Numbers 22:26-37

²⁶The angel of Yahweh went further and stood in another narrow place where there was no way to turn to either side.

²⁷The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh, and she lay down under Balaam. Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.

²⁸Then Yahweh opened the donkey's mouth so she could talk. She said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that induced you to strike me these three times?”

²⁹Balaam replied to the donkey, “It was because you acted so stupidly with me. I wish there were a sword in my hand. If there were, by now I would have killed you.”

³⁰The donkey said to Balaam, “Am not I your donkey on which you have ridden all your life long to this present day? Have I ever been in the habit of doing such things to you before?” Balaam said, “No.”

³¹Then Yahweh opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the road with his drawn sword in his hand. Balaam lowered his head and lay facedown.

³²The angel of Yahweh said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Look, I have come as someone hostile to you because your actions before me have been wicked.

³³The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away from me, I would certainly have killed you and spared her life.”

³⁴Balaam said to the angel of Yahweh, “I have sinned. I did not know that you stood against me in the road. So now, if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back.”

³⁵But the angel of Yahweh said to Balaam, “Go on ahead with the men. But you must only speak the words that I tell you.” So Balaam went with the leaders of Balak.

³⁶When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him at a city in Moab at the Arnon, which is on the border.

³⁷Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send men to you to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?”