Introduction:
Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily appearing in the Book of Numbers. His account is a compelling account of a man who, despite being endowed with prophetic gifts, struggles with the temptations of wealth and honor. Balaam's narrative is a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's integrity and the consequences of disobedience to God's will.

Biblical Account:
Balaam is introduced in Numbers 22-24, during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. Balak, the king of Moab, fears the encroaching Israelites and seeks Balaam's services to curse them. Balaam is known for his ability to bless and curse, and Balak believes that Balaam's curse would ensure Moab's victory over Israel.

Initially, God instructs Balaam not to go with Balak's messengers, stating, "You are not to curse these people, for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12). Despite this clear directive, Balaam is swayed by the promise of riches and prestige. God permits Balaam to go with the men but commands him to speak only what He tells him.

The Donkey Incident:
On his journey, Balaam encounters an angel of the Lord, which his donkey sees but he does not. The donkey's unusual behavior—turning off the path, pressing against a wall, and finally lying down—leads Balaam to beat it. The Lord opens the donkey's mouth, and it questions Balaam's actions. Then, Balaam's eyes are opened to see the angel, who warns him again to speak only God's words (Numbers 22:21-35).

Balaam's Oracles:
Upon meeting Balak, Balaam attempts to curse Israel but instead delivers four oracles, each blessing Israel. In his first oracle, Balaam declares, "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). His subsequent oracles continue to affirm God's blessing on Israel and prophesy their future prosperity and dominance.

Later References and Legacy:
Balaam's account does not end with his oracles. Numbers 31:16 and Revelation 2:14 reveal that Balaam advised Balak to entice the Israelites into sin through idolatry and immorality, leading to a plague among the Israelites. This act of treachery highlights Balaam's moral failure and his prioritization of personal gain over obedience to God.

Balaam's legacy is one of warning. He is frequently cited in the New Testament as an example of false prophets and teachers who lead others astray for personal gain (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11). His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the perils of succumbing to worldly temptations.

Conclusion:
Balaam's narrative is a multifaceted account of a man caught between divine calling and personal ambition. His interactions with God, Balak, and the Israelites provide rich material for reflection on the nature of prophecy, obedience, and the consequences of moral compromise.

Blessing and Cursing
... And even then, he can"in practice he does"look forward to 'making his peace with
God' as it is called, at last, and fulfilling Baalam's wish of dying the ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xi blessing and cursing.htm

Jesus Baptized by John in the Jordan.
... 14). As to the arguments given above, we suggest that "bodily shape" does not insure
universal sight. Baalam did not see what the ass saw (Numbers 22:21-31). ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xviii jesus baptized by john.htm

First, Second and Third John and Jude.
... Conclusion, 24-25. For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of all the words and
phrases occurring in threes, as mercy, love, peace, or Cain, Baalam, Korah. ...
/.../chapter xxxviii first second and.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... For instance, there is Balak who, accompanied by Baalam the prophet sought to curse
and destroy Israel " a striking foreshadowing of the Beast with his ally ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Further, He quickly got him a beast to ride on, far, for sumptuous glory, beyond
(though as to nature, as assish a creature as) that on which Baalam was wont ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Baalam (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Baalam (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 13:2 Because they
met not the children of Israel with bread and with water ...
/b/baalam.htm - 6k

Baalath (5 Occurrences)

/b/baalath.htm - 9k

Nicolaitanes (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:15, 16, 19), and were probably identical with those who held the doctrine
of Baalam (qv), Revelation 2:14. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/n/nicolaitanes.htm - 7k

Ba'alah (5 Occurrences)
Ba'alah. Baalah, Ba'alah. Baalam . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'alah (5
Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Baalah, Ba'alah. Baalam . Reference Bible.
/b/ba'alah.htm - 7k

Soothsayer (4 Occurrences)
...Baalam is so called (Joshua 13:22; Hebrews kosem, a "diviner, " as rendered 1 Samuel
6:2; rendered "prudent, Isaiah 3:2). In Isaiah 2:6 and Micah 5:12 (Hebrews ...
/s/soothsayer.htm - 8k

Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the doctrine of Balaam? | GotQuestions.org

Did Balaam's donkey really talk to him? | GotQuestions.org

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