2 Peter 2:16: But Was Rebuked For His Own Transgression; A Speechless Donkey Spoke With Human Voice And Restrained The Prophet's Madness.

2 Peter 2:16

[16] But was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. (ESV)

This verse is speaking of the Old Testament prophet, Balaam. This prophet was motivated by greed. He agreed to give a prophecy against Israel, God's people. The evil king Balak, of Moab, hired the prophet to speak curses upon Israel. God would not allow Balaam to do so. God only allowed Balaam to prophecy blessing on his people. This speaks of the greatness of God.

In Numbers 22 you will find a most fascinating narrative between Balaam, and of all things, his donkey. Balaam strikes his donkey because she would not proceed on a pathway. The reason she was not moving is that the angel of the Lord was in her way. Balaam could not see what his donkey saw. In the text we find that God actually opened the donkey's mouth to speak, and explained why she could not go any further.

The fact that God restrained Balaam by his donkey shows that God is able to bring judgment upon those who would speak falsehood to his people. The narrative account in Numbers 22 also indicates that the donkey was acting more responsibly than this prophet who was supposed to be speaking the words of God. God does not take lightly those who would speak words that would hurt his people.

The fact that God takes seriously words that a teacher of God would speak, it would behoove all such teachers to be sure that they are teaching the truth, rather than speaking things that would get them material gain, but ultimately get them the very wrath of God. It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of a mighty God.

Are you a teacher of God's truth? Be careful. Make sure that you are committed to the truth, and not to the pursuit of worldly gain. God judges those who speak falsely about him.