Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily found in the Book of Numbers. His account is a study in the tension between divine command and human ambition, illustrating the theme of incorruptibility in the face of temptation.

Biblical Account

Balaam first appears in Numbers 22-24, where he is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites who are encamped on the plains of Moab. Balak, fearing the Israelites due to their recent victories, seeks Balaam's prophetic services, offering him rewards in exchange for a curse upon Israel.

Despite the lucrative offer, Balaam initially refuses, stating, "Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God to do anything small or great" (Numbers 22:18). This response highlights Balaam's awareness of the divine authority and his initial stance of incorruptibility.

Divine Intervention

God intervenes directly in Balaam's journey to Moab. The angel of the LORD stands in Balaam's path, and his donkey, seeing the angel, refuses to proceed. After a miraculous encounter where the donkey speaks, Balaam's eyes are opened to the angel's presence. The angel reiterates God's command that Balaam must only speak what God tells him (Numbers 22:35).

Prophetic Oracles

Balaam's oracles, delivered in Numbers 23-24, are a testament to his adherence to God's word despite external pressures. Each time Balaam attempts to curse Israel, he instead pronounces blessings, declaring, "How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). Balaam's prophecies affirm God's sovereign choice of Israel and His unchangeable blessing upon them.

Moral Ambiguity

While Balaam's actions in the narrative of Numbers 22-24 demonstrate a form of incorruptibility, later biblical references cast a shadow on his character. In Numbers 31:16, Balaam is implicated in leading Israel into sin through the counsel that resulted in the worship of Baal of Peor and the subsequent plague. This duality is further echoed in the New Testament, where Balaam is cited as an example of greed and false teaching (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14).

Theological Implications

Balaam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising divine truth for personal gain. His initial resistance to Balak's bribes underscores the principle of incorruptibility, yet his later actions reveal the peril of allowing personal ambition to override divine instruction. Balaam's narrative invites reflection on the integrity required of those who speak on behalf of God, emphasizing the necessity of unwavering fidelity to His word.

Conclusion

Balaam's legacy is a paradoxical blend of prophetic insight and moral failure. His account challenges believers to maintain incorruptibility, adhering to God's commands despite external temptations and pressures. Through Balaam, the Bible illustrates the enduring truth that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes, and His blessings are irrevocable.Numbers 22:18,37,38
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

2 Peter 2:15,16
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Nave's Topical Index

The Importance of Leading a Heavenly Life Upon Earth.
... Christian, dost thou not perceive that the heart ... I rejoice," said a pious old minister,
"who am ... inheritance; even "an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled; and ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xi the importance of.htm

How Can I Obtain Faith?
... how high the sainthood of the professing Christian, his child ... the faith which springs
from the incorruptible word of ... Spirit of God to lead the minister to show ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/how can i obtain faith.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
The Institutes of the Christian Religion. ... and gives access to the possession of
incorruptible life, let us ... of manna, he answers, that he was the minister of a ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

The New Covenant.
... such, He too must necessarily minister and have ... The Christian preacher can point
to the wonderful ... rightful heirs can enter, is incorruptible, undefiled, fading ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that all "which you ... I seek an
"inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 1:4 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... So it was with Faithful when even Christian, who saw him ... No minister felt a more
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/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

The Strait Gate;
... do it for a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. ... and used to frequent sermons
and Christian assemblies; we ... or in prison, and did not minister unto thee ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... bliss of our whole nature, body, soul, and spirit"incorruptible, undefiled, glorified ...
this error, as it is in itself destructive to all Christian religion: so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian
sincerity"the ... my last end be like his,' was the desire of wicked Balaam (Numbers ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... There is Christian thy husband (that was), with legions more, his companions, ever
beholding that face that doth minister life to beholders; and they will all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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