Balaam, son of Beor, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for his interactions with the Moabite King Balak and his unique role as a non-Israelite prophet. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24, with additional references in other parts of Scripture.

Background and Context

Balaam was a diviner from Pethor, near the Euphrates River, in the region of Mesopotamia (Numbers 22:5). Despite being a non-Israelite, Balaam had a reputation for effective blessings and curses, which led Balak, the king of Moab, to seek his services. The Israelites, having recently defeated the Amorites, were encamped on the plains of Moab, and Balak feared their presence (Numbers 22:2-4).

The Summoning by Balak

Balak sent messengers to Balaam, asking him to curse the Israelites, hoping to weaken them (Numbers 22:6). Initially, God instructed Balaam not to go with the messengers and not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). However, after Balak's persistent entreaties and the promise of great reward, God permitted Balaam to go, but only to speak what He commanded (Numbers 22:20).

The Journey and the Donkey

As Balaam set out on his journey, God’s anger was kindled because he went with the Moabite officials. An angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam's donkey saw the angel and turned aside, but Balaam, unaware of the angel's presence, struck the donkey. This happened three times until the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, allowing it to speak to Balaam. Subsequently, Balaam's eyes were opened to see the angel, who reiterated that Balaam should only speak what God commands (Numbers 22:22-35).

Balaam’s Oracles

Upon meeting Balak, Balaam instructed him to build seven altars and prepare sacrifices. Despite Balak's hopes, Balaam delivered four oracles, each blessing Israel rather than cursing them. In his first oracle, Balaam declared, "How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). His subsequent oracles continued to affirm God's blessing on Israel, prophesying their prosperity and dominance over their enemies (Numbers 23:18-24:9).

In his final oracle, Balaam prophesied the coming of a star out of Jacob, a scepter rising out of Israel, which many Christian theologians interpret as a messianic prophecy (Numbers 24:17).

Later References and Legacy

Despite his initial obedience to God’s command, Balaam's legacy is marred by his later actions. Numbers 31:16 and Revelation 2:14 indicate that Balaam advised Balak to entice the Israelites into sin through idolatry and immorality, leading to a plague among the Israelites. This act of leading Israel into sin is often referred to as "the way of Balaam" (2 Peter 2:15) and "the error of Balaam" (Jude 1:11).

Balaam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the consequences of leading others into sin. Despite his initial role as a conduit of God's messages, his legacy is ultimately one of infamy due to his later actions.