Numbers 22

Jehovah

Jehovah (LORD) — the covenant God of Israel, the premortal Jesus Christ

And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? Numbers 22:9–12

The God of Israel speaks to a foreign prophet and shields His covenant people from being cursed: "they are blessed." Latter-day Saints understand this protecting covenant God to be Jehovah, the premortal Christ (v. 8 names Him "the LORD").

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a traditional type, cited

Jehovah

Jehovah (LORD) — the covenant God of Israel, the premortal Jesus Christ

And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. Numbers 22:18

Even Balaam admits no amount of money can buy a word that the LORD has not spoken. Jehovah's word rules the prophets, whatever the kings want.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · a traditional type, cited

• quoted by Numbers 24:13 — Balaam repeats this same statement to Balak.

Angel of the LORD

Angel of the LORD — the messenger who comes in Jehovah's name and speaks with His authority

And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. Numbers 22:22–27

A heavenly being with a drawn sword blocks Balaam's greedy road three times, and each time the way gets narrower until there is nowhere to turn. The donkey sees him before the prophet does. In several Old Testament stories the Angel of the LORD speaks as the LORD Himself, so readers often see Jehovah's presence here.

How we know: a traditional type, cited

• the same title in Exodus 3:2-6 — The Angel of the LORD in the burning bush, where the voice says "I am the God of thy father."
• the same title in Genesis 16:7-13 — Hagar realizes the Angel of the LORD who spoke to her is God.
• the same title in 1 Chronicles 21:16 — The Angel of the LORD seen with a drawn sword in his hand.

Angel of the LORD

Angel of the LORD — the messenger who comes in Jehovah's name and speaks with His authority

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. Numbers 22:31–35

Once the LORD opens Balaam's eyes, he sees the angel, bows to the ground, and confesses "I have sinned." The angel then speaks as the LORD speaks ("the word that I shall speak unto thee" repeats God's words in v. 20). He stands in the place of Jehovah, just as prophets and angels can speak for Christ in the first person.

How we know: a traditional type, cited

• quotes Numbers 22:20 — The angel repeats God's own command: speak only the word I give you.