The Bible verse Numbers 22:28 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?" This verse is found within the larger narrative of the story of Balaam and his donkey in the book of Numbers, which is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible attributed to Moses.

The context of this verse is as follows: Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, is summoned by the king of Moab to curse the Israelites who are encamped nearby. On his journey to meet the king, Balaam is accompanied by his donkey. However, the donkey sees an angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword, which Balaam does not see. The donkey, out of fear, veers off the path, and Balaam becomes angry and strikes the donkey. After this happens three times, the Lord opens the mouth of the donkey, and she questions Balaam about his actions.

This passage contains several important themes and lessons that are relevant for believers today. One of the key themes is the idea of God's ability to use unconventional means to communicate his messages and to accomplish his purposes. In this instance, God uses an animal, a donkey, to convey his message to Balaam. This serves as a reminder that God's ways are not always our ways, and His methods of communicating with us and working in our lives may be unexpected or even miraculous.

Another theme found in this verse is the concept of humility and obedience. Balaam, a renowned diviner, is depicted in this story as stubborn and prideful. He is so determined to go and curse the Israelites for personal gain that he fails to see the danger in his path. Meanwhile, the donkey, a lowly and unassuming creature, is obedient to the will of God and is ultimately used to challenge Balaam's pride and disobedience. This serves as a reminder that God often uses the humble and unexpected to accomplish His will, and that true obedience to God requires humility and a willingness to submit to His guidance.

The symbolism in this passage is also rich and thought-provoking. The donkey, traditionally seen as a simple and unremarkable animal, is given a voice by God in this story. This act of giving a voice to the voiceless symbolizes the idea that God can use anyone or anything to convey His message, regardless of their social status or perceived significance. Additionally, the donkey's actions of veering off the path and speaking to Balaam can be seen as symbols of God's intervention in our lives when we are heading in the wrong direction, and His ability to bring about unexpected change and transformation.

In conclusion, Numbers 22:28 from the King James Version presents a powerful and impactful account of God's ability to use unconventional means to communicate His message and to challenge the pride and disobedience of humanity. The themes of humility, obedience, and the unexpected ways in which God works are timeless and relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a reminder to be open to God's guidance, to approach Him with humility, and to be attentive to His voice, even when it comes from unexpected sources.