Numbers 22:27

KJV

And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the ass {H860} saw {H7200} the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068}, she fell down {H7257} under Balaam {H1109}: and Balaam's {H1109} anger {H639} was kindled {H2734}, and he smote {H5221} the ass {H860} with a staff {H4731}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Again the donkey saw the angel of ADONAI and lay down under Bil'am, which made him so angry that he hit the donkey with his stick.

Berean Standard Bible

When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.

American Standard Version

And the ass saw the angel of Jehovah, and she lay down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with his staff.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:27 captures a pivotal and dramatic moment in the narrative of Balaam, the Mesopotamian prophet summoned by King Balak of Moab to curse Israel. This verse vividly portrays Balaam's escalating rage and profound spiritual blindness as his donkey, divinely enabled to perceive the unseen Angel of the LORD, collapses in terror, effectively thwarting Balaam's disobedient journey. Balaam's violent reaction to his animal's divinely-orchestrated actions starkly underscores his inability to discern the spiritual reality unfolding before him, setting the stage for God's direct and miraculous intervention through the donkey's speech.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extended narrative of Balaam and Balak, which spans [Numbers chapters 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - The Narrative of Balaam and Balak"). King Balak, gripped by fear at the sight of the vast Israelite encampment, sought Balaam, a renowned diviner, to pronounce a curse upon them. Despite God's initial clear prohibition to neither go nor curse Israel, as recorded in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Command to Balaam"), Balaam, enticed by the promise of wealth and honor, ultimately decided to accompany Balak's envoys. God's anger was kindled by this blatant disobedience, leading to the miraculous intervention of the [Angel of the LORD](/numbers/22-22 "Numbers 22:22 - The Angel of the LORD Appears") who positioned himself as an obstruction in Balaam's path, visible only to the donkey. Numbers 22:27 describes the third and most dramatic encounter between the donkey and the divine messenger, following the donkey's initial swerving into a field ([Numbers 22:23](/numbers/22-23 "Numbers 22:23 - The Donkey's First Evasion")) and its subsequent pressing of Balaam's foot against a wall ([Numbers 22:25](/numbers/22-25 "Numbers 22:25 - The Donkey's Second Evasion")). This final, complete collapse of the donkey directly precipitates the animal's miraculous speech and the subsequent opening of Balaam's eyes to the divine presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of this narrative unfold in the Transjordan region, specifically as the Israelite exodus approaches the territory of Moab. In the ancient Near East, the practice of divination—seeking divine knowledge or guidance through various means—was a widespread and accepted cultural phenomenon. Kings and leaders frequently employed seers, prophets, or diviners to invoke divine favor or disfavor upon their adversaries. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was clearly recognized as a powerful and influential diviner whose pronouncements carried significant weight, indicating a reputation that transcended national boundaries. The Moabites, like other nations in the region, viewed the Israelites' recent military victories and their sheer numbers with profound fear, prompting King Balak to seek a supernatural solution to what he perceived as an existential threat. Donkeys were ubiquitous beasts of burden and primary modes of transport, making Balaam's reliance on one entirely typical for travel across such terrain. The violent treatment of animals, while not ethically endorsed, was unfortunately not uncommon in a cultural context where animals were primarily viewed as property and tools for human utility.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:27 powerfully illuminates several core theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention** are paramount; God actively and sovereignly intervenes to protect His covenant people and thwart wicked intentions, even employing an animal as His instrument. The unseen presence of the Angel of the LORD is a palpable demonstration of God's absolute control over all circumstances and His commitment to His promises. Secondly, **Spiritual Blindness** is starkly highlighted. Balaam, a supposed prophet attuned to the divine, is ironically and tragically blind to the spiritual reality directly before him, focusing only on the donkey's perceived stubbornness rather than the supernatural cause. This profound human spiritual insensitivity stands in sharp contrast to the animal's clear perception of the divine messenger. Thirdly, **Stubbornness and Greed** are vividly portrayed in Balaam's character. His intense anger and physical abuse of the donkey reveal his own unyielding will and the corrupting influence of the reward he sought from Balak. His desire for personal gain clearly overrode any spiritual discernment he might have possessed, a point later emphasized in the New Testament by Peter and Jude, who warn against the "error of Balaam" and his "love of money" ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Error and Greed") and [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Error of Balaam")). Finally, the verse underscores **God's Patient Warning**. Despite Balaam's initial disobedience and persistent pursuit of his own agenda, God provides repeated, escalating warnings through the donkey's actions, demonstrating His long-suffering patience before a more direct and severe intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Balaam (Hebrew, בִּלְעָם, _Bilʻâm'_):** This name, likely meaning "not of the people" or "foreigner," identifies the central human character in this narrative. Balaam is presented as a Mesopotamian prophet, renowned for his ability to bless and curse. His character in this verse is defined by his spiritual blindness and unrighteous anger, demonstrating that even those with a reputation for spiritual power can be profoundly out of step with God's will, especially when motivated by greed.
* **Angel (Hebrew, מַלְאַךְ, _malʼâk'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to despatch as a deputy," this word signifies a messenger. In this context, it refers specifically to a divine messenger, an "angel of the LORD." The fact that the donkey perceives this divine being while Balaam remains oblivious underscores the supernatural nature of the encounter and highlights Balaam's profound spiritual insensitivity, contrasting sharply with the animal's clear vision of God's agent.
* **kindled (Hebrew, חָרָה, _chârâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to glow or grow warm," this verb is used figuratively to describe the blazing up of anger, zeal, or jealousy. Here, it vividly portrays the intensity of Balaam's unrighteous fury. His anger is not a righteous indignation but a frustrated response to what he perceives as the donkey's stubbornness, revealing a heart consumed by his own agenda rather than attuned to divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD,":** This opening clause immediately establishes the profound irony that underpins the entire narrative: the humble animal possesses spiritual sight that the renowned human "seer" utterly lacks. The donkey's perception of the divine presence is the direct catalyst for all subsequent events, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign control over creation and His ability to reveal Himself to whomever He chooses, regardless of status.
* **"she fell down under Balaam:":** The donkey's dramatic collapse is an act of profound submission, awe, and overwhelming fear in the face of absolute divine authority. It is not merely stumbling but a complete prostration, a physical manifestation of the animal's recognition of God's messenger. This desperate action directly thwarts Balaam's progress, serving as the final, escalating warning from God before a more direct intervention.
* **"and Balaam's anger was kindled,":** Balaam's immediate and visceral response is one of intense, unrighteous anger. His fury is misdirected at the donkey, whom he perceives as disobedient and stubborn, rather than recognizing the divine hand at work. This "kindled anger" reflects his deep frustration at being hindered and his spiritual insensitivity, as his focus remains entirely on his thwarted journey and potential financial gain.
* **"and he smote the ass with a staff.":** This final action underscores Balaam's violent, unthinking, and disproportionate response. His physical abuse of the donkey is a direct consequence of his spiritual blindness and unbridled rage. It reveals a character driven by self-interest and a willingness to inflict harm when his desires are frustrated, highlighting his lack of discernment and compassion.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Numbers 22:27 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. Central to the verse is profound **Irony**, particularly **situational irony**. Balaam, a renowned prophet (a "seer" or one who "sees"), is utterly blind to the divine reality—the Angel of the LORD—standing directly in his path, while his humble donkey possesses clear spiritual discernment. This stark contrast highlights Balaam's spiritual corruption and God's sovereign control over perception. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as the donkey's extreme reaction and Balaam's escalating anger build palpable tension, hinting at the imminent, direct divine intervention where the donkey will miraculously speak and Balaam's eyes will finally be opened. The **Repetition** of the donkey's actions (swerving, pressing, falling) and Balaam's increasingly violent responses creates a pattern that emphasizes Balaam's stubbornness and God's persistent, escalating warnings. While not fully present in this verse, it also sets the immediate stage for **Anthropomorphism** in the very next verses, where the donkey is granted human speech.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:27 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His active, protective oversight of His covenant people, Israel. Even when human agents, like Balaam, are called to a prophetic role, God retains ultimate control and will intervene, even through the most unexpected and seemingly insignificant means, to ensure His divine purposes are fulfilled. The verse also profoundly illustrates the dangers of spiritual blindness, particularly when it is fueled by greed, personal ambition, and a desire for illicit gain. Balaam's inability to see the Angel of the LORD, despite his prophetic calling, is a cautionary tale, demonstrating that outward religious status or spiritual gifts do not guarantee inner spiritual discernment or obedience. God's patience is also remarkably evident, as He provides repeated, escalating warnings through the donkey's actions before a more direct and severe confrontation, underscoring His desire for repentance and redirection.

* [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15-16 - Balaam's Error and Greed")
* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Way of Cain, the Error of Balaam, the Rebellion of Korah")
* [Psalm 32:9](/psalms/32-9 "Psalm 32:9 - Do Not Be Like a Horse or Mule")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic encounter in Numbers 22:27 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Like Balaam, we can become so fixated on our own agendas, desires, or perceived paths to success that we inadvertently become spiritually blind to God's subtle (or not-so-subtle) interventions in our lives. God often employs unexpected and humble means—a difficult circumstance, a word of counsel from an unlikely source, a persistent obstacle, or even a moment of quiet conviction—to capture our attention and redirect our path. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of profound humility and spiritual discernment, to recognize God's sovereign hand in our circumstances, even when it feels inconvenient, frustrating, or directly contrary to our plans. It calls us to rigorously examine our motives, asking whether our pursuit of personal gain, comfort, or our stubborn adherence to our own plans is hindering our ability to perceive and obey God's perfect will. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful reminder that God's protection over His people is unwavering, and He will go to extraordinary lengths to ensure His purposes prevail, even if it means using a humble donkey to speak truth and open the eyes of a blind prophet.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually blind to God's warnings or interventions, perhaps dismissing them as mere inconveniences or frustrations?**
* **Am I truly willing to listen to God's voice, even when it comes through unexpected or seemingly inconvenient channels, or do I only seek confirmation for my own desires and plans?**
* **How does my pursuit of personal gain, my comfort, or my stubborn adherence to my own agenda potentially hinder my discernment of God's will and lead to unrighteous anger or frustration?**

### FAQ
**Why could the donkey see the Angel of the LORD when Balaam, a prophet, could not?**

Answer: This striking contrast highlights the profound spiritual blindness of Balaam, whose heart was set on the reward offered by Balak rather than on obedience to God. The narrative emphasizes that divine revelation is not always granted based on one's title, spiritual gifts, or perceived spiritual status, but often on the condition of the heart and God's sovereign choice. The donkey's perception underscores God's ability to use the humblest of creatures to accomplish His will and to expose human folly, as seen when the [LORD opened the donkey's mouth](/numbers/22-28 "Numbers 22:28 - The Donkey Speaks") to rebuke Balaam directly. This serves as a stark warning that even those with spiritual gifts or a prophetic calling can be utterly devoid of true discernment when their motives are corrupt and their hearts are hardened by greed or disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The appearance of the "Angel of the LORD" in Numbers 22:27 is often understood by biblical scholars as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who actively intervenes in human history to protect His covenant people. Here, the divine Son, unseen by the spiritually blind prophet Balaam, stands as a formidable barrier against a curse intended for Israel. This powerfully foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate protector and intercessor for His people, who not only blocks the curses of the enemy but also takes them upon Himself at the cross, becoming a curse for us to redeem us from the law's condemnation ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Balaam's spiritual blindness and self-serving ambition stand in stark contrast to Jesus, the [true Prophet](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses") who perfectly discerned and fulfilled the Father's will, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). While Balaam sought personal gain and honor, Christ, [though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"), offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to open the eyes of the spiritually blind and lead them into eternal life, becoming the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") 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

Proverbs 14:16

¶ A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Proverbs 27:3

¶ A stone [is] heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath [is] heavier than them both.

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?