23And the ass saw the angel of the Lord waiting in the road with his sword in his hand; and turning from the road, the ass went into the field; and Balaam gave the ass blows, to get her back on to the road.
24Then the angel of the Lord took up his position in a narrow road through the vine-gardens, with a wall on this side and on that.
25And the ass saw the angel of the Lord, and went near the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against the wall; and he gave her more blows.
26Then the angel of the Lord went further, stopping in a narrow place where there was no room for turning to the right or to the left.
27And the ass saw the angel of the Lord and went down on the earth under Balaam; and full of wrath, Balaam gave her hard blows with his stick.
28Then the Lord gave the ass the power of talking, and opening her mouth she said to Balaam, What have I done to you that you have given me blows these three times?
29And Balaam said to the ass, You have made me seem foolish: if only I had a sword in my hand I would put you to death.