Numbers 22:30
And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
Original Language Analysis
הֲלוֹא֩
H3808
הֲלוֹא֩
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רָכַ֣בְתָּ
upon which thou hast ridden
H7392
רָכַ֣בְתָּ
upon which thou hast ridden
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
9 of 21
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
עָלַ֗י
H5921
עָלַ֗י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מֵעֽוֹדְךָ֙
H5750
מֵעֽוֹדְךָ֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַיּ֣וֹם
ever since I was thine unto this day
H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם
ever since I was thine unto this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 21
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּי
was I ever
H5532
הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּי
was I ever
Strong's:
H5532
Word #:
15 of 21
to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, to cherish, be customary
הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּי
was I ever
H5532
הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּי
was I ever
Strong's:
H5532
Word #:
16 of 21
to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, to cherish, be customary
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
to do so
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
to do so
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
17 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֹּ֑ה
H3541
כֹּ֑ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, domestic animals were valuable property requiring years of training. The donkey's question highlighted that its aberrant behavior contradicted established patterns, which should have alerted Balaam that God was intervening.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use disruptions to normal patterns to get your attention when you're headed wrong direction?
- What warning signs in your life might be God's attempt to stop you from persisting in error?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The donkey responds to Balaam: 'Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee?' The rhetorical questions established the donkey's consistent faithfulness, making its unusual behavior a clear signal something was wrong. The phrase 'ever since I was thine' emphasizes long-term reliable service that should have alerted Balaam to supernatural interference.