Numbers 22:27

Authorized King James Version

And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
הָֽאָת֖וֹן
And when the ass
a female donkey (from its docility)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
the angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץ
she fell down
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
#7
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#8
בִּלְעָ֔ם
and Balaam's
bilam, a place in palestine
#9
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#10
אַ֣ף
anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#11
בִּלְעָ֔ם
and Balaam's
bilam, a place in palestine
#12
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הָֽאָת֖וֹן
And when the ass
a female donkey (from its docility)
#15
בַּמַּקֵּֽל׃
with a staff
a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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