Definition: And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 22:25. It's a really dramatic and powerful story about faith and obedience! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Balaam is a Priest: Balaam was a priest who was leading a group of men to hunt. He was known for his skill with arrows, but also for being a bit arrogant and disrespectful. The Angel of the LORD Appears: An angel (think of it as God’s messenger) appears to Balaam. It's a very unusual and significant event! Balaam’s Pride & Disobedience: Balaam, feeling proud and believing himself too important to listen to God's instructions, refuses to obey the angel. He stubbornly continues to hunt. The Angel Strikes: The angel of the LORD then violently attacks Balaam with a powerful blow. This isn’t just a gentle nudge; it’s a forceful action. Balaam is Hurt: Balaam suffers a severe injury as a result of the attack. What It Means – A Deeper Look: This story is about faith and obedience. Here's what it suggests: God’s Power: The angel didn't just attack Balaam; he demonstrated God’s power. It shows that God isn’t afraid to use his might against those who resist him. Faith in God: Balaam's actions show that he wasn’t relying on his own strength or skill but was trusting in God's guidance. He believed in God's plan, even when it seemed impossible. The Importance of Obedience: Balaam’s refusal to obey God led to a terrible consequence – a painful and devastating blow. It highlights that obedience is essential for good things to happen. Symbolic Meaning (A bit more complex): Some interpretations see this story as symbolic: The Angel of the LORD: Represents God himself, who is always watching over us and intervening when we stray from the right path. Balaam’s Foot: Represents Balaam’s pride, his arrogance, or perhaps a flawed judgment that led him to make a bad decision. Crushing it symbolizes being humbled and acknowledging God's authority. In short, this is a story about divine intervention, the power of faith, and the consequences of disobedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Talk about the significance of this story within the larger context of the Old Testament (like its role in the story of Job)?