Numbers 22:25
And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֨רֶא
saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֨רֶא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 16
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַתִּלְחַ֛ץ
and crushed
H3905
וַתִּלְחַ֛ץ
and crushed
Strong's:
H3905
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress
וַתִּלְחַ֛ץ
and crushed
H3905
וַתִּלְחַ֛ץ
and crushed
Strong's:
H3905
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רֶ֥גֶל
foot
H7272
רֶ֥גֶל
foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
11 of 16
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Historical Context
Ancient travelers rode donkeys for long journeys because they were sure-footed on rough terrain and required less water than horses. A crushed foot would be extremely painful and could permanently injure a traveler, making the donkey's action costly but still merciful compared to the alternative.
Questions for Reflection
- When obeying God would cost you financially, how many painful "crushed foot" warnings will you ignore before recognizing His protective discipline?
- How does responding to God's escalating warnings with escalating stubbornness reveal that your heart is hardening like Pharaoh's?
- What pain is God allowing in your life to prevent the far greater destruction your current path leads toward?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall—The donkey's second evasion brought pain to Balaam—his foot (רֶגֶל, regel) crushed between animal and stone. God's warnings intensified: first inconvenience (v. 23), now pain. Yet he smote her again, responding to God's escalating discipline with escalating stubbornness.
Balaam's hardness despite mounting evidence and pain mirrors Pharaoh's response to the plagues—each plague hardened rather than softened his heart. When financial motive is strong enough, people interpret even painful providential warnings as obstacles to overcome rather than signs to obey. The crushed foot was mercy—far better than the drawn sword awaiting him.