26. The angel moved once more and stood in a spot so narrow that there was no room for the donkey to go around.
27. So it just lay down. Balaam lost his temper, then picked up a stick and hit the donkey.
28. When that happened, the Lord told the donkey to speak, and it asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that made you beat me three times?”
29. “You made me look stupid!” Balaam answered. “If I had a sword, I'd kill you here and now!”
30. “But you're my owner,” replied the donkey, “and you've ridden me many times. Have I ever done anything like this before?”“No,” Balaam admitted.
31. Just then, the Lord let Balaam see the angel standing in the road, holding a sword, and Balaam bowed down.