Numbers 22:34

And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

And Balaam {H1109} said {H559} unto the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068}, I have sinned {H2398}; for I knew {H3045} not that thou stoodest {H5324} in the way {H1870} against {H7125} me: now therefore, if it displease thee {H7489}{H5869}, I will get me back again {H7725}.

Bil'am said to the angel of ADONAI, "I have sinned. I didn't know that you were standing on the road to block me. Now, therefore, if what I am doing displeases you, I will go back."

โ€œI have sinned,โ€ Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, โ€œfor 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.โ€

And Balaam said unto the angel of Jehovah, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

Commentary

Numbers 22:34 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam, the diviner, as he finally recognizes the divine opposition to his journey to curse Israel.

Context

This verse occurs after a series of extraordinary events. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet or diviner, has been hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Israelites who are encamped near his territory (Numbers 22:6). Despite God's initial prohibition, Balaam proceeds on the journey. On the way, his donkey repeatedly sees the Angel of the LORD standing in the path with a drawn sword, though Balaam himself remains unaware. After the donkey miraculously speaks to him (Numbers 22:28), Balaam's eyes are opened, and he sees the angel. It is at this point, confronted by the divine messenger, that he utters this confession.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Sovereignty: The passage powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, even using an animal to convey His will and protect His people. The Angel of the LORD is clearly a manifestation of divine authority, directly opposing Balaam's path of disobedience.
  • Partial or Conditional Confession: Balaam confesses, "I have sinned," acknowledging his error in not perceiving God's opposition. However, his subsequent offer, "if it displease thee, I will get me back again," suggests a conditional repentance. It raises questions about the sincerity of his change of heartโ€”was it true godly sorrow or merely fear of immediate judgment? This conditional nature foreshadows his later actions, such as his corrupt counsel to Balak to tempt Israel into sin.
  • Ignorance vs. Willful Blindness: Balaam claims ignorance ("I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me"). While he was literally blind to the angel, the preceding narrative implies a degree of spiritual blindness and a desire to pursue personal gain despite God's clear instructions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: mal'akh Yahweh - ืžึทืœึฐืึทืšึฐ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”) is significant. In many Old Testament contexts, this figure is understood not merely as a created angel but as a pre-incarnate manifestation of God Himself, often acting and speaking with divine authority. Balaam's confession "I have sinned" (Hebrew: chatati - ื—ึธื˜ึธืืชึดื™) is a common biblical expression for acknowledging wrongdoing, but its depth of sincerity can vary, as seen in this context.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • God's Opposition to Disobedience: Even when we are unaware, God may be actively opposing our self-willed paths. He often puts roadblocks in our way to redirect us from destructive choices or to protect others.
  • The Nature of Repentance: True repentance involves a turning away from sin without reservation, driven by godly sorrow, not just fear of consequences. Balaam's conditional offer highlights the difference between superficial regret and genuine change.
  • Spiritual Discernment: We must pray for and cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize God's voice and guidance, even when it comes through unexpected means or challenges our preconceived notions. Sometimes, the most obvious signs (like a speaking donkey) are missed due to spiritual blindness.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 34:31

    ยถ Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [any more]:

  • Job 34:32

    [That which] I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

  • 2 Samuel 12:13

    And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

  • 1 Samuel 15:24

    ยถ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

  • 1 Samuel 26:21

    ยถ Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

  • 1 Samuel 15:30

    Then he said, I have sinned: [yet] honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.

  • Numbers 22:12

    And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they [are] blessed.
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