Numbers 22:21

21 When he got up in the morning, Balaam saddled his donkey and went with the officials of Moab.

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 Please stay here overnight as the others did, so that I may find out what else the Lord has to tell me."

20 God came to Balaam at night and said to him, "Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you."

21 When he got up in the morning, Balaam saddled his donkey and went with the officials of Moab.

22 But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand on the path to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

23 When the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing on the path with a drawn sword in His hand, she turned off the path and went into the field. So Balaam hit her to return her to the path.