Numbers 22:23 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

The donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn in his hand. So the donkey turned off the road and went into the field. Balaam hit the donkey to make her get back on the road.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is showing us that sometimes animals can see spiritual realities that humans miss - the donkey could see God's angel blocking their path, but Balaam couldn't.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs during Israel's journey to the Promised Land when the Moabite king Balak hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. God had told Balaam not to go, but Balaam was tempted by the payment offered. As Balaam traveled on his donkey despite God's warning, God sent an angel to block their path.

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