward the rewards offered by Balak, indicating a misalignment with God's perfect will. The immediate preceding verses describe Balaam setting out on his journey, unaware of the divine opposition already arrayed against him. The donkey's actions in this verse initiate a series of three encounters with the angel, escalating in intensity and culminating in the donkey speaking, forcing Balaam to confront his spiritual blindness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fear of a large, migrating people group like Israel was common in the ancient Near East, prompting rulers like Balak to seek supernatural means, such as curses, to neutralize perceived threats. Balaam was clearly a figure of significant reputation, whose blessings and curses were believed to carry potent spiritual power, as evidenced by Balak's desperate appeal. The concept of an "angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: *mal'akh Yahweh*) was well-established in Israelite theology, often denoting a special divine messenger or, in many instances, a theophanic appearance of God Himself. Donkeys were ubiquitous as beasts of burden and transportation in this period, making the animal's supernatural perception and subsequent speech all the more extraordinary and humbling to Balaam. This narrative also subtly critiques the practices of divination prevalent in the surrounding cultures, demonstrating that even a powerful diviner is utterly subject to the sovereign will of the one true God.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, demonstrating God's active and unwavering commitment to protect His covenant people, Israel, from external threats. Even when His own chosen prophet, Balaam, deviates from His will, God intervenes directly and dramatically to ensure His plans for Israel's blessing prevail. This resonates with the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Spiritual Blindness versus Spiritual Sight**. Remarkably, the humble donkey possesses supernatural sight, perceiving the divine presence and threat, while Balaam, a renowned prophet, remains utterly oblivious. This stark contrast serves as a profound commentary on the nature of spiritual discernment: it is a gift from God, not automatically conferred by status or profession. It reminds us that God can reveal truth through the most unexpected channels, echoing the principle that God often uses the "foolish things of the world to shame the wise" ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Uses the Foolish")). Thirdly, the narrative emphasizes **God's Control over All Creation**, showcasing His ability to use even an animal to accomplish His divine purposes, thereby asserting His absolute authority over human intentions and the natural world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel of the LORD (Hebrew, מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, _mal'akh Yahweh_):** This significant phrase often refers to a divine messenger, but in numerous Old Testament contexts, it functions as a theophany or Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of God Himself, or specifically, the Son of God. The presence of a drawn sword, symbolizing divine judgment and opposition, reinforces the gravity and authority of this figure. Its appearance here signifies God's direct and personal intervention against Balaam's path.
* **Smote (Hebrew, נָכָה, _nakah_):** This verb means "to strike, hit, beat, or wound." Balaam's repeated act of "smoting" the donkey (mentioned again in verses 25 and 27) conveys his intense frustration, anger, and lack of understanding. It highlights his spiritual blindness and his attempt to physically force the animal to comply with his will, which is contrary to God's unseen opposition.
* **Ass (Hebrew, אָתוֹן, _'athon_):** Specifically a female donkey. The use of this humble, common animal as the instrument of divine revelation and intervention adds a layer of irony and humility to the narrative. It underscores God's ability to use the seemingly insignificant to confound the wise and powerful, and to convey profound spiritual truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way":** This opening clause immediately establishes the supernatural element. The donkey, a creature of instinct, possesses a spiritual sight that its human rider lacks. This "seeing" is not merely physical perception but a recognition of a divine, threatening presence, initiating the donkey's deviation from the path.
* **"and his sword drawn in his hand":** The detail of the drawn sword signifies divine judgment, opposition, and a readiness for battle. It indicates that the angel is not merely present but actively blocking Balaam's progress, ready to execute God's will. This visual detail emphasizes the very real and dangerous threat that Balaam is oblivious to.
* **"and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field":** The donkey's response is one of self-preservation and instinctive obedience to the unseen divine authority. Its deviation from the expected path is a direct consequence of its spiritual perception, serving as a warning and an obstacle to Balaam's ill-fated journey.
* **"and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way":** This final clause starkly contrasts the donkey's spiritual insight with Balaam's spiritual blindness and physical violence. Balaam, unaware of the divine obstruction, resorts to physical abuse to force the donkey back onto the path he intends to follow, highlighting his frustration and his inability to discern God's active intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Numbers 22:23 is rich with **Irony**, which is perhaps the most prominent literary device. The prophet, Balaam, who is supposed to be a conduit of divine revelation, is spiritually blind to the angel of the LORD, while his humble donkey possesses supernatural sight. This reversal of roles profoundly critiques human presumption and highlights that spiritual discernment is a gift from God, not a professional entitlement. There is also an element of **Anthropomorphism** (or more specifically, **Zoomorphism**) in the way the donkey's actions are described, implicitly attributing a degree of conscious fear and obedience to a divine presence. The **Symbolism** of the drawn sword is clear: it represents divine judgment and the active opposition of God against Balaam's intentions. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as **Foreshadowing**, indicating that Balaam's path is fraught with divine opposition and that his attempts to curse Israel will ultimately be thwarted by God's sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:23 serves as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His ability to orchestrate events, even through the most unexpected means, to achieve His divine purposes. It underscores the truth that God's will cannot be thwarted by human schemes or even by the misguided intentions of those who claim to speak for Him. The narrative highlights the critical importance of spiritual discernment, warning against the dangers of pursuing personal gain over divine obedience, and reminding us that God can speak and intervene in ways that defy human expectation or logic. This passage ultimately reinforces the sovereignty of God over all creation and His relentless protection of His people.

* [2 Peter 2:15-16](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15-16 - Balaam's Folly")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The Lord Directs the King's Heart")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic encounter between Balaam, his donkey, and the angel of the LORD offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. We, like Balaam, can sometimes become so fixated on our own agendas, desires, or perceived paths to success that we become spiritually blind to God's subtle (or not-so-subtle) interventions in our lives. This passage challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and spiritual attentiveness, recognizing that God can use any means—an unexpected obstacle, a seemingly insignificant person, or even a frustrating delay—to redirect our steps, warn us of danger, or reveal His will. Are we open to hearing God's voice even when it comes from an unconventional source, or when it contradicts our preconceived notions? Do we allow our frustration or ambition to override our spiritual discernment? The story serves as a poignant reminder that true wisdom lies not in our own abilities or plans, but in our willingness to perceive and submit to the sovereign hand of God, even when it means turning aside from our intended way.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually blind, missing God's warnings or redirections?**
* **Am I willing to heed God's voice even when it comes through unexpected or seemingly insignificant channels?**
* **How does my response to frustration or unexpected obstacles reveal the true alignment of my heart with God's will?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment and humility in my daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "angel of the LORD" that the donkey saw?**

Answer: The "angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: *mal'akh Yahweh*) is a significant figure in the Old Testament. While sometimes referring to a created angelic being, in many instances, particularly when the angel speaks with divine authority, receives worship, or is identified with God Himself, scholars interpret it as a theophany—a visible manifestation of God. Many Christian theologians believe these appearances are Christophanies, pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus Christ. In the context of Numbers 22, the angel's direct opposition to Balaam, the drawn sword, and the subsequent divine speech through the donkey strongly suggest a direct manifestation of God's presence and will, acting as a divine agent to protect Israel and confront Balaam's errant path. This divine messenger is not merely delivering a message but actively intervening in the course of events.

**Why did God choose to use a donkey to speak to Balaam?**

Answer: God's choice to use a humble donkey to speak to Balaam is rich with theological significance and irony. Firstly, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to use any means, no matter how seemingly insignificant or unconventional, to accomplish His purposes ([Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens")). Secondly, it serves as a profound act of **humiliation** for Balaam, a renowned prophet and diviner. That a prophet, supposedly in tune with the divine, should be rebuked and instructed by his own animal underscores his spiritual blindness and God's critique of his motives. It demonstrates that spiritual insight is a gift from God, not a human attainment or professional prerogative. Thirdly, it emphasizes God's **persistent grace** and patience; instead of immediately destroying Balaam for his disobedience, God uses this extraordinary intervention to give him multiple opportunities to recognize his error and turn from his wayward path. The speaking donkey is a dramatic, unforgettable sign designed to break through Balaam's spiritual dullness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balaam and his donkey, while seemingly a strange detour, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as the "angel of the LORD" (often understood as a pre-incarnate Christ) stood in the way to prevent a curse from falling upon Israel, Jesus Christ ultimately became the one who **stood in the way of the curse of sin and death** for all humanity. Balaam sought to curse Israel for personal gain, but God sovereignly turned his curses into blessings ([Numbers 23:8](/numbers/23-8 "Numbers 23:8 - Balaam Cannot Curse Whom God Has Not Cursed"), [Numbers 24:9](/numbers/24-9 "Numbers 24:9 - God's Blessing on Israel")). This foreshadows Christ, who, by taking on the curse of the law for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), transformed the ultimate curse of sin into the ultimate blessing of salvation and eternal life. Furthermore, the spiritual blindness of Balaam, a prophet, contrasted with the donkey's supernatural sight, points to Jesus as the true light who exposes spiritual darkness ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness")) and grants sight to the blind ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Came for Judgment")). He is the ultimate Prophet, whose words are not merely what God puts in His mouth, but are God's very words, for He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Finally, just as the humble donkey was used by God, Christ Himself entered Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His humble kingship ([Matthew 21:1-7](/matthew/21-1 "Matthew 21:1-7 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")), ultimately leading to His sacrificial death that secured eternal blessing for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jude 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1 Corinthians 1:29

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

2 Peter 2:16

But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

Acts 22:9

And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

2 Kings 6:17

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Jeremiah 8:7

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.