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Numbers 22:23

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.

Numbers 22:23 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, we see the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. Balaam, a prophet hired to curse the people of Israel, was on his way to carry out the task when his donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with a drawn sword. The donkey, being able to see the angel, turned aside and went into a field. Balaam, unable to see the angel blocking the path, grew angry with the donkey for turning off the road. He proceeded to strike the donkey three times for disobeying him. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the fact that God can use any means to communicate His will, even through a talking donkey. It also showcases the idea that sometimes the things we perceive as obstacles in our paths may actually be divine interventions guiding us in the right direction. Ultimately, this verse teaches us to trust in God's guidance, even when we may not fully understand the reasons behind His actions.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see the story of Balaam, a prophet who is on his way to curse the people of Israel. As he rides his donkey on the path, the donkey sees the angel of the LORD standing in the way with a drawn sword. The donkey turns aside and goes into the field to avoid the angel, causing Balaam to strike the donkey in frustration. This passage is often interpreted as a lesson in obedience and recognizing the spiritual realm. The donkey's ability to see the angel when Balaam cannot highlights the idea that animals can be more perceptive to spiritual realities than humans. Additionally, the fact that the angel of the LORD appears to protect and guide Balaam, despite his intentions to do harm, underscores the divine mercy and intervention present throughout the Bible. This verse serves as a reminder that God is always watching over us, even when we may not see the dangers or blessings that lie ahead.

Numbers 22:23 in other translations

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.

World English Bible

The donkey saw Yahweh’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the donkey turned aside out of the way, and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the way.

Douay-Rheims

The ass seeing the angel standing in the way, with a drawn sword, turned herself out of the way, and went into the field. And when Balaam beat her, and had a mind to bring her again to the way,

Geneva Bible (1599)

And when the asse saw the Angel of the Lord stand in the way, and his sworde drawen in his hand, the asse turned out of the way and went into the field, but Balaam smote the asse, to turne her into the way.