Book of 2 Peter - Chapter 2 - Verse 16

In this verse, it is recounted how a prophet, named Balaam, was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a supernatural event involving a talking donkey. Balaam, who had gone astray and was pursuing a course of action contrary to God's will, was prevented from continuing in his folly by the intervention of the donkey, which was miraculously enabled to speak to him. The disobedience of Balaam was pointed out by the donkey, who acted as a messenger of God to halt the prophet's reckless behavior. This event serves as a reminder of the power and sovereignty of God, who can use any means necessary to prevent His children from straying from His path. It also highlights the importance of listening to God's warnings and following His commands, even when they go against our own inclinations. The story of Balaam and the speaking donkey is a lesson in humility, obedience, and the consequences of ignoring God's guidance.

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the concept of divine intervention and the role of animals in conveying God's message. In this verse, the prophet Balaam is rebuked for his wrongdoing by a miraculous event where a donkey speaks with a human voice. This extraordinary occurrence serves as a demonstration of God's power and the importance of staying faithful to His commands. The dumb ass, typically seen as a lowly creature, is used as a vehicle for God's message, illustrating that God can use any means to communicate with His people. The prophet's madness is halted by the dumb ass' rebuke, emphasizing the need for obedience and humility before the Almighty. Through this event, the prophet is reminded of the consequences of straying from God's path and the importance of heeding His warnings.