Numbers 22:33

And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.

And the ass {H860} saw {H7200} me, and turned {H5186} from me {H6440} these three {H7969} times {H7272}: unless {H194} she had turned {H5186} from me {H6440}, surely now also I had slain {H2026} thee, and saved her alive {H2421}.

The donkey saw me and turned aside these three times; and indeed, if she hadn't turned away from me, I would have killed you by now and saved it alive!"

The 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.”

and the ass saw me, and turned aside before me these three times: unless she had turned aside from me, surely now I had even slain thee, and saved her alive.

Commentary

Numbers 22:33 is spoken by the Angel of the Lord to Balaam, a Mesopotamian prophet. This verse explains the miraculous behavior of Balaam's donkey, which had repeatedly turned aside from the path, much to Balaam's frustration. The angel reveals that the donkey's actions were a direct result of seeing the angel standing in the way, ready to slay Balaam for his stubborn disobedience in proceeding against God's will.

Context

This verse is part of the remarkable narrative of Balaam and his talking donkey. Balak, the king of Moab, had hired Balaam to curse the Israelites, who were encamped near his territory. Although God initially forbade Balaam from going, He later allowed him, but with a strict warning not to curse Israel. Driven by greed, Balaam set out, but the Angel of the Lord positioned himself in the path to oppose Balaam's journey. Unseen by Balaam, the donkey saw the angel and turned aside three times, eventually leading to the donkey miraculously speaking to Balaam and the angel revealing himself. This verse is the angel's final clarification, emphasizing the divine intervention that saved Balaam's life.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Warning: God actively intervened to prevent Balaam from fulfilling his wicked purpose. The donkey served as a divine instrument, acting as a warning signal that Balaam, in his spiritual blindness, failed to recognize. This highlights God's sovereign control over circumstances.
  • Spiritual Blindness vs. Physical Sight: Balaam, the prophet, was spiritually blind to God's presence and warning, while his animal possessed the spiritual sight to perceive the divine messenger. This stark contrast underscores how personal gain and stubbornness can prevent one from discerning God's clear will.
  • God's Protection of His People: The primary reason for the angel's intervention was to protect the Israelites from Balaam's curse, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they are unaware of the dangers they face. This is a powerful illustration of God's providential care and His ability to thwart evil intentions.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The angel explicitly states that Balaam's life would have been forfeit had the donkey not turned aside, revealing the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and opposing God's will, even for someone who outwardly appears to be a prophet.

Linguistic Insights

The speaker in this verse is identified as the "Angel of the Lord" (Hebrew: mal'akh Yahweh), a recurring and significant divine messenger in the Old Testament. This figure is often understood by theologians as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ or a direct manifestation of God Himself, possessing divine authority. The angel's declaration, "I had slain thee, and saved her alive," underscores the gravity of Balaam's defiance and the angel's immediate, life-or-death authority.

Practical Application

This narrative offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Be Attentive to God's Warnings: God can use any means, even the most unexpected (like a talking donkey or a frustrating obstacle), to warn us and guide us away from paths of destruction. We must be humble enough to listen and discern His voice, regardless of the source.
  • Examine Our Motives: Balaam's desire for personal gain and prestige blinded him to God's clear will. We should regularly assess our own motivations to ensure they align with God's purposes, not selfish ambition or worldly desires.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Just as God protected Israel from Balaam's intentions, we can trust that God is always at work to protect His people and accomplish His plans, even when we don't see the unseen forces at play. His protection extends even to those who are stubborn, providing grace and opportunity for repentance.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 13:24 (3 votes)

    And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.

  • 1 Kings 13:28 (3 votes)

    And he went and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass.

  • Numbers 16:33 (3 votes)

    They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

  • Numbers 16:35 (3 votes)

    ¶ And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

  • Numbers 14:37 (3 votes)

    Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.