KJV ORIGINAL
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Balaam said to his donkey, 'You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword with me right now, I would kill you!'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Balaam is so angry and embarrassed at his donkey for refusing to move forward that he threatens to kill the animal if he had a weapon.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Balaam's journey to curse the Israelites at King Balak's request. Balaam's donkey had repeatedly refused to continue on the path because she could see an angel of the Lord blocking their way with a drawn sword, though Balaam himself was blind to this divine intervention. God had miraculously given the donkey the ability to speak to rebuke Balaam for his anger.
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