Balaam’s donkey saw the angel of the LORD first, revealing God’s power to speak and guide through the unexpected.
In Numbers 22:23, we read how “the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand” (v.23), an extraordinary moment where Balaam’s animal reacts to a divine messenger before Balaam himself perceives the danger. Balaam was a prophet-for-hire who lived during the period of Israel’s wilderness wanderings, around the 15th century BC (roughly 1400-1450 BC) in the same era as Moses. He had been summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. This event occurs on the journey through Moab, a region located east of the Dead Sea, characterized by rugged highlands and valleys. In this verse, the focus is on the donkey’s uncanny ability to see the angelic presence, highlighting that even those considered lowly or insignificant can be used by God to reveal His truth.
The verse continues, pointing out how “the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field” (v.23), indicating the animal’s attempt to avoid the angel’s drawn sword. This behavior momentarily disrupts Balaam’s plans, and in his frustration, “Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way” (v.23). Balaam, who was so intent on fulfilling his mission—regardless of God’s stance—was blinded by his own ambitions. His actions against the donkey serve as a tangible example of human impatience and spiritual blindness, reminding us of how often we become unaware of God’s warnings when we are focused on our own agenda. In the New Testament, this theme continues when Jesus speaks of having spiritual eyes to perceive truth, a concept repeated in passages like John 9:39, where Jesus addresses spiritual blindness among those who think they see clearly.
This encounter demonstrates God’s sovereignty, showing He can intervene in the most unexpected ways—even through a donkey. Balaam’s spiritual journey during Israel’s approach to the Promised Land underscores that knowing God’s will requires humility and obedience. Though Balaam’s reputation as a prophet might suggest deep spiritual insight, he was forced to learn that genuine discernment comes from an open heart rather than external status or giftings. This verse foreshadows how God warns, redirects, and calls us to trust Him, a principle ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ’s ministry and teachings on true righteousness (Matthew 21:32) as well.
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Numbers 22:23 meaning
In Numbers 22:23, we read how “the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand” (v.23), an extraordinary moment where Balaam’s animal reacts to a divine messenger before Balaam himself perceives the danger. Balaam was a prophet-for-hire who lived during the period of Israel’s wilderness wanderings, around the 15th century BC (roughly 1400-1450 BC) in the same era as Moses. He had been summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. This event occurs on the journey through Moab, a region located east of the Dead Sea, characterized by rugged highlands and valleys. In this verse, the focus is on the donkey’s uncanny ability to see the angelic presence, highlighting that even those considered lowly or insignificant can be used by God to reveal His truth.
The verse continues, pointing out how “the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field” (v.23), indicating the animal’s attempt to avoid the angel’s drawn sword. This behavior momentarily disrupts Balaam’s plans, and in his frustration, “Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way” (v.23). Balaam, who was so intent on fulfilling his mission—regardless of God’s stance—was blinded by his own ambitions. His actions against the donkey serve as a tangible example of human impatience and spiritual blindness, reminding us of how often we become unaware of God’s warnings when we are focused on our own agenda. In the New Testament, this theme continues when Jesus speaks of having spiritual eyes to perceive truth, a concept repeated in passages like John 9:39, where Jesus addresses spiritual blindness among those who think they see clearly.
This encounter demonstrates God’s sovereignty, showing He can intervene in the most unexpected ways—even through a donkey. Balaam’s spiritual journey during Israel’s approach to the Promised Land underscores that knowing God’s will requires humility and obedience. Though Balaam’s reputation as a prophet might suggest deep spiritual insight, he was forced to learn that genuine discernment comes from an open heart rather than external status or giftings. This verse foreshadows how God warns, redirects, and calls us to trust Him, a principle ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ’s ministry and teachings on true righteousness (Matthew 21:32) as well.