Uncomfortable words

We know the great "Comfortable Words" of scripture, e.g., "Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you." (Matthew 11:28).  Today's reading from the Book of Numbers is something of the opposite.  Balaam did not listen to God although God was quite clear (Some characters - who are they?).  God chose to speak to Balaam through a very novel means.  Completely perplexed and overwhelmed, Balaam finally listened.

"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)

Odd and uncomfortable to be sure.

Balaam and his Ass by Rembrant, from Wikimedia Commons.