A morning departure for a long journey appears entirely routine on the surface, yet it can mask a fierce spiritual struggle, hidden motives, and intense emotional turmoil. As Balaam sets out toward the Israelite camp, his actions reveal the depth of his hostility. The primary approach among commentators is that Balaam personally prepared his animal for the trip rather than waiting for his servants. This eager, hands-on approach shows how deep hatred can distort normal behavior. Overjoyed at the prospect of bringing disaster upon the Israelites, he abandoned his dignity and performed manual labor typically reserved for slaves [רש״י, תורה תמימה, שפתי כהן, שפתי חכמים]. However, another perspective suggests he simply ordered his servants to prepare the animal [אבן עזרא]. The choice to ride a donkey rather than a horse, which would be expected for a man honored by royalty, was a calculated move. It was meant to project a false image of extreme humility and modesty to deceive anyone watching [תולדות יצחק].
On a mystical level, the preparation was not merely physical. Balaam bound the animal with spells and witchcraft, readying it to curse the Israelites. In response, God dispatched an angel of mercy to counteract this dark magic [שפתי כהן, אדרת אליהו]. Balaam's swiftness to act is directly contrasted with Abraham's eagerness when he set out to sacrifice Isaac. Commentators agree that God made it clear to Balaam that Abraham's profound love for God, which also led him to personally prepare his animal, had already preceded and neutralized Balaam's power of hatred. Abraham's actions came first, both in historical time and in spiritual merit [רש״י, תורה תמימה, ברכת אשר, שפתי חכמים, גור אריה].
As Balaam embarked on the long journey [ביאור שטיינזלץ], his alliance with the Moabite leaders became evident. God had originally permitted him to accompany them physically, provided he remained detached in his mind and entirely subordinate to God's will. Instead, Balaam chose to align himself with them completely, sharing their full intent to harm the Israelites [רש״י, מזרחי, העמק דבר, מלבי״ם]. He walked with them in silence, holding onto the false belief that he could somehow manipulate God using his sorcery [רש ר הירש]. From a practical standpoint, some note that he did not walk exactly beside the leaders, but rather trailed behind them [חזקוני].
Alongside these interpretations, a unique philosophical approach suggests that these events did not take place in physical reality at all. According to this view, the morning preparations, the initial departure, and the subsequent encounters on the road were all part of a dream or prophetic vision reflecting Balaam's inner thoughts. Only after this vision concluded did the actual physical journey begin [רלב״ג].