Topical Bible: Balaam: A Soothsayer

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Topical Encyclopedia

Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet and diviner, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for his interactions with the Israelites during their wilderness journey. His account is chiefly found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24, with additional references in Deuteronomy, Joshua, Nehemiah, Micah, 2 Peter, Jude, and Revelation.

Background and Role

Balaam, son of Beor, resided in Pethor, near the Euphrates River, in Mesopotamia (Numbers 22:5). He was renowned for his abilities as a soothsayer, a person believed to have the power to bless or curse. Despite his pagan background, Balaam had some knowledge of the God of Israel, which is evident in his interactions with the divine.

The Moabite King Balak's Request

The narrative begins with Balak, the king of Moab, who, fearing the encroaching Israelites, sought Balaam's services to curse them. Balak sent messengers with rewards to entice Balaam to come and curse Israel (Numbers 22:6-7). Balaam, however, sought the counsel of the LORD, who instructed him not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12).

Balaam's Journey and the Angel of the LORD

Despite God's initial prohibition, Balaam was eventually permitted to go with Balak's messengers, but only to speak what God commanded (Numbers 22:20). On his journey, Balaam's donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way and turned aside, leading to a remarkable incident where the donkey spoke to Balaam after being struck three times (Numbers 22:28-30). The Angel of the LORD then revealed Himself to Balaam, reiterating that he must only speak the words given by God (Numbers 22:35).

Balaam's Oracles

Upon meeting Balak, Balaam delivered a series of oracles instead of curses. Each time, he blessed Israel, much to Balak's frustration. Balaam's oracles affirmed Israel's blessed status and foretold their future prosperity and dominance over their enemies (Numbers 23:7-10, 18-24; 24:3-9). Notably, Balaam's fourth oracle included a messianic prophecy: "A star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel" (Numbers 24:17).

Balaam's Downfall

Despite his initial obedience, Balaam's legacy is marred by his later actions. He is implicated in leading Israel into sin through the counsel he gave to the Moabites, which resulted in the Israelites' idolatry and immorality at Peor (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14). This incident led to a divine plague among the Israelites (Numbers 25:1-9).

Death and Legacy

Balaam met his end during a battle between Israel and the Midianites, where he was killed by the sword (Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:22). His name became synonymous with greed and false prophecy, as noted in the New Testament, where he is cited as an example of those who lead others astray for personal gain (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11).

Theological Significance

Balaam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising divine truth for personal gain. Despite his initial encounters with God, Balaam's ultimate legacy is one of betrayal and moral failure. His narrative underscores the sovereignty of God, who can use even a reluctant prophet to fulfill His purposes and bless His chosen people.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 13:22
Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

903. Balaam -- Balaam, an unrighteous prophet
... Balaam Phonetic Spelling: (bal-ah-am') Short Definition: Balaam Definition: Balaam,
son of Beor of Pethor on the Euphrates, a soothsayer in the Old Testament. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/903.htm - 6k

Library

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... Moab we are not informed; but on occasion before us, the affrighted sovereign of
that people, sent to some distance for Balaam, a famous soothsayer or diviner ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm

Fragment Xlv. "And Balaam the Son of Beor they Slew with the Sword ...
... And [4889] Balaam the son ... another law of fornication contrary to the law of God,
[4891] this man shall no longer be reckoned as a prophet, but as a soothsayer. ...
/.../fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/fragment xlv and balaam the.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... Balak, the King of Moab, had beard of Balaam, a famous soothsayer or wise prophet
of Chaldea, whose curses and blessings were reported to carry with them ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

Numbers
... Her success struck terror into the heart of Balak, the king of Moab; he accordingly
sent for Balaam, a famous soothsayer, with the request that he would curse ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/numbers.htm

Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus.
... Why was it, she inquired, that single tribes were differently associated in this
passage and in that, how came it that the soothsayer Balaam in prophesying of ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvii to oceanus.htm

Fragment xxv. "To Inflict Vengeance from the Lord on Midian. ...
... "To inflict vengeance from the Lord on Midian." [4837] For this man (Balaam), when
he ... is certainly not then to be counted as a prophet, but as a soothsayer. ...
/.../fragment xxv to inflict vengeance.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... The prophet Balaam came from that region, [125] and one of his disciples spread
abroad and expounded in that land his master's prophecy, A star shall rise out ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm