What Old Testament connections help us understand Balaam's error in 2 Peter 2:15? Setting the Scene in 2 Peter 2:15 • Peter writes about false teachers who have “left the straight way” and imitate Balaam, “who loved the wages of wickedness”. • To grasp Peter’s warning, we have to revisit Balaam’s story scattered through the Old Testament. Who Was Balaam? • A pagan diviner hired by Moab’s king, Balak, to curse Israel (Numbers 22–24). • Though he spoke God-given blessings, his heart craved payment and prestige (Numbers 22:7, 17). • Later, he advised Moab to seduce Israel with immorality and idolatry, bringing judgment (Numbers 31:16; cf. Revelation 2:14). Key Old Testament Episodes • Balaam’s first love is money: “Balak’s princes came with the diviner’s fee” (22:7). • God permits the journey yet blocks Balaam’s greedy intent, even using a donkey to expose him (22:22-35). • Four oracles flow from Balaam’s mouth—blessing instead of cursing Israel. God overrules his greed, but Balaam’s heart remains unchanged. Numbers 25 with Numbers 31:16 • Israel falls into sexual sin and Baal worship at Peor. Moses later reveals Balaam masterminded that trap: “It was through the counsel of Balaam” (31:16). • The Law recalls that Balak “hired Balaam … to curse you,” yet God “turned the curse into a blessing.” Balaam’s mercenary spirit is contrasted with God’s faithfulness. Joshua 13:22; 24:9-10 • Israel finally kills Balaam with the Midianites. Joshua retells the story to underscore God’s deliverance from bought-and-paid-for prophets. • Later writers still hold Balaam up as the archetype of a paid spiritual turncoat. • New Testament echoes: false teachers “rush headlong into Balaam’s error for profit” (Jude) and promote immorality/idolatry like Balaam taught at Peor (Revelation). Tracing Balaam’s Error 1. Greed: He “loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15). 2. Compromise: He tried to blend obedience to God’s word with selfish ambition. 3. Stumbling Block: When open cursing failed, he enticed Israel to sin covertly. 4. Judgment: Balaam’s end was death by the very people he once sought to curse. Lessons Highlighted in 2 Peter 2:15 • False teachers may sound orthodox, yet be driven by profit and applause—exactly Balaam’s motive. • God can overrule evil intentions, but that never excuses the corrupt heart behind them. • The gravest danger is not overt attack but subtle enticement into sensuality and idolatry. • Divine judgment is certain; Balaam’s fate foreshadows the doom Peter promises for greedy deceivers. Connecting the Dots to Today • Test teaching by its fruit: is it marked by self-denial or by monetary gain and moral laxity? • Remember that partial obedience (speaking truth while loving money) is still rebellion. • Stand firm against any message that dilutes holiness or excuses sin for the sake of inclusion or profit—such voices walk “the way of Balaam,” and Scripture leaves no doubt where that road ends. |
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