2:15 Balaam. Balaam could have been a true prophet of God, but became a false prophet because of covetousness. He actually “loved” (with an agape-type love!) money.

2:16 dumb ass speaking. Peter here confirms the historicity of the remarkable miracle when the ass spoke to Balaam with a human voice. For the story of Balaam, see Numbers 22–24, especially 22:28-33. Note also Joshua 13:22 for the sad end of Balaam the covetous prophet.