Balaam’s Donkey and the Angel
Numbers 22:21-41
Num.22.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבקר: PREP
- ויחבש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Numbers 22:22 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode—God’s anger is kindled because Balaam went with the Moabite leaders, explaining the divine obstacle to his journey.
- Numbers 22:28 (verbal): Part of the same narrative cluster: the Lord opens the donkey’s mouth to speak to Balaam after the donkey and angel incident that occurs on the journey described in 22:21.
- Numbers 22:35 (structural): Resolution of the scene begun in 22:21–24: the angel rebukes Balaam, and Balaam acknowledges his wrongdoing before continuing; it completes the account of the journey and divine intervention.
- 2 Peter 2:15–16 (allusion): New Testament citation/allusion to Balaam’s wrongdoing and the episode of the talking donkey as an example of false teachers and moral error.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): Jude uses ‘the way of Balaam’ as a negative exemplar; echoes the Balaam narrative (including his willingness to go with Balak’s men) as a warning against greed and false prophecy.
Alternative generated candidates
- Balaam rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.
- Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.
Num.22.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויתיצב: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לשטן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
- ושני: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- נעריו: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 32:24-30 (thematic): A divine/angelic figure halts a traveler (Jacob) and there is a personal, theophanic confrontation that interrupts the journey—parallel motif of God/angel standing in the way.
- Judges 13:3-22 (verbal): An appearance of the 'angel of the LORD' who stands before people, announces destiny, and elicits fear and worship—similar angelophany language and function as a divine messenger.
- Judges 6:11-24 (thematic): The angel of the LORD interrupts Gideon’s life and issues a summons/commission; motif of an angelic encounter that halts human plans and provokes fear and obedience.
- 2 Samuel 24:15-16 (1 Chronicles 21:14-16) (structural): An angel stands poised to execute divine judgment over a people until God commands restraint—parallels the angel as agent of divine wrath who blocks a course of action.
- Deuteronomy 23:4 (allusion): A later reference to the Balaam episode (and God’s handling of his intentions); connects this narrative detail to Israel’s collective memory and legal/ethical reflection on Balaam’s story.
Alternative generated candidates
- God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the way to oppose him; now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
- But God's anger burned because he was going; the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. He was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
Num.22.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נצב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחרבו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,suff3,m
- שלופה: ADJ,f,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ותט: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- להטתה: INF,hiph,inf,3,f,sg
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 22:31 (structural): Immediate continuation: Balaam’s eyes are opened and he sees the same angel with drawn sword that the donkey had seen, resolving why the donkey turned aside.
- Numbers 22:28 (verbal): Closely related episode in the same narrative where the donkey speaks to Balaam after he beats her for turning off the road.
- 2 Kings 6:15-17 (thematic): Elisha prays and the LORD opens his servant’s eyes so he sees the heavenly hosts; parallels the motif of humans being unable to perceive, then enabled to see, spiritual beings standing on the way.
- Genesis 32:24-30 (thematic): Jacob’s all-night encounter with a divine/angelic figure who blocks and wrestles with him — similar theme of an unexpected divine presence confronting a traveler and affecting his destiny.
- Exodus 23:20-23 (thematic): God announces sending an angel to go before Israel and guard them on the way; parallels the concept of an authoritative angelic figure placed in the path of travelers.
Alternative generated candidates
- The donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road, with his drawn sword in his hand, and the donkey turned off the road and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the road.
- The donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand; so the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the road.
Num.22.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- במשעול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכרמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- גדר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגדר: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 14:19-20 (structural): An angel/presence intervenes in the path of movement and functions as a barrier between two sides (the pillar of cloud/fire standing between Israel and Egypt), echoing ‘standing in the way’ and the image of separation on either side.
- Joshua 5:13-15 (thematic): A divine warrior/angelic commander appears standing before the human leader on the road, representing a theophanic figure who blocks or confronts movement—parallel to the angel of the LORD standing in Balaam’s path.
- Genesis 3:24 (thematic): God stations cherubim and a flaming sword to ‘guard the way’ to the tree of life—similar motif of a divine being set to block or fence access along a path (compare ‘stood in the way’ and the fencing imagery).
- Psalm 34:7 (thematic): ‘The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him’—the angel acting as a protective presence surrounding or enclosing on either side resonates with the image of a wall/hedge on both sides of the road in Num 22:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel of the LORD stood in the narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on one side and a wall on the other.
- Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on either side.
Num.22.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותלחץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- הקיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותלחץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- רגל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הקיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להכתה: VERB,qal,inf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 22:23 (structural): Same episode: the angel of the LORD 'stood in the way'; provides the immediate context for why the donkey pressed against the wall.
- Numbers 22:28-30 (verbal): Continuation of the scene in which the donkey speaks and explains why she pressed against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot—directly linked to v.25.
- Genesis 32:24-31 (thematic): Jacob wrestles with a divine/angelic figure and is injured in a limb (his hip). The passage parallels encounters with a divine messenger that result in physical harm and subsequent theological significance.
- 2 Kings 2:23-24 (thematic): God employs animals (two bears) to execute judgment on those who mocked the prophet Elisha—parallel theme of God using animals as instruments of rebuke or divine action.
- Exodus 4:2-4 (thematic): God uses a miraculous animal-sign (staff becomes a snake and back) as an instrument and sign of divine authority—related motif of God acting through or by means associated with animals to communicate or accomplish his will.
Alternative generated candidates
- The donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against the wall; so he struck her again.
- When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed herself to the wall and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall; so he struck her again.
Num.22.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עבור: PREP
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- במקום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אין: PART,neg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לנטות: VERB,qal,inf
- ימין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 5:32 (verbal): Uses the same judicial/formulaic language forbidding turning ‘to the right or to the left’ (carefully walking the prescribed path), echoing the imagery of a way with no turn.
- Proverbs 4:27 (verbal): Directly advises not to ‘turn to the right or the left’ in walking one’s path — a close verbal and conceptual parallel to the idea of a road with no option to swerve.
- Joshua 1:7 (structural): Repeats the formulaic command to be resolute and not ‘turn to the right or to the left,’ reflecting the same structural motif of an uncompromising path or direction.
- Exodus 23:20–21 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD sending an angel before Israel to guide/protect them and to bring them to a place the LORD has prepared — parallels the motif of an angel going before and occupying the way.
- 1 Chronicles 21:15 (cf. 2 Samuel 24:16) (thematic): Describes an angel standing with a drawn sword in a decisive position (to execute judgment), resonating with the image of the angel standing in the road and blocking movement.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel of the LORD went on and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right or to the left.
- The angel of the LORD went on and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left.
Num.22.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותרבץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- תחת: PREP
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- במקל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 22:22 (structural): Same episode: the angel of the LORD takes a position 'in the way' against Balaam’s journey, setting up the donkey’s defensive reactions described in v.27.
- Numbers 22:28 (verbal): Immediate continuation — after Balaam beats the donkey (v.27), the donkey speaks, making the beating the direct cause of the miraculous response.
- Numbers 22:31 (structural): God opens Balaam’s eyes to see the angel the donkey had perceived; this verse resolves the discrepancy between Balaam’s and the donkey’s awareness present in v.27.
- Judges 6:11-12 (thematic): An appearance of 'the angel of the LORD' to a reluctant recipient in a rural setting; parallels the motif of divine messenger confronting a human and eliciting fear/response.
- Psalm 34:7 (allusion): Uses the phrase 'angel of the LORD' as a protecting/delivering presence; places Balaam’s encounter within the wider theological tradition of the angelic figure acting on God’s behalf.
Alternative generated candidates
- The donkey saw the angel of the LORD and lay down under Balaam; and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.
- When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and Balaam's anger was kindled; he struck the donkey with his staff.
Num.22.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפתח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לבלעם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- הכיתני: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- רגלים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Peter 2:16 (quotation): Explicit New Testament reference to Balaam’s donkey speaking; Peter cites the episode as a rebuke and example of divine intervention in the Balaam story.
- Micah 6:5 (allusion): Recalls the Balak–Balaam incident (the wider context of Num 22), invoking God’s intervention on Israel’s behalf — an implicit reference to the episode in which God frustrates Balak’s plans.
- Genesis 3:1–5 (thematic): Another instance of an animal addressing a human. Contrasts the serpent’s deceptive speech (leading to sin) with God’s enabling of the donkey to speak a rebuke.
- 1 Samuel 10:6 (thematic): God (or the Spirit of the Lord) enables unexpected speakers to utter prophetic words. Parallels the motif of divine empowerment/permission for speech by an unlikely speaker (here, the donkey).
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you that you have struck me these three times?"
- Then God opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, 'What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?'
Num.22.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאתון: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- התעללת: VERB,hitpael,perf,2,f,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- כי: CONJ
- עתה: ADV
- הרגתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 22:28 (verbal): Immediate verbal parallel: this verse is Balaam's reply to the donkey’s spoken rebuke in v.28–30 (the donkey speaks, and Balaam answers, 'Why have you beaten me?').
- Numbers 22:21-35 (structural): The full narrative context of the episode (Balaam, the donkey, and the angel). Verse 29 is part of this larger structural unit where the donkey’s speech and Balaam’s responses occur.
- 2 Peter 2:15-16 (allusion): New Testament allusion to Balaam and the donkey: Peter cites Balaam’s error and notes that a donkey ‘spoke with a human voice’ and rebuked the prophet—explicitly recalling the Numbers episode and its rebuke of Balaam.
- Jude 1:11-12 (allusion): Jude directly alludes to Balaam (‘who loved gain’) and the mute donkey that spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness—again invoking the same scene as a moral example.
- Job 12:7-10 (thematic): Thematic parallel: animals and creation as sources of testimony or voice. While not narratively identical, Job’s appeal to beasts and birds as teachers resonates with the motif of a nonhuman creature ‘speaking’ revelation or rebuke to humans.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have made a mockery of me! If there were a sword in my hand, I would kill you now."
- And Balaam said to the donkey, 'Because you have mocked me—would that there were a sword in my hand! For now I would kill you.'
Num.22.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלוא: PART
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- אתנך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- רכבת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מעודך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ההסכן: PART
- הסכנתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
Parallels
- 2 Peter 2:16 (quotation): Explicitly cites the episode of Balaam and the talking donkey as a real event used to rebuke Balaam’s folly — direct New Testament retelling of Numbers 22:28–30.
- Jude 11 (allusion): Groups 'Balaam's error' with other notorious transgressions; alludes to the Balaam narrative (including the donkey incident) as paradigmatic of false prophecy and moral failure.
- Isaiah 1:3 (verbal): ‘The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib’ — uses the ox/ass imagery to contrast animal recognition of its master with Israel’s failure, echoing the donkey’s conscious address to Balaam.
- Luke 19:40 (thematic): Jesus' remark that if his disciples were silent the stones would cry out parallels the motif of nonhuman creation (or creatures) voicing truth/complaint when humans fail to do so, as the donkey speaks to Balaam.
- Job 12:7–10 (thematic): Affirms that animals and creation can teach and reveal wisdom about God and human affairs; thematically parallels the donkey’s speech as an unexpected vehicle of insight and rebuke.
Alternative generated candidates
- The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden ever since I became yours to this day? Have I ever done this to you?" He said, "No."
- The donkey said to Balaam, 'Am I not your donkey, upon which you have ridden since your youth until this day? Was I ever wont to do this to you?' He said, 'No.'
Num.22.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגל: VERB,qal,wayyiq,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons+1s
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נצב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחרבו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+poss,3,m,sg
- שלפה: VERB,pual,ptc,f,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ויקד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לאפיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+sfx3,m
Parallels
- Judges 13:20-22 (verbal): Manoah and his wife see the angel of the LORD ascend in flame; they fall on their faces and recognize the visitor as the angel of the LORD—close verbal and narrative parallels (angel of the LORD, falling on the face, fear).
- Joshua 5:13-15 (structural): Joshua encounters the commander/angel of the LORD, responds by falling on his face and worshiping; both scenes present a theophanic appearance of a divine messenger and the human posture of prostration.
- Judges 6:21-22 (thematic): Gideon realizes he has seen the angel of the LORD and reacts with fear (proclaiming he has seen God); parallels include recognition of the angel as a theophany and the fearful human response to such an appearance.{
- Isaiah 6:1-5 (thematic): Isaiah's vision of the Lord and the heavenly beings leads to an overwhelming awareness of divine holiness and an immediate human reaction (confession and prostration/awestruckness); thematically parallels the motif of seeing a divine figure and the humbling response.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed low and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.
- Then God opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed his head and fell on his face.
Num.22.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- מה: PRON,int
- הכית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אתנך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,sg
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg
- רגלים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הנה: PART
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- יצאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- לשטן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- ירט: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לנגדי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,1,c,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 22:23 (structural): Immediate context: the donkey sees the angel in the road and turns aside, which sets up the blows that prompt the angel’s question.
- Numbers 22:28 (verbal): The LORD opens the donkey’s mouth to speak; the donkey’s reply directly leads into the exchange about why it was struck.
- Numbers 22:31 (structural): God opens Balaam’s eyes so he sees the angel; this continues the confrontation begun by the angel’s rebuke about striking the donkey.
- Exodus 23:20 (thematic): God promises to send an angel to go before and guard the way—parallels the motif of an angel standing in the road to oppose or direct a traveler.
- 2 Kings 6:15-17 (thematic): Elisha’s servant is enabled to see heavenly beings protecting and opposing enemies—a related theme of unseen angelic presence affecting a human encounter on the road.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel of the LORD said to him, "Why did you strike your donkey these three times? Behold, I came out as an adversary to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me.
- The angel of the LORD said to him, 'Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is obstinate before me.'
Num.22.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותראני: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- האתון: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותט: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לפני: PREP
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- רגלים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אולי: ADV
- נטתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מפני: PREP
- כי: CONJ
- עתה: ADV
- גם: ADV
- אתכה: PRON,2,m,sg,acc
- הרגתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ואותה: PRON,3,f,sg,acc
- החייתי: VERB,hifil,perf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 22:28 (quotation): Immediate context — the Lord opens the donkey's mouth and it speaks to Balaam; verse 22:33 is part of that speech (the donkey explains why it turned aside).
- Numbers 22:31 (structural): Narrative explanation — after the donkey speaks Balaam's eyes are opened and he sees the angel that had blocked the road, clarifying why the donkey turned aside and risked Balaam's life.
- 2 Peter 2:16 (allusion): New Testament reference to the Balaam episode: Peter recalls how Balaam was rebuked by a dumb donkey that spoke with a human voice, using the story to illustrate prophetic folly and divine judgment.
- Jude 1:11 (thematic): Uses Balaam as a negative example (the pursuit of greed and error). Though Jude does not mention the donkey, it thematically connects to the Balaam narrative and its moral consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- The donkey saw me and turned aside from me these three times. If she had not turned aside, I would surely have killed you and left her alive.
- The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times; if she had not turned away from me, I would by now have killed you and spared her alive.
Num.22.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חטאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- נצב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- לקראתי: PREP+VERB,qal,infc,1,_,sg
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועתה: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- אשובה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Judges 6:22–23 (thematic): Gideon realizes he has seen the angel of the LORD and reacts with fear that seeing God implies death; the LORD then reassures him. Parallels Balaam’s sudden recognition of a divine messenger and his fearful confession.
- Judges 13:22–23 (thematic): Manoah and his wife respond to the angel of the LORD’s appearance by saying they will die for having seen God. Similar motif of human terror and acknowledgment upon encountering a theophany.
- Luke 5:8 (verbal): Simon Peter falls at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,” expressing unworthiness in the presence of the divine—verbal and thematic parallel to Balaam’s “I have sinned.”
- Isaiah 6:5 (thematic): Isaiah’s exclamation “Woe is me! For I am ruined… I am a man of unclean lips” on seeing the LORD echoes the motif of immediate confession and awareness of sinfulness in a divine encounter.
- Exodus 3:6 (structural): Moses hides his face because he is afraid to look at God after the divine self-manifestation at the burning bush. Parallels the structural pattern of human fear/withdrawal upon unexpectedly encountering a divine presence, as in Balaam’s claim he did not know the angel stood in the road.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, "I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is displeasing to you, I will go back."
- Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, 'I have sinned; for I did not know that you stood in the road to oppose me. Now therefore, if it is displeasing in your sight, I will return.'
Num.22.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואפס: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אדבר: VERB,qal,impf,1,-,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- תדבר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- בלק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Num.22.20 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: God/angel tells Balaam to 'rise, go with them; but only the word that I shall say to you shall you do'—same restriction on speech and action as v.35.
- Deut.18.18-19 (thematic): Promise that God will put his words in a prophet's mouth and that the prophet must speak only what God commands—parallels the motif of divine control over prophetic speech in Num 22:35.
- Jer.1.7-9 (allusion): God commissions Jeremiah with the words 'Do not say, I am only a youth; go to them and speak all that I command you; I will put my words in your mouth'—closely parallels the command to go and speak only what God gives.
- 1 Kgs.13.11-26 (thematic): Story of a 'man of God' given precise instructions (not to eat/return) and later disobeying them; thematically related to the importance and peril of following divine instructions exactly, as stressed to Balaam.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but only the word that I shall speak to you—that you shall speak." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
- The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, 'Go with the men; but only the word that I speak to you shall you speak.' So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
Num.22.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בלק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לקראתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- אל: NEG
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- ארנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגבול: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 22:5-6 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Balak’s sending of messengers to Balaam and his request that Balaam curse Israel; these verses set up the encounter described in 22:36.
- Numbers 22:41 (structural): Direct narrative continuation: after meeting Balaam at the border city, Balak offers sacrifices and brings Balaam to different high places—shows what follows Balak’s meeting with Balaam.
- Deuteronomy 2:24-37 (verbal): Geographic/territorial material on the Arnon and the boundaries of the nations east of the Jordan; echoes the identification of the meeting-place at the Arnon border in Num 22:36.
- Judges 11:16-17 (allusion): Jephthah cites the Arnon and past territorial arrangements in arguing with the Ammonites; parallels use of Arnon as a border marker and the diplomatic/territorial language present in Num 22:36.
- 1 Kings 22:6-16 (thematic): Ahab (with Jehoshaphat) consults prophets and seeks prophetic confirmation for military action—parallel motif of a ruler seeking a prophet’s word (Balak’s solicitation of Balaam) to influence national fate.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him to the city of Moab that is on the border of the Arnon, at the edge of the boundary.
- When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him to the city of Moab, to meet him at the border of Arnon, at the edge of the border.
Num.22.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בלק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלא: PART
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שלחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לקרא: PREP+INF,qal
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- למה: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- הלכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,f,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- האמנם: PART,emph
- לא: PART_NEG
- אוכל: VERB,qal,part,1,m,sg
- כבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 22:35 (structural): Immediate narrative precursor: the angel's appearance and Balaam's encounter explain why Balaam did not come to Balak when first summoned.
- Numbers 22:38 (verbal): Direct response by Balaam explaining why he did not come and insisting he can only speak what God puts in his mouth — continuation of the same exchange.
- Numbers 23:8 (verbal): Balaam's later statement "How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed?" reinforces the principle that he cannot utter words contrary to God's will, answering Balak's complaint about his failure to curse Israel.
- Numbers 24:10–13 (thematic): Balak's later rebuke and refusal to pay Balaam because Balaam blessed rather than cursed Israel echoes the conflict here between the client's expectations and the prophet's obedience to God.
- Deuteronomy 18:18–19 (thematic): The principle that a true prophet speaks God's words (and is accountable for them) undercuts the notion that a human patron can compel a prophet's message, a theological background to Balak's frustrated summons.
Alternative generated candidates
- Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?"
- Balak said to Balaam, 'Did I not send for you to come to me? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?'
Num.22.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בלק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- באתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- עתה: ADV
- היכול: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- אוכל: VERB,qal,part,1,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישים: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בפי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,construct
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אדבר: VERB,qal,impf,1,-,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 18:18 (verbal): God promises to raise a prophet and says, 'I will put my words in his mouth'—the same formula of divine speech determining a prophet's utterance echoed by Balaam.
- Jeremiah 1:9 (verbal): The LORD touches Jeremiah's mouth and puts his words there, a closely related image of God determining prophetic speech.
- Ezekiel 3:27 (structural): God controls when the prophet may speak ('when I speak to you I will open your mouth'), paralleling Balaam's claim that only what God puts in his mouth can be spoken.
- 1 Kings 22:14 (verbal): Micaiah declares, 'As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that will I speak,' a direct statement of speaking only God's word comparable to Balaam's declaration.
- Amos 3:7 (thematic): Affirms that the LORD reveals his plans to his prophets—the broader theological principle that prophetic utterance is governed by God's revelation, as Balaam acknowledges.
Alternative generated candidates
- Balaam said to Balak, "Behold, I have come to you. Can I now say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak."
- Balaam answered Balak, 'Behold, I have come to you. Now shall I have power to say anything? The word that God will put in my mouth, that shall I speak.'
Num.22.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- בלק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קרית: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- חצות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 22:21 (verbal): Describes Balaam's departure with the Moabite envoys—both verses narrate Balaam going off with Balak's representatives to carry out Balak's plan.
- Numbers 24:25 (structural): Gives the conclusion of the same itinerary—while 22:39 records arrival at Kiryath‑huzoth, 24:25 records Balaam's eventual return, framing the travel episode.
- Micah 6:5 (allusion): The prophet recalls Balak's consultation with Balaam and the oracles he delivered—an explicit allusion to the Balak–Balaam episode and its journeying context.
- 2 Peter 2:15 (thematic): Peter condemns false teachers as 'following the way of Balaam,' linking Balaam's willingness to go with a foreign king for pay to the moral/theological lesson drawn from his voyage with Balak.
- Jude 11 (thematic): Jude groups Balaam with other infamous sinners as an example to be avoided—invoking the same Balaam who went with Balak, and thus recalling the narrative of his journey and complicity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.
- So Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.
Num.22.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויזבח: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בלק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצאן: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לבלעם: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולשרים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- Numbers 22:17 (structural): Earlier in the same episode Balak promises Balaam honor and reward if he will curse Israel—provides the motive behind the sacrifices and sending of envoys in 22:40.
- Numbers 23:1 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene: Balak offers sacrifices and brings Balaam to the high places (Bamoth‑Baal) to seek an oracle, showing the ritual and diplomatic steps recorded in 22:40.
- 2 Peter 2:15–16 (allusion): Re‑evaluates Balaam as an example of false teaching and greed—Peter cites Balaam's 'love of wages,' connecting to Balak's offers and the sending of princes to secure a prophetic curse.
- Jude 11 (allusion): Jude groups Balaam with corrupt leaders who loved gain from wrongdoing; this New Testament condemnation alludes to the episode in which Balak sends gifts and envoys to Balaam.
- Revelation 2:14 (thematic): Jesus reproves a church for tolerating 'the teaching of Balaam'—an allusion to Balaam's role in Balak's scheme (offers, envoys, and corrupting influence), using the episode of 22:40 as a theological example.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep and sent them to Balaam and to the princes who were with him.
- And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep and sent them to Balaam and to the princes who were with him.
Num.22.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בבקר: PREP
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בלק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעלהו: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg+3,m
- במות: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משם: PREP
- קצה: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 23:1 (structural): Continuation of the Balaam–Balak episode: Balaam again prepares altars/from a high place to pronounce oracles — parallels the movement to high places to view and address Israel.
- Numbers 23:14 (verbal): Balak and Balaam perform sacrifices and meet at the high place (Peor); echoes the motif of ascending to a summit to receive a prophetic word or vision.
- Deuteronomy 34:1-4 (thematic): Moses is brought up Mount Nebo and God shows him the land of Israel from the height — similar motif of a leader/prophet taken to a high place to view the people/land.
- Genesis 22:2 (thematic): Abraham is commanded to go up the mountain (Moriah) for a decisive divine encounter — parallels the motif of ascending a mountain as the setting for pivotal divine-human action.
- 2 Kings 2:11 (thematic): Elijah is taken up from a high place into heaven — reflects the biblical theme of mountains/high places as loci of divine revelation and decisive prophetic events.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in the morning Balak took Balaam and brought him up to the high places of Baal; from there he saw the extent of the people.
- And in the morning Balak took Balaam and brought him up to the high place of Baal; and from there he looked upon the extremity of the people.
Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.
God's anger was kindled because he was going, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
The donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road, with his sword drawn in his hand; the donkey turned off the road and went into the field. Then Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road.
The angel of the LORD stood in the entrance to the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side.
When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed close to the wall and crushed Balaam's foot against it; so he struck her again.
The angel of the LORD moved on and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left.
When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.
Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have struck me these three times?”
He said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.”
The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden ever since I was yours to this day? Have I ever been wont to do this to you?” And he said, “No.”
Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn in his hand; so he bowed his head and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.
The angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, for your way was obstinate before me.
The donkey saw me and turned aside from me these three times; if she had not turned aside from me, I would by now have killed you and spared her alive.”
Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road to oppose me. Now, if it is displeasing in your sight, I will turn back.”
The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but do only the word that I shall speak to you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. And Balak heard that Balaam had come, and he went out to meet him to the city of Moab, to the heights of Arnon at the border.
Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send for you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?”
Balaam said to Balak, “Here I am at your command; can I say anything at all except what God puts in my mouth? I will speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.” So Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.
Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep and sent them to Balaam and to the princes who were with him.
In the morning Balak took Balaam up to the heights of Baal; from there he saw the extent of the people.