Numbers 22:21 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab."

This verse is part of the larger story of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet who was hired by the king of Moab to curse the Israelites. The story of Balaam is found in the book of Numbers, which details the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

In this particular verse, we see Balaam preparing to go with the princes of Moab to fulfill his assignment of cursing the Israelites. The act of Balaam saddling his donkey and rising early in the morning indicates his eagerness to carry out the task he was hired to do.

The story of Balaam is a complex one with various themes and layers of meaning. One of the key themes in this passage is the sovereignty of God. Despite Balaam's initial willingness to curse the Israelites, God intervenes and prevents him from doing so. This highlights the overarching power and control of God over the affairs of humans, and the inability of anyone to act apart from God's will.

Another important theme in this passage is the concept of divine communication. Throughout the Balaam story, we see God speaking to Balaam through a variety of means, including a donkey. This serves as a reminder that God can use any means to communicate with his people, and that his voice can come to us in unexpected ways.

The context of this verse is also significant. The Israelites had just defeated the Amorites in battle, and Balak, the king of Moab, was fearful of their encroachment on his territory. In an attempt to thwart the Israelites' progress, Balak sought out Balaam to curse them. This sets the stage for the drama that unfolds in the subsequent verses.

The symbol of Balaam's donkey is a powerful one in this passage. In the verses that follow, we see the donkey speaking to Balaam, rebuking him for his actions. This miraculous event serves as a reminder that God can use even the most unlikely and lowly creatures to convey his message. It also serves as a rebuke to Balaam, demonstrating that God's will cannot be thwarted by human ambition or greed.

Overall, Numbers 22:21 in the King James Version is a pivotal verse in the story of Balaam, highlighting themes of divine sovereignty, communication, and the unexpected ways in which God works. It serves as a reminder of the overarching power of God and the limitations of human agency in the face of God's will. The story of Balaam continues to be a powerful and relevant illustration of these timeless truths.