Numbers 22:27
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
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 15
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץ
she fell down
H7257
וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץ
she fell down
Strong's:
H7257
Word #:
6 of 15
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
7 of 15
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
9 of 15
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֣ף
anger
H639
אַ֣ף
anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
12 of 15
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern literature, talking animals appear in myths and fables, but this account is presented as historical fact—affirmed by Peter (2 Peter 2:16) who wrote that the "dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet." The miracle authenticated God's extreme opposition to Balaam's journey.
Questions for Reflection
- When God's messages come through unlikely or humbling sources, does your pride prevent you from hearing His rebuke?
- How often do you beat down the very means God uses to stop your destructive path because they frustrate your plans?
- What would it look like to fall down in submission before God's opposition rather than raging against the obstacles He places in your way?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam—With no room to dodge, the donkey collapsed (רָבַץ, rābaṣ, "to lie down/crouch"). This is submission posture—lying down before superior power. The animal demonstrated the appropriate response to divine opposition that the prophet refused: stop moving, fall down, cease striving.
Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff (מַטֶּה, maṭṭeh)—The prophet's rage peaked at the moment his mount showed him what to do. Instead of recognizing the donkey's wisdom, he beat her for the third time. His staff (maṭṭeh, the same word for Moses' rod of authority) was directed at the wrong target—he should have used it to shepherd himself toward obedience, not punish the creature saving his life. God would momentarily open the donkey's mouth (v. 28) to rebuke the prophet's madness.