Berean Study Bible Balaam’s Third OracleBalaam recognized that the God of Israel had determined to bless His people and would not permit him to reverse that purpose. Though hired by Balak to curse Israel, he had repeatedly been compelled to pronounce blessing instead. Num 23:20 I have indeed received a command to bless;… he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, Balaam abandoned his earlier attempts to obtain a different message through divination. He knew that no ritual or spiritual power could overcome the LORD’s declared will. Num 23:3 Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone… but he turned his face toward the wilderness. He looked toward Israel’s camp in the wilderness, where the nation was arranged by its tribes. There he would again receive and declare the blessing God had appointed. Num 23:28 And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor… When Balaam looked up Balaam stood before the camp of Israel after repeated efforts to pronounce a curse had failed. God had already made clear that Israel was to be blessed, and Balaam now faced the visible evidence of a people preserved and ordered by the Lord. Gen 13:10 And Lot looked out and saw the whole plain… and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, Israel’s camp was arranged according to the divisions God had commanded, with each tribe in its appointed place around the tabernacle. The ordered assembly displayed both the size of the nation and the faithfulness of God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendants into a great people. Num 2:2 The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting… the Spirit of God came upon him, God took control of Balaam’s prophetic message so that he would speak blessing rather than curse. Though Balaam was not an Israelite, the Lord used him to declare His purpose for Israel and to show that no human scheme could overturn God’s covenant blessing. 1Sa 10:10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah,… and he lifted up an oracle, saying: Balaam delivered a solemn message received from God. Though he came from outside Israel, the Lord spoke through him to reveal His purpose concerning Israel and the nations. 2Sa 23:1 These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David… “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, Balaam identified himself by name and family line, presenting the message as a formal prophetic declaration. His role showed that God was not limited to Israel in making His will known. Deu 23:4-5 For they did not meet you with food and water… the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, Balaam spoke as one granted clear spiritual sight. God had enabled him to perceive truths beyond human wisdom, so the words that followed carried divine authority rather than merely Balaam’s personal judgment. 1Sa 9:9 Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God… the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, Balaam declares that the message came from God, not from his own divination. Though he was not an Israelite and later proved morally corrupt, God used him to announce His purposes concerning Israel. Deu 18:18-19 I will raise up for them a prophet like you… who sees a vision from the Almighty, The vision came from the sovereign God who rules over nations and directs Israel’s future. Balaam’s words carry authority because the Almighty (Hebrew: Shaddai), whose name underscores His supreme power and authority, revealed what He intended to do. Num 12:6 He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you… who bows down with eyes wide open: Overwhelmed by the divine revelation, Balaam falls in submission while being given clear spiritual sight. God enables him to perceive truths beyond ordinary human knowledge. Num 22:31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw… How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, Balaam, hired by Balak to curse Israel, instead declares God’s blessing over the nation gathered in orderly encampment. Israel’s tents reflect the Lord’s presence, protection, and covenant faithfulness to the descendants of Jacob. Jer 30:18 This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes…… your dwellings, O Israel! The people stand on the edge of the promised land, and Balaam’s blessing anticipates their secure future under God’s care. Israel, the covenant nation descended from Jacob, will not be overcome by the schemes of Moab or any enemy God has determined to judge. Psa 87:2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings… They spread out like palm groves, Israel is pictured as a flourishing people, extending in strength and abundance under God’s blessing. Palm groves, especially near fertile oases, conveyed life, fruitfulness, and settled prosperity. Psa 92:12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree… like gardens beside a stream, The image of well-watered gardens emphasizes security and provision. Israel’s future in the land would not depend on barren conditions but on the Lord’s sustaining care. Psa 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,… like aloes the LORD has planted, The flourishing of Israel was not merely the result of human effort. The Lord had established and preserved His people according to His covenant purposes. Isa 61:3 to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown… like cedars beside the waters. Cedars represented height, strength, and endurance. Balaam’s blessing foretold a people firmly established and continually supplied, able to stand against their enemies. Ezk 31:3-7 Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful… Water will flow from his buckets, Israel’s blessing is pictured as an overflowing supply in a dry land, marking fertility, security, and material prosperity under God’s favor. Psa 65:9 You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance… and his seed will have abundant water. The promise extends to Israel’s descendants, who will inherit a fruitful land and continue as a strong people. Isa 44:3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,… His king will be greater than Agag, Israel would one day have a ruler surpassing the power of Amalek’s kings, enemies who opposed Israel from the wilderness onward. The oracle anticipates the rise of Israel’s monarchy and ultimately the greater reign of the promised Messiah. 1Sa 15:32-33 Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.”… and his kingdom will be exalted. Israel’s kingdom would be lifted above its enemies, finding its highest fulfillment in the everlasting kingdom of Christ. Psa 89:27 I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn,… God brought him out of Egypt Israel’s rescue from slavery revealed God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His power over Pharaoh and Egypt. The nation’s existence rested on God’s redeeming act, not on its own strength. Exo 20:2 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out… with strength like a wild ox, God gave Israel the force needed to accomplish His purposes. Their power against stronger enemies came from the Lord, who went before them and sustained them. Num 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. to devour hostile nations As Israel entered Canaan, God commanded the removal of nations whose long-standing wickedness had come under judgment. The conquest secured the land promised to Abraham’s descendants and established Israel as a people set apart for God. Deu 7:16 You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God… and crush their bones, The imagery portrays decisive defeat. Those who resisted God’s purposes and opposed His people would not withstand the judgment He carried out through Israel. Mic 3:2-3 You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin… to pierce them with arrows. Israel’s victories would be thorough and effective because God fought for them. Balaam’s oracle affirmed that no curse or enemy strategy could overturn what God had determined for Israel. Psa 64:7 But God will shoot them with arrows; … He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Israel is pictured as a lion at rest, secure in its strength and feared by those around it. Though encamped on the plains of Moab, Israel was not vulnerable to Balaam’s curses or to the plans of Balak. The Lord had set His protection over His people and would bring them into the land He promised. The image also anticipates the royal line of Judah, from which the Messiah would come. Gen 49:9 Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey.… Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.” Balaam’s final declaration confirms God’s covenant promise to Abraham. No king, prophet, or nation could overturn the Lord’s purpose for Israel. Those who aligned themselves with God’s people would receive blessing, while those who sought their destruction placed themselves under His judgment. Through the promised offspring of Abraham, fulfilled in Christ, God’s blessing would ultimately extend to the nations. Num 22:6 So please come now and put a curse on this people,…
Balak Dismisses BalaamBalak’s plans had been overturned three times. He had brought Balaam to pronounce a curse on Israel, but the prophet could speak only what God permitted. As Israel camped near Moab, Balak saw them as a growing military threat and reacted with rage when his efforts failed. 1Sa 20:30 Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan,… and he struck his hands together Balak’s gesture openly displayed his frustration and contempt. Rather than accepting that the Lord had determined to bless Israel, he responded with anger toward the man he had hired. Ezk 22:13 Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust… and said to Balaam, The king confronted Balaam directly, treating him as responsible for the outcome even though Balaam had repeatedly stated that he could not go beyond the word of the Lord. 2Pe 2:15-16 They have left the straight way and wandered off… “I summoned you to curse my enemies, Balak regarded Israel as his enemy because of their presence near Moab and feared what their advance might mean for his kingdom. He expected Balaam’s curse to weaken or turn back the Israelites. Deu 23:4 For they did not meet you with food and water… but behold, you have persisted in blessing them Balaam’s blessings were not a change of loyalty toward Balak’s enemies but the result of God’s sovereign purpose. Israel remained under the Lord’s protection, and no human scheme or spiritual attempt could reverse His blessing. Deu 23:5 Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam,… these three times. The repeated blessings established the certainty of God’s purpose. Balak had given Balaam several opportunities to curse Israel, yet each attempt confirmed that the Lord had chosen to bless His people. 2Co 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. Therefore, flee at once to your home! Enraged that Balaam has repeatedly blessed Israel rather than cursed them, Balak dismisses him from Moab. The king’s command reveals his frustration and his recognition that Balaam cannot be controlled or used against the people whom God has chosen to bless. Num 22:13 So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes,… I said I would reward you richly, Balak had offered Balaam honor and wealth in return for a curse against Israel. Such payment reflected the expectation that a diviner could secure favorable outcomes through pronouncements and rituals. Num 22:17 I will honor you richly and do whatever you say.… but instead the LORD has denied your reward.” Balak rightly sees that the LORD has prevented Balaam from receiving the reward he sought. God overruled the king’s plans and compelled Balaam to declare only what He had determined concerning Israel. Num 22:18 But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak,… Balaam answered Balak, Balaam reminded Balak that he had never concealed the limits God placed on him. Though Balak repeatedly sought a curse against Israel, Balaam could speak only what God permitted. Num 22:38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied…… “Did I not already tell the messengers Balak had sent envoys more than once, offering honor and reward in an effort to secure Balaam’s cooperation. Balaam’s answer recalled that God’s message had remained unchanged despite Balak’s pressure. Num 22:13 So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes,… you sent me The Moabite king feared Israel’s approach and hoped to weaken them through a prophetic curse. Yet neither royal authority, wealth, nor persistence could overturn God’s purpose to bless His people. Num 22:5 he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor,… that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, Balaam names an extravagant reward to show that no payment from Moab could alter the message God had given him. Balak’s repeated attempts to secure a curse had failed because Israel’s blessing rested on the LORD’s purpose. 2Pe 2:15 They have left the straight way and wandered off… I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, Balaam admits that he has no authority to shape the outcome according to his desires or Balak’s demands. His words and actions are bound by God’s direction. Gen 24:50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD;…… to go beyond the command of the LORD? The God of Israel stands above Balak, Moab, and every attempt to manipulate the future through rewards or divination. Balaam cannot overturn what God has determined for His people. Deu 12:32 See that you do everything I command you;… I must speak whatever the LORD says. Balaam’s duty is to deliver God’s message without alteration, and the blessing he has pronounced over Israel cannot be changed into a curse. 1Ki 22:14 As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak… Now I am going back to my people, Balaam prepared to leave Moab and return to his homeland near the Euphrates. Though Balak had hired him to curse Israel, God had prevented him from speaking anything contrary to His purpose. Rut 1:15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back… but come, let me warn you Before departing, Balaam gave Balak further revelation concerning Israel’s future. The warning concerned events that would eventually bring judgment and loss upon Moab and other nations opposed to Israel. Jer 6:10 To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me?… what this people will do to your people Israel would become stronger than Moab in the generations ahead. Though Israel did not attack Moab during the wilderness journey, Moab later came under Israel’s rule as God established His people in the land. 2Ki 3:24-25 But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel,… in the days to come.” The fulfillment would not be immediate but would unfold in Israel’s future history, reaching beyond Balak’s lifetime. Balaam’s words pointed to God’s continuing purpose to give Israel victory over its enemies. Gen 49:1 Then Jacob called for his sons and said,…
Balaam’s Fourth OracleBalaam again delivered a message from God after Balak had brought him to seek a curse against Israel. Though hired for reward, he could speak only what God gave him. Num 22:38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied…… “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, Balaam identified himself by his family line as he announced a revelation that did not originate with him. God used this foreign diviner to declare His purpose for Israel. Deu 23:4-5 For they did not meet you with food and water… the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, Balaam claimed to be receiving clear divine insight. Having once been blind to the angel standing in his path, he now spoke under God’s direction with understanding of what God was revealing. 1Sa 9:9 Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God… the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, Balaam, though a foreign diviner from Mesopotamia, received genuine revelation from the Lord. God overruled his greed and divided loyalties, compelling him to speak blessings over Israel rather than curses. Jer 23:18 But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD… who has knowledge from the Most High, Balaam’s knowledge came from God’s direct disclosure of His purposes for Israel. He understood that Israel was under divine protection and that God’s covenant promises could not be overturned. Pro 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth… who sees a vision from the Almighty, God granted Balaam a vision from the Almighty (El Shaddai) that looked beyond Israel’s immediate future to the rise of a ruler from Jacob. His oracle anticipates the coming King who would defeat Israel’s enemies and establish God’s rule. Num 12:6 He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you… who bows down with eyes wide open: Overcome by the vision, Balaam fell before God while receiving clear sight of what God revealed. Though he later acted wickedly against Israel, the truth of the prophecy rested on God’s authority rather than Balaam’s character. 2Ki 6:17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes.”… I see him, but not now; Balaam is shown a ruler whose coming lies beyond his own day, revealing Israel’s future under God’s purpose. Hab 2:3 For the vision awaits an appointed time;… I behold him, but not near. The repeated distance underscores that the promised deliverer would arise after many generations. Mic 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small… A star will come forth from Jacob, The star portrays the rise of a royal figure from Israel, ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah. Mat 2:2 Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?… and a scepter will arise from Israel. This ruler will possess genuine kingly authority and exercise dominion over Israel’s enemies. Gen 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff… He will crush the skulls of Moab The prophecy anticipates Israel’s victory over Moab, later realized in Israel’s monarchy and pointing beyond it to the Messiah’s complete triumph over hostile powers. 2Sa 8:2 David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down… and strike down all the sons of Sheth. The judgment extends to the surrounding peoples opposed to God’s people, declaring that no enemy will finally withstand the rule of the coming king. Psa 2:9 You will break them with an iron scepter;… Edom will become a possession, Edom, descended from Esau, occupied the region southeast of Israel in present-day southern Jordan. Long-standing hostility between Edom and Israel arose from the conflict between Esau and Jacob and continued through their descendants. David later subdued Edom, bringing it under Israelite control. Oba 1:19 Those from the Negev will possess the mountains of Esau;… as will Seir, his enemy; Seir was the mountainous homeland of the Edomites and is closely associated with Esau’s family. Its inclusion shows that Edom’s territory and power would be fully brought down before Israel. Ezk 35:5-9 Because you harbored an ancient hatred.… but Israel will perform with valor. Israel’s victories would display strength granted by God rather than mere military ability. The prophecy anticipates Israel’s triumph over its enemies and ultimately points to the Messiah’s complete victory over all opposition to God’s rule. Psa 60:12 With God we will perform with valor, and He will… A ruler will come from Jacob Balaam foretells the rise of Israel’s royal line, first seen in David’s victories over Israel’s enemies and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the promised King from the tribe of Judah. Gen 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff… and destroy the survivors of the city.” The coming ruler would judge the nations opposing Israel and remove their remaining strongholds. David’s conquests provided an early fulfillment, while Christ’s final reign will bring complete judgment on all rebellion against God. Oba 1:18 Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire…
Balaam’s Final Three OraclesBalaam, though not an Israelite, spoke under God’s direction. After blessing Israel rather than cursing them for Balak, he pronounced judgment on Israel’s enemies, beginning with Amalek. Num 23:7 And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: …… “Amalek was first among the nations, Amalek, descended from Esau, was Israel’s first aggressor after the exodus and remained a persistent enemy. Their early strength and prominence did not protect them from God’s judgment. Exo 17:8-16 After this, the Amalekites came and attacked… but his end is destruction.” Amalek’s future was fixed: their power would end in ruin. Israel later struck them down, and the Amalekites eventually disappeared from history. 1Sa 15:32-33 Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.”… Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: The Kenites were a nomadic people associated with Midian and friendly to Israel through Moses’ father-in-law. Balaam’s oracle turns from Israel’s enemies to this smaller neighboring group, declaring God’s knowledge of their condition and future. 1Sa 15:6 And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness… “Your dwelling place is secure, The Kenites occupied places that appeared safe and stable, enjoying protection through their location and alliances. Isa 32:18 Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place,… and your nest is set in a cliff. Like a bird nesting high in an inaccessible rock, they seemed beyond the reach of danger. Yet their security rested on earthly defenses, which could not preserve them from the judgment announced in the following words. Job 39:27-28 Does the eagle soar at your command and make his nest… Yet Kain will be destroyed Kain refers to the Kenites, a nomadic people associated with Moses’ father-in-law and long friendly toward Israel. Their place among Israel’s neighbors would not shield them from judgment. Oba 1:3-4 The pride of your heart has deceived you,… when Asshur takes you captive.” Asshur denotes Assyria, the rising empire that would conquer and deport many peoples throughout the region. The prediction declares that the Kenites’ security would end in Assyrian captivity, showing that no nation remains beyond God’s rule or judgment. 2Ki 17:6 In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria… Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: Though Balak had hired Balaam to curse Israel, God compelled him to declare what was true. Balaam’s repeated oracles showed that Israel’s future rested in God’s purpose, not in the plans of Moab or its king. As a prophet from outside Israel, Balaam became an unwilling witness to the Lord’s authority over every nation. 2Sa 23:1 These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David… “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it? The coming events would be so devastating that survival would depend entirely on God’s will. Nations might rise in power and carry out judgment, but their strength, duration, and outcome remained under God’s control. Neither Israel’s enemies nor Balaam himself could alter what God had determined. 1Sa 2:6 The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down… Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; Maritime powers from the western Mediterranean would advance eastward, bringing military pressure upon the lands of the Near East. Cyprus stood along major sea routes and was associated with seafaring peoples capable of projecting power across the region. Dan 11:30 Ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will… they will subdue Asshur and Eber, Assyria and the peoples descended from Eber would suffer under this advancing power, showing that neither imperial strength nor ancestral standing could prevent the judgment foretold by Balaam. Gen 10:21-25 And sons were also born to Shem, the older brother… but they too will perish forever.” The conquerors would not endure either. Their rise, victories, and eventual destruction remained under God’s rule. Psa 9:5-6 You have rebuked the nations; You have destroyed the wicked;… Then Balaam arose Balaam had been hired by Balak to curse Israel, but the Lord compelled him to bless the nation instead. His departure followed the completion of the oracles God had given him concerning Israel and the surrounding nations. Num 22:21 So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey… and returned to his homeland, Balaam went back to Pethor in Mesopotamia, leaving Moab without the curse Balak had sought. His efforts against Israel had failed because God had determined to bless His people. Gen 31:55 Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed… and Balak also went on his way. Balak returned to Moab disappointed, unable to alter God’s purpose for Israel through payment, sacrifice, or divination. Gen 24:61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls got ready… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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