Topical Bible: Holy Spirit: Inspiration of Balaam

◄ Holy Spirit: Inspiration of Balaam ►

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The account of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, provides a fascinating insight into the workings of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. Balaam, son of Beor, is a complex figure whose account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. Despite his pagan background, Balaam is used by God to deliver divine messages, illustrating the sovereignty and omnipotence of the Holy Spirit in guiding and inspiring individuals for God's purposes.

Context and Background

Balaam is introduced in the narrative as a diviner from Pethor, near the Euphrates River. His reputation as a seer who could bless or curse effectively was well-known, prompting Balak, the king of Moab, to seek his services against the Israelites. As the Israelites encamped in the plains of Moab, Balak feared their numbers and sought to curse them through Balaam, hoping to weaken them.

The Holy Spirit's Intervention

Despite Balaam's initial willingness to comply with Balak's request, the Holy Spirit intervenes decisively. In Numbers 22:12, God explicitly instructs Balaam, "Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed." This divine command underscores the Holy Spirit's role in directing Balaam's actions, ensuring that God's will prevails over human intentions.

As Balaam sets out on his journey, the famous incident with the talking donkey occurs. The angel of the Lord, a manifestation of divine presence, blocks Balaam's path, and the donkey, seeing the angel, refuses to proceed. This supernatural event further emphasizes the Holy Spirit's active involvement in guiding Balaam, preventing him from acting against God's will.

Prophetic Utterances

When Balaam finally meets Balak, he is compelled by the Holy Spirit to speak blessings over Israel instead of curses. In Numbers 23:5, it is recorded, "Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth and said, 'Return to Balak and give him this message.'" Despite Balak's persistence, Balaam delivers four oracles, each inspired by the Holy Spirit, affirming God's favor and protection over Israel.

The oracles of Balaam are profound, revealing the Holy Spirit's power to inspire truth even through unlikely vessels. In Numbers 24:2, it is noted, "When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him." This moment marks a significant instance where the Holy Spirit directly influences Balaam, leading him to prophesy the future prosperity and dominance of Israel.

Theological Implications

The inspiration of Balaam by the Holy Spirit highlights several key theological themes. Firstly, it demonstrates God's sovereignty in using individuals outside the covenant community to fulfill His purposes. Balaam, though not an Israelite, becomes an instrument of divine revelation, showcasing the Holy Spirit's ability to transcend human boundaries and expectations.

Secondly, the narrative underscores the inviolability of God's blessings. Despite human attempts to manipulate or counteract divine favor, the Holy Spirit ensures that God's promises to His people remain steadfast. Balaam's oracles affirm the irrevocable nature of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in Numbers 23:19, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?"

Lastly, the account of Balaam serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and disobedience. Although inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak truth, Balaam's later actions, as recounted in Numbers 31:16, reveal his susceptibility to corruption. This duality in Balaam's character serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's heart and actions with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the inspiration of Balaam by the Holy Spirit is a testament to God's ability to work through unexpected means to accomplish His divine will. Through Balaam, the Holy Spirit affirms God's blessings upon Israel, demonstrating His power to inspire truth and uphold His promises.

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Numbers 24:2
And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came on him.
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Verbal Inspiration
... man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth" (I ... them were very defective
characters"Balaam for example ... Inspiration has not to do with the minds ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm

That Injuries and Penalties of Persecutions are not to be Feared ...
... thee; for I, the Lord thy God, the Holy One of ... it is not ye who speak, but the Spirit
of your ... divines who note the light thrown on Balaam's inspiration by the ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/10 that injuries and penalties.htm

Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ...
... Parents,"the Manna in the Wilderness,"Balaam reproved by ... Inspiration is not a difference
of degree, but of ... filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit of God ...
/.../inspiration and interpretation/sermon iii inspiration of scripture gospel.htm

The Torment of Fear
... let my last end be like his.' But meanwhile, like Balaam, they find ... So says Scripture;
and so say men's own hearts, by the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit. ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxii the torment of.htm

The Miracle of Tongues.
... organs are used by demons; fourth, in Balaam, whose vocal ... in a sinless state is
therefore the result of inspiration, in-breathing of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxviii the miracle of tongues.htm

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Giving of the Scriptures
... All Scripture is given by inspiration of God ... which man'swisdom teacheth, but which
the Holy Spirit teacheth" (1 ... Balaam longed to speak otherwise than he did; but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/3 the absolute godhood of.htm

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
... if this is all that is involved in inspiration, shall we ... and helpful fact, namely,
that the Holy Spirit saw fit ... of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the scriptures.htm

Letter vii. You are Now, My Dear Friend, in Possession of My Whole ...
... by the Eternal Word, and actuation of the Holy Spirit. ... with the latter"the prophecy
of Balaam is an ... always, so united, the term, "Inspiration," has acquired ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter vii you are now.htm

Whether the Prophets of the Demons ever Foretell the Truth?
... will go forth, and be a lying spirit in the ... Now the prophets inspired by the Holy
Ghost never ... from the demons' revelation, but sometimes by Divine inspiration. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the prophets of the.htm

Elucidations.
... prince, surpassed by none in the philosophic spirit, felt the ... where the "Arm of the
Lord" ("His Holy Arm") is ... us the law as to divine inspiration in contrast. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lactantius/the divine institutes/elucidations.htm