ACC ~ 2 Peter 2 v16

THE PROPHET’S MADNESS RESTRAINED. CHRYSOSTOM: If the grace of God could work through the animal without affecting the animal—for the ass was not saved—but only as a means of helping the Israelites, it is perfectly clear that he is prepared to work in us, which is why this story is so poignant. CATENA.

WITH HUMAN VOICE. HILARY OF ARLES: The ass spoke with a human voice so that Balaam would understand what God was saying to him. He had become a madman because of his disobedience to the commandments of God, and dumb animals are wiser than that, since they observe the law of nature. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 2 PETER.

THE ASS BECAME BALAAM’S TEACHER. ANDREAS: The common interpretation of this is that Balaam’s ass condemned him because it obeyed the angel and submitted to him, whereas Balaam, although he heard God, did not go and warn the people, nor did he obey God’s will. Thus the ass became Balaam’s teacher. CATENA.

2 Pet