Numbers 22:31

Authorized King James Version

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Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

Original Language Analysis

וַיְגַ֣ל opened H1540
וַיְגַ֣ל opened
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 1 of 17
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
יְהוָה֙ Then the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ Then the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינֵ֣י the eyes H5869
עֵינֵ֣י the eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 4 of 17
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
בִלְעָם֒ of Balaam H1109
בִלְעָם֒ of Balaam
Strong's: H1109
Word #: 5 of 17
bilam, a place in palestine
וַיַּ֞רְא and he saw H7200
וַיַּ֞רְא and he saw
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 6 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַלְאַ֤ךְ the angel H4397
מַלְאַ֤ךְ the angel
Strong's: H4397
Word #: 8 of 17
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָה֙ Then the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ Then the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נִצָּ֣ב standing H5324
נִצָּ֣ב standing
Strong's: H5324
Word #: 10 of 17
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ in the way H1870
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ in the way
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 11 of 17
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ and his sword H2719
וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ and his sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 12 of 17
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
שְׁלֻפָ֖ה drawn H8025
שְׁלֻפָ֖ה drawn
Strong's: H8025
Word #: 13 of 17
to pull out, up or off
בְּיָד֑וֹ in his hand H3027
בְּיָד֑וֹ in his hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 14 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַיִּקֹּ֥ד and he bowed down H6915
וַיִּקֹּ֥ד and he bowed down
Strong's: H6915
Word #: 15 of 17
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ his head and fell flat H7812
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ his head and fell flat
Strong's: H7812
Word #: 16 of 17
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
לְאַפָּֽיו׃ on his face H639
לְאַפָּֽיו׃ on his face
Strong's: H639
Word #: 17 of 17
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Analysis & Commentary

Balaam admits to the donkey 'And he said, Nay' (acknowledging the animal's consistent faithfulness). Then 'the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam' to see the angel with drawn sword. The phrase 'opened the eyes' indicates God's sovereign control over spiritual perception—Balaam needed divine revelation to see what his donkey naturally perceived. This humbling moment should have permanently reoriented Balaam's priorities.

Historical Context

The angel of the LORD (likely a Christophany) stood with drawn sword ready to kill Balaam (v.33). Only the donkey's three refusals to advance saved Balaam's life, making the animal's disobedience providential rescue, not mere stubbornness.

Questions for Reflection

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