Numbers 22:32
And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
Original Language Analysis
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
And the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
And the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 20
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 #:
4 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מָ֗ה
H4100
מָ֗ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הִכִּ֙יתָ֙
unto him Wherefore hast thou smitten
H5221
הִכִּ֙יתָ֙
unto him Wherefore hast thou smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
7 of 20
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שָׁל֣וֹשׁ
these three
H7969
שָׁל֣וֹשׁ
these three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
11 of 20
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
רְגָלִ֑ים
times
H7272
רְגָלִ֑ים
times
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
12 of 20
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
יָצָ֣אתִי
behold I went out
H3318
יָצָ֣אתִי
behold I went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
15 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לְשָׂטָ֔ן
to withstand
H7854
לְשָׂטָ֔ן
to withstand
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
16 of 20
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָרַ֥ט
is perverse
H3399
יָרַ֥ט
is perverse
Strong's:
H3399
Word #:
18 of 20
to precipitate or hurl (rush) headlong; (intransitively) to be rash
Cross References
Acts 13:10And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?Proverbs 28:18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.Numbers 22:22And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.Proverbs 14:2He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.Proverbs 28:6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Historical Context
Though God told Balaam 'go with them' (v.20), He also added conditions ('only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak'). Balaam pursued the opportunity while ignoring the limitations, showing how we can obey the letter while violating the spirit of God's word.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you pursued God's permission while ignoring His clear preference and restrictions?
- How do you discern between what God permits and what He positively desires for you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The angel rebuked Balaam: 'Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me.' God's messenger identified Balaam's path as 'perverse' (Hebrew 'yarat', headlong, reckless), indicating his journey opposed God's will despite having divine permission (v.20). This paradox shows that God sometimes permits paths He doesn't prefer, testing whether we'll pursue technical permission or His true pleasure.