Die Prüfung Bileams in Num 22,21–35. Die Eselinerzählung kanonisch gelesen

This article tries to discover the meaning of the donkey narrative (Num 22:21–35) in the context of Num 22–24. Against common exegetical interpretation it evaluates the coherence with the following blessing narrative (Num 22:41–24:25). In order to do that, a new translation of the crucial verses calls the traditional interpretation into question. Furthermore it is necessary to include the canonical context. This approach will reveal that the donkey narrative is an essential prelude to the blessing of Balaam over Israel.