Balaam is called a prophet, 2 Peter 2:16, because God was pleased to inspire and direct him to speak the following prophecy, as he did inspire Caiaphas to speak those words, 1 Thessalonians 11:51,52, and as sometimes he did for a time inspire other wicked men; but in truth he was a soothsayer, as he is called, Joshua 13:22. See Numbers 24:1. Beor, or Bosor, 2 Peter 2:15; for he had two names, as many others had. Pethor; a city in Mesopotamia or Aram: see Numbers 23:7 Deuteronomy 23:4. By the river, i.e. by Euphrates, which is oft called the river, by way of eminency, as Genesis 15:18 Joshua 24:2,15, and here the river of Balaam's land or country, to wit, of Mesopotamia or Aram, Numbers 21:7. They abide over against me; they are encamped in my neighbourhood, ready to invade my kingdom.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 22:5
Numbers 22:5
5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the facea of the earth, and they abide over against me: