Topical Bible: Anger: Sinful: Balaam

◄ Anger: Sinful: Balaam ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of sinful anger. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24, with additional references in later scriptures. Balaam's interactions with the Moabite king Balak and his subsequent actions reveal the destructive nature of anger when it is misaligned with God's will.

Background

Balaam, son of Beor, was known for his ability to bless and curse, and his reputation reached Balak, the king of Moab. As the Israelites encamped on the plains of Moab, Balak sought Balaam's services to curse the Israelites, fearing their growing power. Despite God's initial command forbidding Balaam to go with Balak's messengers, Balaam's desire for reward and recognition led him to persist in seeking permission to go.

The Incident of the Donkey

In Numbers 22:21-34, Balaam's journey to Moab is marked by a significant episode involving his donkey. As Balaam set out, God's anger was kindled because he went with the Moabite officials. The Angel of the LORD stood in the way as an adversary, unseen by Balaam but visible to the donkey. Three times the donkey turned aside to avoid the angel, and each time Balaam's anger flared, leading him to strike the animal.

The Berean Standard Bible recounts this moment: "Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in His hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown" (Numbers 22:31). This divine intervention highlights Balaam's blindness to spiritual realities and his quickness to anger, which clouded his judgment.

Balaam's Prophecies and Sinful Anger

Despite his initial intent to curse Israel, Balaam found himself compelled by God to bless them instead. Numbers 23 and 24 record Balaam's oracles, which consistently affirm God's favor upon Israel. However, Balaam's heart was not aligned with these pronouncements. His anger and frustration at being unable to secure Balak's reward led him to devise a plan to entice Israel into sin, resulting in God's judgment upon His people (Numbers 25:1-3; Revelation 2:14).

Later References and Legacy

Balaam's legacy is marred by his sinful anger and the subsequent actions it provoked. In 2 Peter 2:15-16, Balaam is cited as an example of those who love the wages of wickedness, and his account serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing anger and greed to override obedience to God. Jude 1:11 further associates Balaam with rebellion and error, underscoring the consequences of his actions.

Balaam's narrative illustrates the peril of sinful anger when it leads to defiance against God's commands. His account serves as a cautionary tale, reminding believers of the importance of aligning one's heart and actions with God's will, resisting the temptations of anger and greed.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 22:27
And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Epistle of Judas
... the terrible warnings against such a sinful course in ... open contempt for angels which
excites the anger of Judas ... the road of Cain, rush into Balaam's error for ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of judas.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... we cannot altogether separate ourselves from the sinful, for then ... I shall prevail
against them." Balaam was not ... Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... Thus did Jehovah declare of old through Balaam the heathen ... say, "O Assyrian, the
rod of Mine anger, and the ... But to no sinful dweller on earth, save the Man of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

Antichrist.
... as assish a creature as"that on which Balaam was wont ... the dead, images, pilgrimages,
monkish vows, sinful fasts, and ... also is the time of God's anger, when it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... (2 Sam.17.) God hindered Balaam from cursing ... seize him; which was a token of divine
anger against Ahaziah ... the desires of the flesh and to sinful lusts, (Romans ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

The Godhood of God
... Because God is holy, His anger burns against sin. ... sins of omission as well as commission,
the sinful root itself ... Balak had a will when he hired Balaam to come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/the godhood of god.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... he will have a corrupt and sinful heart. ... Fathers, provoke not your children to anger,
lest they be ... have wishes for their children in Balaam's fashion,"they ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... destroyed; but the destruction of the sinful mass shall ... the numbering of Israel,
when the anger of the ... another signification (compare my work on Balaam, p.465 ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... to pass by the poetic effusions of Balaam, and some ... Yea, though I walk the fierceness
of his anger? ... A sinful nation; A people laden with iniquity; A seed of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Canaan
... simpler Hebrews of the desert seemed extravagant and sinful. ... could turn away from
them the anger of their ... Balaam had looked down upon their rocky strongholds ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm