Topical Bible: Covetousness: Balaam, in Loving the Wages of Unrighteousness

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Covetousness, a deep-seated desire for what belongs to another, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading individuals away from God's will. One of the most illustrative examples of covetousness is found in the account of Balaam, a prophet whose love for material gain led him astray, despite his knowledge of God's commands.

Balaam's Background and Initial Encounter with Balak

Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is introduced in the Book of Numbers. He is approached by Balak, the king of Moab, who is fearful of the Israelites encamped near his territory. Balak sends messengers to Balaam with the request to curse the Israelites, offering a handsome reward for his services. Balaam's initial response is to seek God's guidance, and God instructs him not to go with the men and not to curse the Israelites, for they are blessed (Numbers 22:12).

Despite this clear directive, Balaam's covetous nature is revealed when Balak sends more distinguished officials with promises of greater rewards. Balaam's response indicates his internal struggle: "Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God" (Numbers 22:18). Yet, he invites the officials to stay overnight, hoping for a different word from God, showcasing his desire for the promised riches.

Balaam's Journey and God's Intervention

God permits Balaam to go with the men but only to speak what He commands. On the journey, Balaam's covetous intentions become apparent, prompting divine intervention. The Angel of the LORD stands in Balaam's path, and his donkey, seeing the angel, refuses to proceed. Balaam, unaware of the angel's presence, beats the donkey until God opens the animal's mouth to speak. The angel then reveals himself, rebuking Balaam for his reckless path (Numbers 22:22-35).

Balaam's Prophecies and Continued Covetousness

Despite the warnings, Balaam continues to Balak, where he delivers a series of oracles blessing Israel instead of cursing them, as God directs. However, Balaam's covetousness does not end with his prophecies. Later biblical texts reveal that Balaam advised Balak on how to lead the Israelites into sin, suggesting that they entice the Israelites with Moabite women and idolatry, resulting in God's judgment upon His people (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14).

New Testament Reflection

The New Testament further condemns Balaam's actions, highlighting his love for material gain over righteousness. In 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam is described as having "loved the wages of wickedness" , and Jude 1:11 warns against following in his footsteps. These references underscore the danger of covetousness, illustrating how it can lead even those with spiritual insight to compromise their integrity and disobey God.

Balaam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of covetousness, demonstrating how the desire for wealth and status can corrupt one's heart and lead to spiritual downfall. His narrative is a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will, resisting the temptation to prioritize earthly rewards over divine obedience.

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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;
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Numbers 22:1
And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
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Library

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... make merchandise of their followers, because of their covetousness. ... This is a lazy,
ease-loving greedy ministry ... gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
... he exhibited the most mean and sordid covetousness that could ... to be at any time good:
while Balaam was great ... falls-to kissing him, like a loving father indeed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/confession of sina sermon with.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... to be delivered from iniquity, and loving to follow ... of it, so as to forsake
unrighteousness, and be ... much, yea, and more pride, covetousness, uncleanness, luxury ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... least to the greatest; for I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their ...
Nevertheless, my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... the children of the devil, his works they will do; all works of unrighteousness,
they are ... before us to that Place; none of them are hurtful, but loving and holy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Doctrine
... But if there had been no law, then there had been no transgression, and so no death
to follow after as the wages thereof; for death is the wages of sin (Romans ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... obtain mercy at the hands of, a loving, just, and ... thy moral virtues, and made thy
righteousness unrighteousness: how then ... For if it be thine as wages, it is no ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... prevail with, and obtain mercy at the hands of a loving, just and ... joined madness
with thy moral virtues, and made thy righteousness unrighteousness; How then ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm