Numbers 22:22
And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 19
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֣ף
anger
H639
אַ֣ף
anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
אֱלֹהִים֮
And God's
H430
אֱלֹהִים֮
And God's
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
because he went
H1980
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
because he went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
הוּא֒
H1931
הוּא֒
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֞ב
stood
H3320
וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֞ב
stood
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
7 of 19
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
מַלְאַ֧ךְ
and the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֧ךְ
and the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
8 of 19
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
10 of 19
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לְשָׂטָ֣ן
for an adversary
H7854
לְשָׂטָ֣ן
for an adversary
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
11 of 19
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
וְהוּא֙
H1931
וְהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
13 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
רֹכֵ֣ב
against him Now he was riding
H7392
רֹכֵ֣ב
against him Now he was riding
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
14 of 19
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Exodus 4:24And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.Numbers 22:32And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:Lamentations 2:4He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.
Historical Context
This incident's placement immediately after God's permission highlights the distinction between letter and spirit of divine permission. Balaam had formal permission but wrong motives (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 11). The angel's opposition, invisible to Balaam but seen by his donkey, illustrates how God uses unexpected means to thwart wrongful intentions. Later references to 'the way of Balaam' (2 Peter 2:15) and 'the error of Balaam' (Jude 11) make his name synonymous with greed-corrupted ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How can having God's permission for something still result in sin if done with wrong motives?
- What does Balaam's example teach about the danger of ministry motivated by financial gain rather than genuine service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'God's anger was kindled because he went' seems to contradict God's permission in verse 20, but closer reading shows God allowed Balaam to go 'if the men call thee'—for the limited purpose of declaring only God's word. Balaam went eagerly with greed-motivated intentions beyond God's permission, prompting divine anger. The angel standing 'for an adversary against him' demonstrates God's active opposition to those who push boundaries on His permissions. Even when God permits something, motive matters supremely.