Numbers 22:26-33

²⁶And nevertheless the angel went to a strait place, where was no going out of the way, neither to the right side, nor to the left, and stood against Balaam

²⁷And when the she-ass saw the angel standing, she felled down under the feet of the sitter upon her, the which was wroth full greatly, and he beat her sides with a staff.

²⁸And the Lord opened the mouth of the she-ass, and she spake, What have I done to thee? why smitest thou me, lo! now the third time?

²⁹Balaam answered, For thou hast dis-served, and hast scorned me; I would that I had a sword to slay thee.

³⁰And the she-ass said, Whether I am not thy beast upon which thou were wont to ride evermore till into this present day? say thou, what like thing to this I did ever to thee? And Balaam said, Never thus thou servedest me.

³¹Anon the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel standing in the way, holding a drawn sword in his hand; and Balaam worshipped him lowly into the earth.

³²To whom the angel said, Why hast thou thrice beaten thine she-ass? I came to be adversary to thee, for thy way is wayward, and contrary to me;

³³and if the she-ass had not bowed away from the way, and given place to the against-stander, I had slain thee, and the ass should have lived.