The Prayer of Balaam refers to the prophetic utterances and blessings pronounced by Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. Balaam, the son of Beor, is a complex figure who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites as they encamp on the plains of Moab during their wilderness journey. Despite Balak's intentions, Balaam's encounters with God lead him to bless Israel instead of cursing them.

Context and Background

Balaam's account unfolds as the Israelites, having defeated the Amorites, pose a perceived threat to Moab. Balak, seeking to weaken Israel through spiritual means, sends messengers to Balaam, offering him rewards for cursing the Israelites. Balaam, known for his divination skills, initially seeks God's guidance. God instructs Balaam not to go with the Moabite officials and not to curse the Israelites, for they are blessed (Numbers 22:12).

Despite God's clear directive, Balaam's desire for reward leads him to entertain Balak's request further. God permits Balaam to go with the officials but commands him to speak only what He instructs (Numbers 22:20). This sets the stage for Balaam's series of oracles, which are often referred to as the "Prayer of Balaam."

The Oracles of Balaam

1. First Oracle (Numbers 23:7-10): Balaam's first oracle emphasizes the divine blessing upon Israel. He declares, "How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). Balaam acknowledges Israel's unique status as a people set apart by God, expressing a desire to share in their fate.

2. Second Oracle (Numbers 23:18-24): In his second oracle, Balaam reiterates God's unchangeable blessing upon Israel. He proclaims, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind" (Numbers 23:19). Balaam highlights Israel's strength and divine protection, foreseeing their triumph over adversaries.

3. Third Oracle (Numbers 24:3-9): Balaam's third oracle is a vivid portrayal of Israel's future prosperity and dominance. He describes Israel as a lioness and a lion, blessed by those who bless them and cursed by those who curse them (Numbers 24:9). This oracle underscores the irrevocable nature of God's blessing upon His chosen people.

4. Fourth Oracle (Numbers 24:15-24): The fourth oracle, often considered the most significant, contains a messianic prophecy. Balaam foresees a star rising out of Jacob and a scepter out of Israel, symbolizing a future ruler who will crush Israel's enemies (Numbers 24:17). This prophecy is interpreted by many as a reference to the coming of the Messiah.

Theological Significance

The Prayer of Balaam highlights several key theological themes. First, it underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite human attempts to manipulate or oppose His will, God's purposes for His people prevail. Balaam's oracles affirm the divine election and protection of Israel, serving as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His chosen nation.

Second, Balaam's experience illustrates the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty. While Balaam is free to choose his actions, God's ultimate control over the situation ensures that His will is accomplished. Balaam's inability to curse Israel, despite his personal inclinations, demonstrates the futility of opposing God's plans.

Finally, the messianic prophecy within Balaam's fourth oracle points to the broader biblical narrative of redemption. The imagery of the star and scepter foreshadows the coming of Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's descendants.

Conclusion

The Prayer of Balaam, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature and His sovereign will. Through Balaam's oracles, the divine blessing upon Israel is affirmed, and the anticipation of a future Redeemer is prophetically declared.Deuteronomy 23:5
Nevertheless the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam; but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing to you, because the LORD your God loved you.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 24:10
But I would not listen to Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.
Nave's Topical Index

The Wine of Prayer
... The grapes from which the best Wine of Prayer is made come from the Valley ... Old Giant
Covetousness told me all about a silver-mine which Balaam opened and Demas ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter twelve the wine of.htm

St. John did not Absolutely Forbid that Prayer Should be Made for ...
... "Thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to put
a ... [2984] And we see the result of this prayer in the case of the Apostle, for ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x st john did.htm

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... Balaam appears to have had a perfect knowledge of the nature of religion; to have ...
period of his dissolution did he utter that earnest wish or prayer""Let me ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm

Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... The occasion of Balaam's coming out of his own country into the land of Moab, where
he pronounced this solemn prayer or wish, he himself relates in the first ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm

Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was.
... To which Balaam replied, "O Balak, if thou rightly considerest this whole matter,
canst thou ... It was my prayer, that I might not put any affront upon you, as to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning balaam the.htm

Prayer and Labor for the Gathering of the Great Harvest.
... to sympathize in their case, and unite with Him in mighty prayer to the ... get into
a state of great perplexity about their duty; perhaps, like Balaam, they are ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xix prayer and labor for.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... It is here taught that prayer, unattended by doing the will of the Father in ... Judas
was an apostle and miracle-worker, and Balaam was a prophet, yet they lacked ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 10.htm

Olney Hymns
... Hymn 19 The true AARON Lev 8:7-9. NUMBERS. Hymn 20 BALAAM's wish Num 23:10. JOSHUA. ...
Jonah 4:7. ZECHARIAH. Hymn 76 Prayer for the Lord's promised presence. Zech 2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/

Snares of Satan.
... But the curse which Balaam had not been permitted to pronounce against God's people,
he finally succeeded ... No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /32 snares of satan.htm

Snares of Satan
... But the curse which Balaam had not been permitted to pronounce against God's people,
he finally succeeded ... No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.org

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Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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