Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re going to explore the fascinating yet cautionary tale of Balaam, the false prophet. Balaam’s story offers valuable lessons about obedience, temptation, and spiritual deception. We will look at what the Old and New Testaments reveal about him and draw out some crucial lessons for our lives.
Balaam is a non-Israelite prophet whose story is primarily found in Numbers 22 to 24.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:5-6 (KJV)
He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now, therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
Balaam had a reputation for his powerful blessings and curses, which led Balak, the king of Moab, to seek him out to curse Israel.
Balaam’s Journey and Encounter with the Angel
Initially, God tells Balaam not to go with Balak’s messengers. However, after Balak persistently sends more notable servants with greater riches, Balaam revisits God for permission, showing his susceptibility to temptation.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 22:12 (KJV)
And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
But Balaam later receives conditional permission from God to go, demonstrating God’s allowance for human free will but also a test of Balaam’s integrity.
Numbers 22:22-23 (KJV)
And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
This incident where Balaam’s donkey sees the angel of the Lord and attempts to avoid it, while Balaam remains oblivious, highlights his spiritual blindness and stubbornness driven by greed.
Balaam’s Blessings Instead of Curses
When Balaam meets Balak and tries to curse Israel, God intervenes, causing Balaam to utter blessings instead.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 23:11-12 (KJV)
And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?
Despite Balak’s pressures and increasing incentives, Balaam cannot curse whom God has blessed, emphasizing God’s sovereign will.
Despite his outward compliance to bless Israel, Balaam later reveals his true intentions by advising Balak on how to cause Israel to sin, thus bringing God’s punishment upon them.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 31:16 (KJV)
Behold, 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.
This act involved leading the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, directly opposing God’s commands and illustrating Balaam’s greed and corruption.
New Testament Perspective on Balaam
The New Testament references Balaam as a negative example, warning believers of the dangers of covetousness and unrighteousness.
2 Peter 2:15-16 (KJV)
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; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
Jude 1:11 (KJV)*
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
These passages warn of false teachers and prophets who follow in Balaam’s footsteps by prioritizing personal gain over godliness.
Lessons and Concluding Thoughts
Balaam’s tale urges us to evaluate our own hearts and ensures our motives align with God’s will rather than personal gain.
- Obedience to God’s Will: True obedience requires steadfastness amidst temptation.
- Spiritual Discernment: Recognize and avoid false prophets and teachers who may lead us astray.
- Integrity: Ensure our actions align with God’s commandments both publicly and privately.
Matthew 7:15-16 (KJV)
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?
Remember Balaam’s story as a caution to guard our hearts against the love of money and corruption. May we continuously seek God’s guidance and remain faithful to His commands.
Thank you for joining us today. May this story lead us to greater spiritual vigilance and integrity. God bless you all.
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