" And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth (Num. xxiii. 5). An angel took up his seat in Balaam's throat, so that when he wished to bless, the angel permitted him, but when he desired to curse, the angel tickled his throat and stopped him. " Word in this place means simply an angel; as it is said (Ps. cvii. 20), " He sent His word and healed them. Rabbi Yochanan says, " There was an iron nail in his throat which permitted him when he wished to bless, but rasped his throat and prevented him when about to curse. " Word in this place means only an iron nail; for it is said (Num. xxxi. 23), "Every thing (or word, for the original has both meanings) that may abide the fire.* Ibid.