The account of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a profound narrative illustrating the dangers of yielding to temptation, particularly the temptation of material gain and the subsequent moral and spiritual compromise. Balaam's account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24, with further references in the New Testament that highlight the lasting implications of his actions.

Biblical Account

Balaam, son of Beor, was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites who were encamped on the plains of Moab. Balak feared the Israelites due to their numbers and the victories they had achieved over neighboring nations. Initially, Balaam sought God's guidance and was instructed not to go with Balak's messengers, as the Israelites 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 this clear directive, Balaam was enticed by the promise of rewards and prestige. When Balak sent more distinguished officials with promises of great honor and wealth, Balaam's resolve wavered. He sought God's permission again, and God allowed him to go, but with strict instructions to speak only what He commanded (Numbers 22:20: "That night God came to Balaam and said, 'Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them. But you must do only what I tell you.'").

The Temptation and Its Consequences

Balaam's journey was marked by divine intervention, including the famous incident of the talking donkey, which served as a warning against his reckless path (Numbers 22:28-31). Despite these warnings, Balaam's heart was swayed by the allure of Balak's rewards. Although he ultimately blessed Israel instead of cursing them, as God directed, his inner desire for gain led him to counsel Balak on how to lead the Israelites into sin, thus bringing a curse upon themselves (Numbers 31:16: "Yet they are the ones who, at Balaam’s advice, incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the LORD in the Peor incident, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD.").

Balaam's advice resulted in the Israelites engaging in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, leading to God's wrath and a devastating plague (Numbers 25:1-9). This incident underscores the severe consequences of yielding to temptation and the subtlety with which it can lead to spiritual downfall.

New Testament References

The New Testament further reflects on Balaam's legacy as a cautionary tale. In 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam is cited as an example of those who forsake the right way for the sake of gain: "They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness." Similarly, Jude 1:11 warns against following in Balaam's footsteps, and Revelation 2:14 rebukes the church in Pergamum for holding to the teachings of Balaam, who enticed Israel into sin.

Theological Implications

Balaam's account serves as a powerful reminder of the perils of succumbing to temptation, particularly when it involves compromising one's integrity and obedience to God for personal gain. It highlights the importance of steadfastness in faith and the need to resist the allure of worldly rewards that lead to spiritual compromise. Balaam's narrative is a sobering example of how even those with spiritual gifts and knowledge can fall prey to temptation, leading to destructive consequences for themselves and others.Numbers 22:15-22
And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.
Nave's Topical Index

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;
Nave's Topical Index

The Interpretation of the Early Narratives of the Old Testament
... the serpent is the opposite of that of Balaam's ass, which ... Thus in all temptation
the diviner impulses struggle with ... of the diviner, sin is the yielding to the ...
/.../xiv the interpretation of the.htm

Notes
... the general history shows him as yielding at last ... view that the following paragraph,
So Balaam went with ... argument to give a picture of temptation, changes to ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm

Caiaphas
... like a piece of iron into yielding water; and ... Caiaphas's sin is possible, and Caiaphas's
temptation is actual ... not the Spirit of God breathe through Balaam of old ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/caiaphas.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... persons have wishes for their children in Balaam's fashion,"they ... To my eyes, a parent
always yielding, and a ... keep your children out of the way of temptation. ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Book ii.
... care for our lives, we might yet overcome the sting of the temptation with tears ...
This Balaam wished for as the greatest good for himself, when, inspired by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... The Christian, is in this world, so candid a creature, that take him when he is
not under some great temptation, and he will ingeniously confess to his God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... of God in England, which art now upon the waves of affliction and temptation, when
thou ... and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... the vast territories of Australia, are yielding their increase. ... and duration of distress
and temptation (Isaiah 27 ... No Balaam can enchant her; she comes 'out of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation? | GotQuestions.org

What was the meaning and purpose of Jesus' temptations? | GotQuestions.org

How does Satan tempt us? | GotQuestions.org

Temptation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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