Topical Bible: Sorcery: Practiced by Balaam

◄ Sorcery: Practiced by Balaam ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Sorcery, often associated with divination and the use of supernatural powers, is explicitly condemned in the Bible. It is considered an abomination to the Lord, as it involves seeking guidance or power apart from God. One of the notable figures associated with sorcery in the Bible is Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet whose account is recounted in the Book of Numbers.

Balaam's Background

Balaam, the son of Beor, was a diviner from Pethor, near the Euphrates River. He is introduced in the biblical narrative when Balak, the king of Moab, seeks his services to curse the Israelites, who were encamped on the plains of Moab after their exodus from Egypt. Balaam's reputation as a seer who could bless or curse effectively was well-known, prompting Balak to send messengers with rewards to secure his services.

Balaam's Encounter with God

Despite his reputation as a sorcerer, Balaam's initial response to Balak's request demonstrates a recognition of the sovereignty of Israel's God. In Numbers 22:12 , God explicitly instructs Balaam, "Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed." Balaam's subsequent actions, however, reveal a conflicted character torn between obedience to God and the lure of material gain.

The Practice of Sorcery

Balaam's practice of sorcery is implied through his repeated attempts to manipulate divine will. Although he initially refuses to curse Israel, he ultimately seeks to fulfill Balak's request by engaging in ritualistic practices. Numbers 23:1-2 describes Balaam instructing Balak to build seven altars and prepare sacrifices, a common practice in ancient divination to invoke spiritual powers.

Despite these efforts, Balaam is unable to curse Israel, as God intervenes, turning his intended curses into blessings. Numbers 23:8 records Balaam's acknowledgment of God's authority: "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?"

Balaam's Downfall

Balaam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sorcery and the pursuit of personal gain over divine obedience. Although he is unable to curse Israel directly, Balaam's counsel leads to Israel's sin at Peor, where the Israelites are seduced into idolatry and immorality with Moabite women. Numbers 31:16 reveals Balaam's role in this incident: "Yet they are the ones who, on Balaam’s advice, incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the LORD in the Peor incident, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD."

Biblical Condemnation of Sorcery

The Bible consistently condemns sorcery and divination as practices contrary to God's will. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD."

Balaam's account underscores the futility and danger of attempting to manipulate divine will through sorcery. His ultimate fate, as recorded in Numbers 31:8 , is death by the sword during Israel's campaign against Midian, highlighting the judgment that befalls those who oppose God's purposes.

Conclusion

Balaam's involvement in sorcery serves as a stark reminder of the biblical prohibition against seeking power or guidance apart from God. His narrative illustrates the conflict between human ambition and divine sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

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Numbers 22:6
Come now therefore, I pray you, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.
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Numbers 23:23
Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What has God worked!
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