Numbers 22:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As St. John reflects on his role as a servant, he emphasizes that true peace is not bestowed by himself, but rather flows through Christ who chooses to communicate through us. Previously, we may have been unacquainted with grace, but now you have encountered it through us. Just as Divine Grace operated in favor of the Israelites through unexpected means, such as a donkey and a sorceress, we can be confident that it will likewise work in us, graciously willing to act on our behalf. Let no one diminish my worth or claim that I lack completeness; rather, let all pay heed to my words. I, too, am among those through whom God's grace manifests. The Lord often abides in such individuals for the sake of many.

The voice of this donkey is portrayed in Scripture as if it were comprehensible, revealing that the wise man, often influenced by demonic forces, sought insight from the silent. This resulted in him being led to misunderstand the truths extracted from the voiceless. By listening to this voice, he was not just deceived but misled to believe in the invincibility of those against whom he had been commissioned. According to the Gospel narrative, to oppose the might of the Lord is to challenge the formidable host of demons. Yet, when faced with the One who holds authority over all, they vocally express their fear and cannot conceal the undeniable truth of God’s essence—the One who will ultimately bring judgment upon sinners.

Do not overlook the significance of a donkey! She perceived the angel of the Lord, invisible to man (see Num. 22:22-33). Upon seeing him, she honored him and voiced her thoughts, illustrating that in the days ahead, prior to the arrival of the great messenger of God (cf. Is. 9:6), the Gentiles, who once resembled donkeys, will be granted the gift of speech.

How should one comprehend and portray the miracle involving Balaam's donkey? It undoubtedly was a genuine miracle and not merely a figment of Balaam's mind. The Apostle Peter affirms this by stating that the mute donkey articulated words like a human (2 Pet. 2:16). If a serpent could speak to entice Eve through diabolical means, then surely a donkey could express divine truth to admonish the prophet. In extraordinary situations, the Lord employs remarkable methods to exalt His name. In this instance, the matter at hand affected the destiny of the entire nation of Israel. Saint Augustine observes that the revelation delivered through the mouth of the foolish donkey was less astonishing than Balaam's own blindness and obstinacy.