Topical Bible: Heathen: Balaam

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Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily appearing in the Book of Numbers. He is often associated with the term "heathen" due to his origins and actions, which stand in contrast to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Balaam's account is a vivid illustration of the tension between divine sovereignty and human free will, as well as the dangers of compromising one's spiritual integrity for material gain.

Background and Character

Balaam was the son of Beor and hailed from Pethor, near the Euphrates River, in Mesopotamia (Numbers 22:5). Despite being a pagan diviner, Balaam had a unique relationship with the God of Israel, who communicated with him directly. This relationship underscores the biblical theme that God can use even those outside the covenant community to fulfill His purposes.

The Balaam Narrative

The primary account of Balaam is found in Numbers 22-24. Balak, the king of Moab, fearing the encroaching Israelites, sought Balaam's services to curse them. Balak's messengers offered Balaam rewards for his divination, but God instructed Balaam not to curse Israel, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12: "But God said to Balaam, 'Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.'").

Despite God's clear command, Balaam's heart was swayed by the promise of wealth and honor. He initially refused Balak's offer but later sought God's permission to go with Balak's men, revealing his inner conflict and desire for material gain. God allowed Balaam to go but warned him to speak only what He commanded (Numbers 22:20).

The Donkey Incident

On his journey, Balaam's donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way and turned aside, saving Balaam from divine wrath. Balaam, unaware of the angel, struck the donkey until God opened the animal's mouth to speak. The Angel of the LORD then revealed Himself to Balaam, reiterating the command to speak only God's words (Numbers 22:31-35).

Balaam's Oracles

Upon reaching Moab, Balaam delivered four oracles, each blessing Israel instead of cursing them. These oracles affirmed God's protection and blessing over Israel, highlighting themes of divine election and the futility of opposing God's will. Balaam declared, "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8).

Balaam's Downfall

Despite his prophetic insights, Balaam's legacy is marred by his subsequent actions. He advised Balak to entice the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, leading to God's judgment on His people (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14). This counsel resulted in a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites (Numbers 25:9).

Balaam's end came during Israel's campaign against Midian, where he was killed by the sword (Numbers 31:8). His life serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of greed and the consequences of leading others into sin.

New Testament References

Balaam is mentioned in the New Testament as a symbol of false teaching and moral compromise. The Apostle Peter warns against following "the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness" (2 Peter 2:15). Similarly, Jude describes Balaam's error as a path of greed (Jude 1:11), and the risen Christ, in His message to the church in Pergamum, condemns those who hold to Balaam's teaching (Revelation 2:14).

Conclusion

Balaam's account is a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God and the importance of obedience to His will. Despite his initial encounters with the divine, Balaam's legacy is ultimately one of compromise and downfall, serving as a warning to remain steadfast in faith and integrity.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 22:1
And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Balaam
... But it was NOT invented late; for no Jew in these later times would have thought
of making Balaam a heathen, to be a prophet of God, or a believer in the true ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiv balaam.htm

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
... Judah as [Pg 102] ruler and lord over the whole heathen world is to centre in one
elevated individual"the Shiloh. As to the letter, Balaam's prophecy falls ...
/.../christology of the old testament/balaams prophecy numb xxiv 17-19.htm

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... It was an ancient custom among the heathen at their entrance on a war, to ... the affrighted
sovereign of that people, sent to some distance for Balaam, a famous ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
... the God-hating heathen world, the true and real fulfilment can be sought in Christ
alone. Compare the remarks, p.98, with reference to Moab in Balaam's prophecy ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophecy of obadiah.htm

2 Samuel xxiii. 1-7.
... it can here be ascribed to David, as it was in the fundamental passage to Balaam,
only in ... Compare Psalm 18:44: "Thou makest me the head of the heathen;" and in ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/2 samuel xxiii 1-7.htm

a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
... served as a proof of its truth, are considered as part of Balaam's answer.) He ... is
the entirely altered position of Israel in their relation to the heathen world ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap vi vii.htm

Thyatira
... by Balaam (see Revelation 2:14) became elevated into a national religious system
under Ahab and Jezebel, as it had long been recognised among the heathen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/thyatira.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... The prophecy of Balaam had declared, "There shall come a Star out of Jacob ... their
own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

Elucidations.
... [1618] (2) Balaam himself, as mechanically as the beast he rode, [1619] had his
own ... Paul (Acts 17:28) quotes a heathen oracle very much as does our author. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lactantius/the divine institutes/elucidations.htm

Notes
... In character Balaam is a sincere worshipper of Jehovah outside the ranks of Jehovah's
people, who however from interested motives conforms to the heathen world ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm