Numbers 22:28

"The donkey saw the LORD’s angel, and she lay down under Balaam. Balaam’s anger burned, and he struck the donkey with his staff."

Key Reflection

The donkey's actions in Numbers 22:28 would have been a shock to Balaam and likely perplexing to his second servant, as donkeys did not typically lie down when approached by an angel. This unusual behavior highlighted the supernatural presence of God’s messenger, emphasizing Balaam’s sin and God’s judgment, even in the midst of Balaam's attempts to curse Israel. The original audience would have understood this event as a divine intervention that underscored the importance of obedience over personal desires or prophetic intentions.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass -The account was perhaps given by Balaam to the Israelites after his capture in the war against Midian. CompareNumbers 31:8. That which is here recorded was apparently perceived by him alone among human witnesses. God may have brought it about that sounds uttered by the creature after its kind became to the prophet’s intelligence as though it addressed him in rational speech.

More from Numbers 22

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