2 Peter 2:16

but was rebuked for his iniquity Literally, had a rebuke for his transgression of the law.

the dumb ass speaking with man's voice The Greek word for "ass" is literally beast of burden. It is used, as here, in Matthew 21:5. The term for "madness" is not found elsewhere in the New Testament, but the corresponding verb is used by St Paul (2 Corinthians 11:23). For "forbade" it would be better, perhaps, to read checked, the actual rebuke having come from the angel, and taking the form of a permission rather than a prohibition. It is obvious that St Peter assumes the truth of the narrative of Numbers 22 (22 33) as beyond question, nor is there indeed any ground for thinking that it was at that time questioned by any reader, as it has been since. It does not fall within the scope of this Commentary to discuss either the objections which have been urged against that narrative, or the explanations that have been offered as toning down or minimising the supernatural element in it.