Topical Bible: Forsaking God: Balaam

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Topical Encyclopedia

Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, known for his interactions with the Israelites during their wilderness journey. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24, with additional references in other parts of Scripture. Balaam's narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking God for personal gain and the consequences of compromising one's spiritual integrity.

Background and Context

Balaam, son of Beor, resided in Pethor, near the Euphrates River. He was renowned for his ability to pronounce blessings and curses, which were believed to have significant spiritual power. His reputation reached Balak, the king of Moab, who sought Balaam's services to curse the Israelites as they encamped on the plains of Moab. Balak feared the Israelites due to their recent victories over neighboring nations.

Balaam's Initial Encounter with God

When Balak's messengers first approached Balaam, he sought God's guidance. God instructed Balaam not to go with them and not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). Balaam initially obeyed, refusing Balak's request. However, Balak persisted, sending more distinguished officials with promises of great reward.

The Temptation and Balaam's Compromise

Despite God's clear directive, Balaam's desire for honor and wealth led him to reconsider. God permitted Balaam to go with Balak's men but only to speak what He commanded (Numbers 22:20). This conditional permission highlights Balaam's internal struggle between obedience to God and the lure of material gain.

The Angel and the Donkey

As Balaam journeyed to Moab, God's anger was kindled against him, and the Angel of the LORD stood in his path. Balaam's donkey, seeing the angel, refused to proceed, leading to a miraculous encounter where the donkey spoke to Balaam (Numbers 22:28-30). This event underscores God's sovereignty and serves as a warning to Balaam about the seriousness of his mission.

Balaam's Prophecies

Upon reaching Moab, Balaam attempted to curse Israel but found himself compelled by God to bless them instead. Over three separate occasions, Balaam pronounced blessings, affirming Israel's divine favor and prophesying their future greatness (Numbers 23-24). Despite Balak's frustration, Balaam remained unable to speak against God's will.

Balaam's Downfall

While Balaam's prophecies were in line with God's will, his heart was not fully aligned with God's purposes. Later biblical references reveal Balaam's role in leading Israel into sin. In Numbers 31:16 , Moses attributes the seduction of Israelite men by Moabite women, which led to idolatry and a plague, to Balaam's counsel. This act of treachery is further condemned in the New Testament, where Balaam is cited as an example of greed and apostasy (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14).

Legacy and Lessons

Balaam's account is a sobering reminder of the perils of forsaking God for personal ambition. Despite his prophetic gift, Balaam's love for wealth and status ultimately led him to compromise his integrity and betray God's people. His narrative warns believers of the subtlety of temptation and the importance of unwavering faithfulness to God's commands.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Conversion of all that Come.
... Conversion," in its widest scope, signifies a forsaking of wickedness ... must be supported
by the providence of God, yet it ... not affect the ego, as in Balaam's case ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxix conversion of all that.htm

Repentance
... Balaam, terrified by the angel standing in his pathway with ... Do not put off the work
of forsaking your sins ... to yield to the pleading voice of God's Holy Spirit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 3 repentance.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... reconciled to the church, as Absalom's vow at Hebron, as Balaam and Balak ... is a great
point and argument of declining and forsaking the law of God, when men ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Strait Gate;
... to stimulate the careless to find, and to enter the gate of this the only city of
refuge from eternal misery"to fill the heart of God's children with love ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... Balaam's story for example in the Book of Numbers, is ... we take away from them, under
peril of God's curse. ... Not he who, forsaking the flowery fields of the Gospel ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... the centre of theocratic transgression, the forsaking of the ... custom of designating
the kingdom of God from its ... signification (compare my work on Balaam, p.465 ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Book ii.
... Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord." [1525] We have a physician, let ...
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 Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... none can imagine what fearful plights a wicked man is in sometimes; though God in
his ... let my last end be like his,' was the desire of wicked Balaam (Numbers 23 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

The Same Necessary and Eternal Different Relations
... they are not, and wish, with Balaam, that though ... greatest and most unnatural corruption
of God's creation that ... in one word; what the sun's forsaking that equal ...
/.../i proposition i the same.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... Hence it follows, that the inward work of holiness, and forsaking iniquity, is ... of
the Catholic church; yet it is absolutely necessary, where God affords the ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm