Topical Encyclopedia Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily found in the Book of Numbers. His account is a study in the tension between divine command and human ambition, illustrating the consequences of decisions made in defiance of God's will.Background and Context Balaam, son of Beor, is introduced in Numbers 22 as a diviner from Pethor, near the Euphrates River. Despite not being an Israelite, Balaam is recognized for his ability to communicate with God, which is why Balak, the king of Moab, seeks his services. As the Israelites encamp on the plains of Moab, Balak fears their presence and sends messengers to Balaam, requesting that he curse the Israelites to weaken them. The Initial Decision Balaam's initial decision is to seek God's guidance. In Numbers 22:12 , God instructs Balaam, "Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed." Balaam faithfully relays this message to Balak's envoys, refusing to accompany them. However, Balak persists, sending more distinguished officials with promises of great reward. The Temptation and Second Decision Faced with increased pressure and the lure of wealth and honor, Balaam's resolve wavers. He seeks God's counsel again, and this time, God permits him to go with the men but commands him to only speak what He instructs (Numbers 22:20). Balaam's decision to entertain Balak's offer, despite God's initial prohibition, reveals a susceptibility to temptation and a desire for personal gain. The Journey and Divine Intervention As Balaam sets out with Balak's officials, God's anger is kindled because Balaam's heart is not aligned with His will. The Angel of the LORD stands in Balaam's path as an adversary. Balaam's donkey, seeing the angel, refuses to proceed, leading to a confrontation where Balaam's eyes are opened to the divine presence (Numbers 22:31). This supernatural encounter serves as a divine warning, emphasizing the gravity of Balaam's decisions. The Prophecies and Final Decision Upon reaching Balak, Balaam remains bound by God's command to bless Israel. Despite Balak's insistence, Balaam delivers a series of oracles that affirm God's blessing on Israel and foretell the nation's future triumphs (Numbers 23-24). Balaam's decision to ultimately speak God's words, despite external pressures, highlights the power of divine sovereignty over human intentions. Aftermath and Legacy Balaam's account does not end with his prophecies. Numbers 31:16 reveals that Balaam advised the Moabites to entice the Israelites into sin, leading to a plague among the people. This act of treachery underscores Balaam's internal conflict and the consequences of his decisions. His legacy is further tarnished in the New Testament, where he is cited as an example of greed and false teaching (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14). Balaam's narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of compromising divine instruction for personal gain. His decisions, marked by moments of obedience and rebellion, reflect the broader biblical theme of the struggle between following God's will and succumbing to worldly temptations. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 22:15-18And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they. Nave's Topical Index Library An Unfulfilled Desire Elucidations. Topical Index Objection is Taken to the Following Passage: "Thou Hast Loved Them ... The Sanhedrim in Session. Letter vii. You are Now, My Dear Friend, in Possession of My Whole ... Nature of the Renderings On the Holy Trinity, and of the Godhead of the Holy Spirit. The Doom of the Antichrist Discussion of the Subject of Permission Resources What does the Bible say about decision-making? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.org Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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