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Numbers 22:27 - Donkey sees, prophet blinds.

Numbers 22:27 - במדבר 22:27

Hebrew Text

וַתֵּרֶא הָאָתוֹן אֶת־מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה וַתִּרְבַּץ תַּחַת בִּלְעָם וַיִּחַר־אַף בִּלְעָם וַיַּךְ אֶת־הָאָתוֹן בַּמַּקֵּל׃

English Translation

And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Bil῾am: and Bil῾am’s anger burned, and he struck the ass with a staff.

Transliteration

Va-teere ha-aton et malakh Adonai va-tirbatz tachat Bilam va-yikhar af Bilam va-yakh et ha-aton ba-makel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֵּ֤רֶא הָֽאָתוֹן֙ אֶת־מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץ תַּ֣חַת בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֣ף בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיַּ֥ךְ אֶת־הָאָת֖וֹן בַּמַּקֵּֽל׃
וַתֵּ֤רֶא הָֽאָתוֹן֙ אֶת־מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץ תַּ֣חַת בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֣ף בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיַּ֥ךְ אֶת־הָאָת֖וֹן בַּמַּקֵּֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Donkey's Perception of the Angel

The verse describes how the donkey (אָתוֹן) saw the angel of Hashem, which Bil'am could not perceive. Rashi (Bamidbar 22:23) explains that Hashem granted the donkey temporary prophetic vision to rebuke Bil'am—highlighting that even an animal could recognize divine presence when a supposed prophet like Bil'am remained blind to it. This underscores the idea that true perception comes from divine will, not human wisdom alone.

Bil'am's Anger and the Donkey's Response

Bil'am's reaction—striking the donkey in anger—demonstrates his flawed character. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:14) contrasts Bil'am's cruelty with Avraham Avinu's compassion for his donkey (Bereishit 22:3), showing how righteous leaders treat even animals with care. The donkey's act of lying down (וַתִּרְבַּץ) was a deliberate divine intervention to halt Bil'am's journey, as the angel stood as an adversary (שָׂטָן) to prevent his curse (Ramban, Bamidbar 22:22).

The Deeper Lesson of the Incident

  • Divine Control: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 4b) teaches that Hashem manipulates events to fulfill His will, as seen in how an animal's actions thwarted Bil'am's plans.
  • Moral Blindness: The Sforno notes that Bil'am's inability to see the angel symbolized his spiritual blindness, despite his reputation as a seer.
  • Humility: The donkey's speech later in the parashah (Bamidbar 22:28-30) serves as a rebuke to Bil'am, reminding him that his power is contingent on divine permission (Malbim, Bamidbar 22:28).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of Balaam's character and his interactions with his donkey, illustrating his impatience and lack of understanding.
📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about Balaam's prophetic abilities and his moral failings, particularly his cruelty towards his donkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the donkey see the angel but Balaam didn't?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 22:27), Hashem temporarily opened the donkey's eyes to see the angel, while Balaam - despite being a prophet - was blinded to this spiritual reality because of his anger and improper intentions. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:14) teaches that sometimes animals can perceive spiritual truths that humans miss when they are spiritually insensitive.
Q: Why did Balaam hit his donkey?
A: Balaam hit his donkey out of frustration and anger when it stopped moving (Rashi on Numbers 22:27). The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) explains that anger blinds a person's judgment - Balaam couldn't understand there was a good reason for the donkey's behavior because he was controlled by his temper.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the talking donkey?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 4b) derives from this episode that Hashem can use any means - even a donkey - to communicate with people when necessary. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains this teaches humility - if even a donkey could recognize an angel when a great prophet like Balaam couldn't, we must always remain open to truth from unexpected sources.
Q: Why did the angel appear to Balaam's donkey?
A: According to the Midrash (Tanchuma Balak 8), the angel appeared to stop Balaam from cursing the Jewish people. The donkey's unusual behavior - seeing the angel and speaking - was meant to shock Balaam into recognizing that his mission was against Hashem's will (Ramban on Numbers 22:22).
Q: How does this story about Balaam apply to us today?
A: The Sforno (Numbers 22:28) explains this teaches that when we encounter obstacles in life, we should consider they might be divine messages rather than just reacting with anger. The Chofetz Chaim (Shemirat HaLashon) adds that just as Balaam's donkey tried to protect him despite being beaten, we should learn to appreciate those who correct us, even when it's uncomfortable.