Why the Angel Blocked Balaam's Donkey Three Times

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Balak 12:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Numbers 22:25-26:) "And the she-ass saw the angel of the LORD, and she was pressed, etc. And the angel of the LORD moved forward again." What reason did he have to go before him three times? Symbols of the patriarchs he showed him here. He stood before him the first time, and there was room on this side and on that side, [as it is said] (ibid. 22:23): "And the she-ass turned aside from the road." On the second time, she was not able to move except to one side. On the third time, there is no way to turn aside to the right or to the left. And what were the symbols?

Themes

AngelsTimeAnimalsPatriarchsSymbolism

Biblical References

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