Numbers 22:31-41 ▼

31 Then the LORD enabled Balaam to see, so he observed the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with an unsheathed sword in his hand. So he bowed down and prostrated himself on his face.

32 Then the angel of the LORD asked him, |Why did you beat your donkey in the space of only three footsteps? I've come to oppose you, because I say that what you're doing is perverted.

33 The donkey saw me and turned in front of me in the space of those three footsteps.

34 If she hadn't turned away from me, I would have killed you by now and left her alive!| At this, Balaam replied to the angel of the LORD, |I've sinned! I didn't know that you were standing to meet me on the road. So now, since it displeases you, let me go back.|

35 But the angel of the LORD told Balaam, |Go with the men, but deliver only the message that I'm going to give you.| So Balaam went with Balak's officials.

36 When Balak heard that Balaam had arrived, he went out to meet him in the city of Moab on the border of Arnon at the extreme end of his territory.

37 Balak asked Balaam, |Didn't I repeatedly send for you to summon you? Why didn't you come to me? I can pay you well, can't I?|

38 Balaam answered Balak, |Well, I'm here now. I've come to you, but I can't just say anything, can I? I'll speak only what God puts in my mouth to say.|

39 So accompanied by Balaam and Balak's officials, Balak traveled to Kiriath-huzoth,

40 where he sacrificed oxen and sheep.

41 The next day, Balak brought Balaam up to Bamoth-baal, where he could see part of the community of Israel.