The Angel of Mercy Made an Adversary Against Balaam

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Balak 11:6

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And God's anger was kindled because he was going, and the angel of the LORD stationed himself [in the road as an adversary (satan) against him]" (Numbers 22:22). He was an angel of mercy, but to Balaam he became an adversary (satan). And thus he said [to] Balaam: "You have caused me to perform a craft that is not my own," as it is stated: "Behold, I have come out as an adversary (satan)" (Numbers 22:32).

Themes

AngelsJudgment

Biblical References

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