Definition: And Godâs 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 22:22. It's a really dramatic story about God’s anger! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is testing Israel (a group of people led by Joshua) by sending a giant spider to steal the man-made golden crown they were carrying. Joshua, desperate to protect the crown, decides to ride his horse directly towards the spider. But the spider, being incredibly fast and clever, manages to trick him! It jumps on Joshua’s back and pulls him down into a pit. Here's what it says in simpler terms: “God was angry because he went to the angel of the LORD and started an argument with him.” “He went” : This means Joshua disobeyed God’s command to stay on his horse. He chose to ride directly towards the spider, even though it was a dangerous situation. “The angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him” : The angel of the Lord (a powerful spiritual figure) was intentionally trying to stop Joshua. It wasn’t just a friendly encounter; it was a challenge and a test of his obedience. "Now he was riding upon his ass..." : Joshua was riding on his horse, which is a very unusual and somewhat comical image. The Key Takeaway: This story highlights that God can be incredibly angry when people disobey His commands. It’s a reminder that obedience is important and that we should always listen to God's guidance, even when it seems difficult. It also shows the power of God’s judgment! --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story is significant in the Bible? Give you a little more context about the story (like the spider and the crown)?