Topical Encyclopedia Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily 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 actions and motivations have been the subject of much discussion, particularly concerning his offenses against God and Israel.Background and Narrative Balaam, son of Beor, resided in Pethor, near the Euphrates River. He was renowned for his ability to bless and curse, which led Balak, the king of Moab, to seek his services. As the Israelites encamped in the plains of Moab, Balak feared their presence and sought to curse them through Balaam, hoping to weaken them (Numbers 22:1-6). Despite being a pagan diviner, Balaam had some knowledge of the God of Israel. When Balak's messengers approached him, Balaam 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, offering greater rewards, and Balaam's desire for wealth and honor led him to reconsider. The Journey and the Donkey God permitted Balaam to go with Balak's officials but was angered by Balaam's intentions. On his journey, Balaam's donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way and turned aside, saving Balaam from divine wrath. Balaam, unaware of the angel, struck the donkey. The LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and it spoke to Balaam, questioning his actions. Then, the LORD opened Balaam's eyes to see the angel, who rebuked him for his reckless path (Numbers 22:21-33). Balaam's Prophecies Upon reaching Balak, Balaam attempted to curse Israel but found himself compelled by God to bless them instead. Over three separate occasions, Balaam delivered oracles that affirmed God's blessing on Israel, much to Balak's frustration (Numbers 23-24). Balaam's prophecies included profound declarations of Israel's future prosperity and the coming of a star out of Jacob, a messianic prophecy (Numbers 24:17). Balaam's Offense and Legacy Despite his initial obedience, Balaam's heart was not fully aligned with God's will. His desire for reward led him to counsel Balak on how to entice the Israelites into sin, resulting in God's judgment upon Israel. This counsel involved leading the Israelites into idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, which brought a plague upon the people (Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16). Balaam's legacy is one of a prophet who knew the true God but chose personal gain over obedience. His name became synonymous with leading others into sin for profit, as referenced in the New Testament. The Apostle Peter warns against following the way of Balaam, who "loved the wages of wickedness" (2 Peter 2:15). Similarly, Jude speaks of those who "rush for profit into Balaam’s error" (Jude 1:11), and the risen Christ, in His message to the church in Pergamum, condemns those who hold to Balaam's teaching (Revelation 2:14). Balaam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's integrity and faithfulness to God for worldly gain. His offenses highlight the importance of aligning one's heart and actions with God's will, resisting the temptation to prioritize personal desires over divine commands. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 31:16Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 2:14 Library Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagate the Gospel. Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love. Chapter xxii On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... Instability Resources How can I learn to not take offense at little things? | GotQuestions.orgHow and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about political correctness? Should a Christian be politically correct? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
    |