Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for his interactions with the Israelites during their wilderness journey. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24, with additional references in Deuteronomy, Joshua, Nehemiah, Micah, 2 Peter, Jude, and Revelation.

Background and Character

Balaam, son of Beor, resided in Pethor, near the Euphrates River. He was renowned for his ability to bless and curse, a reputation that reached Balak, the king of Moab. Despite being a Gentile, Balaam had some knowledge of the true God, Yahweh, and was able to receive divine revelations. However, his character is depicted as morally ambiguous, torn between obedience to God and personal gain.

The Call of Balaam

In Numbers 22, Balak, fearing the encroaching Israelites, sent messengers to Balaam, offering him rewards to curse Israel. Balaam sought God's guidance, and God instructed him not to go with the Moabite officials, stating, "You are not to curse these people, for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12). Despite this clear directive, Balaam's desire for reward led him to entertain Balak's request further.

Balaam's Journey and the Angel of the Lord

Balaam's journey to Moab is marked by divine intervention. God permitted Balaam to go but was angered by his intentions. The Angel of the Lord confronted Balaam on the road, visible only to Balaam's donkey, which refused to proceed. After Balaam struck the donkey, God opened the animal's mouth, and it spoke to Balaam. The Angel then revealed Himself, warning Balaam to speak only what God commanded (Numbers 22:22-35).

Balaam's Oracles

Upon reaching Moab, Balaam delivered four oracles, each blessing Israel instead of cursing them, as Balak desired. In these oracles, Balaam proclaimed the strength and future prosperity of Israel, stating, "How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!" (Numbers 24:5). He also prophesied the coming of a star out of Jacob, a messianic prophecy (Numbers 24:17).

Balaam's Downfall

Despite his initial obedience in blessing Israel, Balaam's heart was not fully aligned with God's will. Later biblical texts reveal that Balaam advised Balak to entice the Israelites into sin through idolatry and immorality, leading to God's judgment on His people (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14). This counsel resulted in a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites (Numbers 25:1-9).

Legacy and Lessons

Balaam's legacy is one of a prophet who knew the true God yet succumbed to the lure of wealth and power. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith and integrity for personal gain. The New Testament writers use Balaam as an example of false teachers who lead others astray for profit (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11).

Balaam's narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the perils of divided loyalties. Despite his initial faithfulness in speaking God's words, Balaam's ultimate failure to remain true to God's will highlights the necessity of wholehearted devotion and obedience.Numbers 22:18,38
And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 23:8,12
How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD has not defied?
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 24:12-14
And Balaam said to Balak, Spoke I not also to your messengers which you sent to me, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Instability
... like Balaam, they take the reward of wickedness, and ... another, "but I have been a
Christian professor these ... have been driven under a faithful minister, to the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/instability.htm

Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience.
... of this hymn of worshiping ardor and exalted Christian love was an English Baptist
minister, the Rev ... July 17, 1799, at the end of a faithful ministry there ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iii hymns of christian.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... wishes for their children in Balaam's fashion,"they ... as one that should adorn a Christian
minister: "a bishop ... must be one "having faithful children, children ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... the grace of God, therefore grace is not necessary to a true christian minister. ...
even Protestants should lay aside the eleven good and faithful apostles, and ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

Preface
... such a primary duty of a Christian assembly as ... a plain declaration of what a minister
and successor ... Peter recommended to be appointed, faithful "witnesses to a ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/preface.htm

The Wilderness.
... and his seed after him, were to minister as Priests ... great battle was fought, and
the wretched Balaam was among ... to pass to his servant, the faithful spy, bearing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iv the wilderness.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... Would to God I had been more faithful, and done ... of the soul; so that the dying Christian
hath no ... They minister consolation also to those who mourn the loss of ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

Conversion
... Yet those men have been faithful to their charge, and have well discharged ...
Notwithstanding all the efforts of the minister and many Christian people, he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/conversion.htm

Prayer and Labor for the Gathering of the Great Harvest.
... Were ye among the few, faithful among the faithless"quick ... conviction that I should
be a minister, though my ... Hence with you, your being a Christian and being ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xix prayer and labor for.htm

The Life of Mr. Andrew Duncan.
... Mr. Duncan was settled minister at Crail, in the ... I beseech you for Esau's pottage:
Remember Balaam, who was ... of himself, and some of his faithful brethren, who ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr andrew 2.htm

What is the Universal Life Church? | GotQuestions.org

Who was John Owen? | GotQuestions.org

What is Christian ministry? | GotQuestions.org

Minister: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus