but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
It may be here asked, by what right Balaam had the name of a prophet, when it appears that he was addicted to many wicked superstitions. To this I reply, that the gift of prophecy was so special, that though he did not worship the true God, and had not true religion, he might yet have been endued with it.
They walk after the flesh, refusing to bend their reason to divine revelation; evil opinions breed evil practices. They will not rest in the measure of iniquity already reached but go on increasing unto greater degrees of filth. And they pour contempt on those God has set in authority, uttering slanderous words with tongues as bold and daring as their hearts are obstinate.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Peter 2:10-22
But was rebuked for his iniquity,.... Which was not merely going along with the messengers of Balak, for he had leave from the Lord so to do, Num 22:20; but going along with them with a desire to curse Israel, when it was the will of God he should go and bless them, in order to get Balak's money; so that his governing iniquity was...