“And Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.”
The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, 'Go with the men; but speak only the word that I tell you to speak.' So Balaam went with the officials of Balak — the angel repeats God's permission from Numbers 22:19: Balaam may go, but only to speak what God instructs. The reiteration after the donkey incident clarifies that Balaam is constrained by divine will. He cannot curse even if hired, even if threatened; his words must match God's words. Balaam continues with Balak's messengers, but now chastened and aware of divine opposition.
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