Topical Bible: Temptation: Balaam

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Topical Encyclopedia

Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily found in the Book of Numbers. His account is a profound illustration of the theme of temptation, as it intertwines divine revelation with human ambition and moral compromise.

Biblical Account

Balaam first appears in Numbers 22, when Balak, the king of Moab, seeks his services to curse the Israelites, who are encamped on the plains of Moab. Balak sends messengers with fees for divination, hoping to persuade Balaam to curse the advancing Israelites. Balaam's initial response is to seek God's guidance, and God instructs him not to go with the Moabite officials, stating, "You are not to curse these people, for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12).

Despite this clear directive, Balaam is tempted by the promise of reward and prestige. When Balak sends more distinguished officials with promises of greater honor, Balaam again seeks God's permission. This time, God allows Balaam to go but with the stipulation that he must only speak what God commands (Numbers 22:20).

The Donkey and the Angel

As Balaam sets out on his journey, God’s anger is kindled because Balaam's heart is inclined toward the rewards offered by Balak. The angel of the Lord stands in Balaam's path as an adversary. Balaam's donkey sees the angel and turns aside, but Balaam, blind to the spiritual reality, strikes the donkey. This episode culminates in the miraculous event where the donkey speaks, and Balaam's eyes are opened to see the angel (Numbers 22:22-31). This encounter underscores Balaam's spiritual blindness and the danger of succumbing to temptation.

Balaam's Oracles

Despite Balak's persistent attempts to have Israel cursed, Balaam delivers a series of oracles that bless Israel instead. Each oracle reaffirms God's blessing and protection over His people, frustrating Balak's intentions (Numbers 23-24). Balaam's obedience in speaking only what God commands highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human temptation.

Balaam's Downfall

The narrative takes a darker turn in Numbers 25 and 31. Although Balaam could not curse Israel directly, he advises Balak to entice the Israelites into sin through idolatry and immorality, leading to a plague among the Israelites (Numbers 31:16). This counsel reveals Balaam's ultimate succumbing to temptation, prioritizing personal gain over obedience to God.

New Testament References

Balaam's legacy as a cautionary tale is echoed in the New Testament. Peter warns against false teachers who have "gone astray by abandoning the straight path and have followed the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness" (2 Peter 2:15). Similarly, Jude describes Balaam's error as a pursuit of profit (Jude 1:11), and the risen Christ, in His message to the church in Pergamum, condemns those who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin (Revelation 2:14).

Theological Implications

Balaam's account serves as a powerful reminder of the perils of temptation, especially when it involves compromising divine truth for personal gain. It illustrates the conflict between God's will and human desires, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience. Balaam's narrative warns believers of the subtlety of temptation and the consequences of yielding to it, urging a steadfast commitment to God's commands.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 22:17
For I will promote you to very great honor, and I will do whatever you say to me: come therefore, I pray you, curse me this people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Balaam
... Watch how Balaam, as a matter of course, inquires of the Lord whether he may go,
and refuses, seemingly at first honestly. Then how the temptation grows on him ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiv balaam.htm

Whether the Manner and Order of the First Temptation was Fitting?
... not to suppose that the devil chose the serpent as his means of temptation; but
as ... xi, 29) the serpent spoke to man, even as the ass on which Balaam sat spoke ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the manner and order.htm

Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... The temptation which he pitched upon was that concerning which Solomon afterwards ...
from the relation repeated in Numbers, {23} it appears, that Balaam was the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm

Adam's Sin
... [1] The occasion of it was the serpent's temptation. The devil crept into the serpent,
and spake in the serpent, as the angel in Balaam's ass; where, consider,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 adams sin.htm

The Wine of Prayer
... obliged to take a plot of ground in the Valley of Sore Temptation and make ... 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

The Interpretation of the Early Narratives of the Old Testament
... The role of the serpent is the opposite of that of Balaam's ass, which ... between the
woman and the serpent the true character of all temptation is revealed: it ...
/.../xiv the interpretation of the.htm

Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ
... wilt thou that we should do?" The angel answers thee as he answered Balaam: "Thou
shalt ... Then will we in the name of Jesus drive out the devils of temptation. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/savonarola the ascension of.htm

Snares of Satan.
... Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully ...
if ye be followers of that which is good?"(927) When Balaam, allured by ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /32 snares of satan.htm

Snares of Satan
... Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be ... When Balaam,
allured by the promise of rich rewards, practiced enchantments against ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

"On Conscience"
... account of which is recorded in the third chapter of the Second Book of Kings.)
To this Balaam makes that ... Venture not upon temptation or occasions of sin. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 105 on conscience.htm