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1. In looking at this passage we must make every allowance for the difference between those times and ours. I do not know any valid reason why God in the accomplishment of His infinitely wise designs might not employ the means here described, and miraculously impart to the ass the organs of articulation, and a knowledge of their use.

2. After the most close and candid attention, however, which I have been able to give to the subject, I am led to the conclusion that the occurrence here related was a dream, or vision, which took place on the night previous to his journey. He knew that he was doing wrong; for, although he had permission to go, yet it was not permitted him to do so with the wicked design which he cherished in his heart — that of cursing the people. On this account his guilty conscience tormented him, and, in his sleep, vividly presented to his mind the scene here recorded. At the end of ver. 35 (after the scene is finished) the words, "So Balaam went with the princes of Balak," seem to refer to his setting out on his journey.

3. There is one objection which may be urged to this view. St. Peter says, "The dumb ass," &c. To this it may be replied, that the occurrence, though happening only in a dream, appeared as real to the mind of the prophet as though it had actually taken place, and was designed to have all the force and effect of a real transaction.

4. In favour of the hypothesis the reasons are, I think, numerous and satisfactory.

(1) In the prophecies many accounts of visions are given which are not formally introduced as such (Isaiah 6.).

(2) Balaam expressed no surprise at being addressed by the animal. In dreaming we feel no surprise at the most astonishing occurrences.

(3) The narrative of this transaction appears to intimate that the prophet was nearly alone: "two servants were with him." In his real journey, however, he was accompanied by the princes of Moab, who had, no doubt, a great number of attendants.

(4) He had received permission to go, whereas, in this account, the angel appears angry with him for going in compliance with that permission. Strong presumptive proof that the workings of a guilty conscience wrought on his mind during sleep, and produced a vivid dream or vision.

(5) In chap. Numbers 23 it is repeatedly said, "He hath said which heard the words of God, which saw the visions of the Almighty; falling into a trance, but having his eyes open." May not this refer to the "vision," or "trance," or dream, of which we have been speaking?

(J. P. Smith, LL. D.)

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KJV: And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.

WEB: Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.