Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

Balaam had received permission to go with the messengers from Moab,
if they came in the morning to call him. But annoyed at his delay, and
expecting another refusal, they set out on their homeward journey without
further consultation with him. He was now freed from their solicitations, and
every excuse for complying with the request of Balak had been removed. He
could not, however, bring himself to relinquish the honors upon which his
heart was set; and since the Lord had not a second time forbidden him to go,
he determined to set out at once, and, if possible, overtake the ambassadors.
Accordingly, taking the beast on which he was accustomed to ride, and
accompanied by his servants, Balaam began his journey. He feared that even
now the divine permission might be withdrawn, and he pressed eagerly
forward, hurried, nervous, and impatient, lest he should by some means fail
to gain the coveted reward. How little did he in character and appearance
resemble a man qualified to execute a divine commission!
God's anger was kindled against Balaam for his Heaven-daring folly,
and "an angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him."
The animal, seeing the divine messenger, who was, however, invisible to the
master, turned aside from the highway into a field. With cruel blows, Balaam
brought the beast back into the path; but again, in a narrow place hemmed in
by walls, the angel appeared, and the animal, trying to avoid the menacing
figure, crushed the rider's foot against the wall.
Had Balaam paused to consider, he would have had sufficient cause to
question whether he was not moving contrary to God's will. But he was
blinded to the heavenly interposition, and knew not that God was obstructing
his path. The man became exasperated, and beating his animal in a most
unmerciful manner, forced it to proceed.
Again, in a place where there was no passing, the angel appeared, as
before, in an offensive attitude; and the poor beast, trembling with terror,
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