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.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֣רֶא
saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֣רֶא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 22
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַלְאַ֨ךְ
the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֨ךְ
the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 22
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נִצָּ֣ב
standing
H5324
נִצָּ֣ב
standing
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
6 of 22
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
הַדָּֽרֶךְ׃
her into the way
H1870
הַדָּֽרֶךְ׃
her into the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
7 of 22
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְחַרְבּ֤וֹ
and his sword
H2719
וְחַרְבּ֤וֹ
and his sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 22
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֔וֹ
in his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 22
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
לְהַטֹּתָ֖הּ
to turn
H5186
לְהַטֹּתָ֖הּ
to turn
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
11 of 22
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַדָּֽרֶךְ׃
her into the way
H1870
הַדָּֽרֶךְ׃
her into the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
14 of 22
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ
H1980
וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
15 of 22
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיַּ֤ךְ
smote
H5221
וַיַּ֤ךְ
smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
17 of 22
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Angels with drawn swords appear at crucial junctures in salvation history (Genesis 3:24 guarding Eden; Joshua 5:13 before Jericho; 1 Chronicles 21:16 in judgment). The drawn sword indicates God's readiness to execute judgment. Balaam faced the same divine opposition Israel's enemies would encounter.
Questions for Reflection
- When spiritual discernment fails and even "dumb" obstacles see danger you cannot, what does that reveal about how greed has blinded you?
- How often do you punish the very means God uses to save you from destruction because they inconvenience your disobedient plans?
- What drawn swords of divine opposition are you charging toward, blind to the judgment awaiting your path?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn (וְחַרְבּוֹ שְׁלוּפָה, wĕḥarbô šĕlûpâ)—God opposed Balaam's journey with מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה (mal'ak YHWH, "the Angel of Yahweh"), often understood as a Christophany (pre-incarnate appearance of Christ). The drawn sword signaled divine opposition unto death. Astoundingly, the ass saw what the prophet could not—the beast perceived spiritual reality her master missed.
This ironic reversal indicts Balaam's spiritual blindness. The "seer" (ḥōzeh, one who sees visions, v. 8) couldn't see God's messenger, while a dumb animal did. When greed clouds spiritual vision, even donkeys have more discernment than prophets. Balaam smote the ass for her evasion, punishing her for the salvation she provided.