Numbers 22:22–35

²²And God’s anger was kindled because he went; and the Angel of Jehovah set himself in the way to withstand him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two young men were with him. ²³And the ass saw the Angel of Jehovah 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. ²⁴And the Angel of Jehovah stood in a hollow of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. ²⁵And the ass saw the Angel of Jehovah, and she pressed herself against the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall; and he smote her again. ²⁶Then the Angel of Jehovah went still further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. ²⁷And the ass saw the Angel of Jehovah, and lay down under Balaam; and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with his staff. ²⁸And Jehovah opened the mouth of the ass, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? ²⁹And Balaam said to the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in my hand, for now would I kill thee! ³⁰And the ass said to Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine to this day? was I ever wont to do so to thee? And he said, No. ³¹Then Jehovah opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the Angel of Jehovah standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed and prostrated himself on his face. ³²And the Angel of Jehovah said to him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, it was I who came forth to withstand thee, for the way thou walkest in is for ruin before me. ³³And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times; had she not turned from me, I had now certainly slain thee, and saved her alive. ³⁴And Balaam said to the Angel of Jehovah, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me; and now, if it be evil in thine eyes, I will get me back again. ³⁵And the Angel of Jehovah said to Balaam, Go with the men, but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that shalt thou speak. And Balaam went with the princes of Balak.