An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated

Verse 15. Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, Verse 16. But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb Ass speaking with mans voice, forbade the madness of the Prophet.

Verse 15. Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousnesse, Verse 16. But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumbe Asse speaking with mans voice, forbad the madnesse of the Prophet.

The Analysis.

The Apostle here still continues in explaining and illustrating the covetousness of these men by way of a similitude, which he makes between them and Balaam the son of Bosor. Now the quality wherein they are compared is first propounded in general, that they followed his way, that is, they imitated him in the like manner of doing, and then set forth in particular, 1 By the effect, that they forsook the right way, and went astray into by ways, that is, into naughty and wicked ways. 2 By the proper cause of this effect, that they loved the wages of unrighteousness, like as he loved it, that is, for the desire of filthy lucre they gave themselves over unto impiety and unrighteousness. 3 By the adjunct that follows upon this effect namely, Gods rebuking of him, v. 16. which is set forth by the instrument, that he made use of to do it, namely, a dumb Ass. The fitness also of this instrument as he was made use of at that time, is declared by their inequality, because he shows that this Ass was in some sort wiser then his Master. For when the Master, though he was a Prophet, was mad, this Ass by his wisdom as it were, rebuked and corrected that madness.

THe Apostle here still continues in explaining and illustrating the covetousnesse of these men by way of a similitude, which he makes betweene them and Balaam the son of Bosor. Now the quality wherein they are compared is first propounded in generall, that they followed his way, that is, they imitated him in the like manner of doing, and then set forth in particular, 1 By the effect, that they forsook the right way, and went astray into by wayes, that is, into naughty and wicked wayes. 2 By the proper cause of this effect, that they loved the wages of unrighteousnesse, like as he loved it, that is, for the desire of filthy lucre they gave themselves over unto impiety and unrighteousnesse. 3 By the adjunct that followes upon this effect namely, Gods rebuking of him, v. 16. which is set forth by the instrument, that he made use of to do it, namely, a dumbe Asse. The fitnesse also of this instrument as he was made use of at that time, is declared by their inequality, because he shewes that this Asse was in some sort wiser then his Master. For when the Master, though he was a Prophet, was mad, this Asse by his wisdome as it were, rebuked and corrected that madnesse.