Topical Bible: Balaam: Balak Sends For, to Curse Israel

◄ Balaam: Balak Sends For, to Curse Israel ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Background and Context:
Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for his interactions with Balak, the king of Moab. The account of Balaam is found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. This period in Israel's history occurs as the Israelites are journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land, having recently defeated the Amorites. Their presence and military successes cause fear among neighboring nations, including Moab.

Balak's Fear and Summons:
Balak, the son of Zippor and king of Moab, becomes exceedingly fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and the victories they have achieved. In an attempt to protect his kingdom, Balak seeks to employ supernatural means to weaken Israel. He sends messengers to Balaam, son of Beor, who resides in Pethor near the Euphrates River, to come and curse the Israelites. Balak's reasoning is clear: "For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed" (Numbers 22:6).

Balaam's Initial Response:
Upon receiving Balak's request, Balaam seeks the counsel of the LORD. God instructs Balaam not to go with the Moabite messengers and not to curse the Israelites, for they are blessed (Numbers 22:12). Balaam relays this message to Balak's officials, refusing to accompany them.

Balak's Persistence:
Undeterred, Balak sends more numerous and distinguished officials to Balaam, offering him great honor and rewards. Balaam, despite knowing God's initial command, invites the officials to stay overnight, hoping for a different directive from God. That night, God permits Balaam to go with the men but commands him to only do what He instructs (Numbers 22:20).

The Journey and Divine Encounter:
As Balaam sets out with the Moabite officials, God's anger is kindled because Balaam goes with a heart inclined towards the rewards offered by Balak. The Angel of the LORD stands in Balaam's path as an adversary. Balaam's donkey, seeing the angel, turns aside three times, and Balaam strikes the donkey each time. The LORD opens the donkey's mouth, allowing it to speak and rebuke Balaam. Subsequently, Balaam's eyes are opened to see the Angel of the LORD, who reiterates the command to speak only what God tells him (Numbers 22:22-35).

Balaam's Prophecies:
Upon arrival, Balak takes Balaam to various high places to view the Israelites and perform sacrifices. However, each time Balaam attempts to curse Israel, God places a blessing in his mouth instead. Balaam declares, "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). Despite Balak's frustration and repeated attempts, Balaam remains faithful to God's word, delivering a series of oracles that bless Israel and foretell its future prosperity and dominance.

Significance:
Balaam's account serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. Despite human intentions and desires, God's purposes prevail. Balaam's narrative also highlights the dangers of greed and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The account of Balaam and Balak underscores the theme that God's chosen people, Israel, are blessed and protected by divine decree, a truth that resonates throughout the biblical text.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 22:5-7
He sent messengers therefore to Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 24:9
Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 13:2
Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: however, our God turned the curse into a blessing.
Nave's Topical Index

Micah 6:5
O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim to Gilgal; that you may know the righteousness of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... He sends forth two she-bears from the woods to devour forty and two of Elijah's
tormentors. ... Balak hired Balaam to curse the Israelites but God compelled ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... But these are but the fruits of the curse, and are determined to be burned at ... the
flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel" (Amos 7 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

A Discourse
... 'Come now, therefore,' saith Balak to Balaam, and 'curse me this people,' if
peradventure I may overcome them: when he might have let them pass ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... But as it fared with wicked Balaam, so shall it fare with these, and their ... Though
Israel had a sharp voyage through the wilderness, yet Caleb and Joshua, men ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm