Beor is a biblical figure known primarily as the father of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet mentioned in the Old Testament. Beor's name appears in several passages, and he is sometimes referred to as Bosor in the New Testament. The narrative surrounding Beor and his son Balaam is significant in understanding the interactions between the Israelites and the surrounding nations during their wilderness wanderings.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 22:5 : "He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. 'Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,' said Balak. 'They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.'"

In this passage, Beor is identified as the father of Balaam, who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. This sets the stage for the subsequent events where Balaam, despite his intentions, ends up blessing Israel instead of cursing them.

2. Numbers 24:3 : "Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: 'This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of the man whose eyes are open.'"

Here, Balaam is again identified as the son of Beor, emphasizing his role as a seer whose prophecies are divinely inspired, despite his initial engagement with Balak's request.

3. Numbers 31:8 : "Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword."

This verse recounts the death of Balaam, son of Beor, during a battle against the Midianites, highlighting the eventual downfall of Balaam despite his earlier prophetic activities.

4. Deuteronomy 23:4 : "For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your journey after you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you."

This passage reflects on the hostility of the Moabites and Ammonites, who hired Balaam, son of Beor, to curse Israel, underscoring the enmity between these nations and the Israelites.

5. 2 Peter 2:15 : "They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness."

In the New Testament, Beor is referred to as Bosor, and his son Balaam is used as an example of those who pursue unrighteous gain, illustrating the moral and spiritual lessons drawn from Balaam's account.

Historical and Theological Context:

Beor's mention in the biblical narrative is primarily to establish the lineage and identity of Balaam, whose account is pivotal in the context of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. Balaam's interactions with the divine, despite his initial intentions to curse Israel, serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will.

Theologically, the account of Balaam, son of Beor, is often interpreted as a warning against the seduction of material gain and the dangers of compromising one's integrity for personal benefit. Balaam's account, and by extension Beor's, is a reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with divine purposes, as well as the ultimate triumph of God's plans over human schemes.2 Peter 2:15
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Nave's Topical Index

V. ...
... Besides, he mentions his right name, for Bileaam or Balaam is he called in ... is to
say, flesh,"or, as Moses says, son of Beor, that is ... A fool is his father. ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

The Second Epistle of St. Peter
... honour and glory from God the Father (ie his Father), shown in ... of a town in Gilead,
which had no connexion with Balaam; it is a mistake for Beor, and the ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the second epistle of st.htm

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