Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenæus

"And he rode on his donkey." The donkey symbolized the body of Christ, upon whom all men, resting from their labors, are carried as if in a chariot. For the Saviour has taken up the burden of our sins. The angel who appeared to Balaam was the Word Himself; and in His hand, He held a sword to indicate the power He had from above.