Numbers Chapter 22 · Verse 28
And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּפְתַּ֥ח
opened
H6605
וַיִּפְתַּ֥ח
opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
1 of 15
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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)
פִּ֣י
the mouth
H6310
פִּ֣י
the mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 15
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
מֶה
H4100
מֶה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשִׂ֣יתִֽי
What have I done
H6213
עָשִׂ֣יתִֽי
What have I done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִכִּיתַ֔נִי
unto thee that thou hast smitten
H5221
הִכִּיתַ֔נִי
unto thee that thou hast smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
12 of 15
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
2 Peter 2:16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.Luke 1:37For with God nothing shall be impossible.Exodus 4:11And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
Historical Context
This is the only biblical account of an animal speaking besides the serpent in Eden. The miracle served double purpose: revealing the angel blocking Balaam's path and shaming the prophet whose moral sight was inferior to his donkey's.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God used unexpected or humbling means to correct your wrong-headed persistence?
- How can someone hear from God yet remain spiritually blind to His obvious opposition?
Analysis & Commentary
God miraculously 'opened the mouth of the ass' to speak to Balaam, asking 'What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?' This unprecedented miracle (2 Peter 2:16 calls it unique) revealed God's power over creation and rebuked Balaam's stubborn persistence in wrong direction. That a dumb beast saw God's angel while the prophet remained blind showed spiritual blindness can afflict even those who hear from God.