Numbers 22:21

21 Bil`am rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Mo'av.

Numbers 22:21 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 22:21

And Balaam rose up in the morning
Early, not waiting for the call of the princes, which showed how eager he was to be gone, and how intent upon the journey:

and saddled his ass;
which, if he did himself, as Jarchi suggests, this is a further proof of the haste he was in; though, as he had two servants with him, it is more likely that they did it by his order: the same is said of Abraham, ( Genesis 22:3 ) , it was usual for persons of note and figure, in those times and countries, to ride on asses, ( Judges 5:10 ) and went with the princes of Moab; in company with them, and with as good a will as they, his heart and theirs being alike, as Jarchi notes; though it seems by what follows that by some means or another they soon parted company; for when the affair of the ass happened, Balaam was alone, only attended by his two servants.

Numbers 22:21 In-Context

19 Now therefore, please wait also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will speak to me more.

20 God came to Bil`am at night, and said to him, If the men are come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that shall you do.

21 Bil`am rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Mo'av.

22 God's anger was kindled because he went; and the angel of the LORD placed himself in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

23 The donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the donkey turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Bil`am struck the donkey, to turn her into the way.