But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
Was rebuked, х elengxin (G1649) de (G1161) eschen (G2192)] - 'had a conviction:' an exposure of his specious wickedness on being tested (from elengchoo (G1651), to convict upon testing).
His, х idias (G2398)] - his own beast convicted him of his own iniquity. Dumb, х afoonon (G880) ... foonee (G5456)] - 'voiceless speaking in a man's voice:' marking the marvelous miracle.
Ass, х hupozugion (G5268)] - 'beast of burden.' The donkey was most used in riding in Palestine. Forbade. It was not the words of the donkey (for it merely deprecated his beating it), but the miraculous fact of its speaking at all, which withstood Balaam's perversity. Indirectly the donkey, directly the angel, rebuked his worse than asinine obstinacy. The donkey turned aside at the sight of the angel; but Balaam, after God had said, 'Thou shalt not go,' perservered in wishing to go for gain. Thus, the donkey, in act, forbade his madness. How awful a contrast-a mute beast forbidding an inspired prophet!