Topical Encyclopedia Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily appearing in the Book of Numbers. His account unfolds in Numbers 22-24, with additional references in later scriptures. Balaam is often remembered for his interactions with Balak, the king of Moab, and his unique encounter with a talking donkey.Background and Context Balaam was the son of Beor and hailed from Pethor, near the Euphrates River (Numbers 22:5). Despite being a foreigner, Balaam possessed a reputation for effective divination, which led Balak to seek his services. The Moabite king, fearing the encroaching Israelites, desired Balaam to curse them, hoping to weaken their advance. The Call of Balaam Balak sent messengers to Balaam with promises of reward, urging him to curse Israel. Initially, Balaam sought God's guidance and received a clear directive: "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12). Despite this, Balak persisted, sending more distinguished envoys with greater promises of honor. Balaam, enticed by the prospect of reward, sought God's permission again. This time, God allowed him to go but with the stipulation that he would only speak what God commanded (Numbers 22:20). The Donkey and the Angel As Balaam journeyed to meet Balak, God sent an angel to oppose him. Balaam's donkey, seeing the angel, veered off the path, crushed Balaam's foot against a wall, and eventually lay down. Balaam, unaware of the angel, beat the donkey. Miraculously, the donkey spoke, questioning Balaam's actions. Then, Balaam's eyes were opened to see the angel, who warned him to speak only God's words (Numbers 22:22-35). Balaam's Oracles Upon meeting Balak, Balaam instructed the king to build seven altars and offer sacrifices. Instead of cursing Israel, Balaam delivered four oracles, each blessing the Israelites. His first oracle affirmed Israel's distinctiveness and divine favor (Numbers 23:7-10). The second reiterated God's unchangeable blessing upon Israel (Numbers 23:18-24). The third oracle, inspired by the Spirit of God, extolled Israel's beauty and strength (Numbers 24:3-9). The fourth and final oracle prophesied a future ruler from Israel, a star and scepter rising to conquer (Numbers 24:15-19). Later References and Legacy Balaam's legacy is marred by his subsequent actions. Numbers 31:16 and Revelation 2:14 reveal that Balaam advised Balak to entice the Israelites into sin through idolatry and immorality, leading to God's judgment upon Israel. Balaam's death is recorded in Numbers 31:8, where he is slain by the Israelites during a campaign against Midian. Balaam is mentioned in several other biblical texts, often as a cautionary example. Deuteronomy 23:4-5 recalls God's refusal to heed Balaam's curse, turning it into a blessing. Joshua 13:22 refers to Balaam as a soothsayer, emphasizing his departure from true prophetic calling. In the New Testament, 2 Peter 2:15-16 and Jude 1:11 warn against following Balaam's way, characterized by greed and moral compromise. Theological Significance Balaam's narrative underscores the sovereignty of God over all nations and His ability to use even reluctant or corrupt individuals to fulfill His purposes. Despite Balaam's initial obedience, his later actions reveal the dangers of covetousness and the consequences of leading others into sin. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the perils of straying from divine truth. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 24:2-9And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came on him. Nave's Topical Index 2 Peter 2:15,16 Greek 903. Balaam -- Balaam, an unrighteous prophet ... Balaam, an unrighteous prophet. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Balaam Phonetic Spelling: (bal-ah-am') Short Definition: Balaam ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/903.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 1109a. Bilam -- a prophet... a prophet. Transliteration: Bilam Short Definition: Balaam. Word Origin from bala Definition a prophet NASB Word Usage Balaam (58), Balaam's (2). 1109, 1109a ... /hebrew/1109a.htm - 5k 1109. Bil'am -- a prophet Library Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was. Balaam Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. ) Balaam Thankfulness to God. On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts. Examples from the Old Testament, Balaam, Moses, and Hezekiah, to ... Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ... The Antiquities of the Jews Resources Who was Balak in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a jinx? What does it mean to be jinxed? | GotQuestions.org Balaam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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