Study Desk

And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his ass and went with the leaders of Moab.

And the anger of God glowed because he went. And the Angel of Jehovah set Himself in the road, as a foe against him. And he was riding on his ass, and two of his young men with him.

And the ass saw the Angel of Jehovah standing in the road, and His sword was drawn in His hand. And the ass turned out of the road and went into a field. And Balaam struck the ass, to turn it back into the road.

And the Angel of Jehovah stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side and a wall on that.

And the ass saw the Angel of Jehovah, and she pushed herself to the wall and crushed the foot of Balaam against the wall. And again he struck her.

And again the Angel of Jehovah passed on and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn, either to the right or to the left.

And the ass saw the Angel of Jehovah, and she lay down under Balaam. And the anger of Balaam glowed, and he struck the ass with his staff.

And Jehovah opened the mouth of the ass, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to you that you have struck me these three times?

And Balaam said to the ass, Because you have insulted me. If only there were a sword in my hand now I would kill you.

And the ass said to Balaam, Am I not your ass on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Was I ever known to do so to you? And he said, No.

And Jehovah opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the Angel of Jehovah standing in the road with His sword drawn in His hand. And he bowed and fell on his face.

And the Angel of Jehovah said to him, Why have you struck your ass these three times? Behold, I have come out as an enemy because your way is contrary to Me.

And the ass saw Me and turned aside before Me these three times. If she had not turned aside surely now I would have killed you and saved her alive.

And Balaam said to the Angel of Jehovah, I have sinned, for I did not know that You stood against me in the way. Now if evil is in Your eyes, I will turn back by myself.

And the Angel of Jehovah said to Balaam, Go with the men. But only the word that I speak to you, it you shall speak. And Balaam went with the leaders of Balak.