Who was Balaam in the Bible?

Balaam, a figure in the Bible, is introduced as a non-Israelite prophet or diviner who plays a significant role in the narrative of Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. His story spans Numbers 22–24, with additional references in other parts of Scripture that shed light on his character and legacy. His interactions with Balak, king of Moab, and his infamous actions make him a figure of both intrigue and caution. This articke will explore who this man was, his story in the Bible, his significance, and the lessons drawn from his life.

Balaam Identity and Background

Balaam is introduced in Numbers 22 as the son of Beor, living in Pethor, near the Euphrates River (Numbers 22:5). According to the Bible, he was once a good prophet of God. But he apostatized and yielded his soul to covetousness, yet still professed to be a servant of the Most High (Numbers 22—24). He was recognized as someone with the ability to pronounce blessings and curses, which were believed to have real consequences. Balak, the king of Moab, sought his services to curse Israel as they approached his territory.

Numbers 22:5-6 describes Balak’s request:

“Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: ‘Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.'”

While Balaam’s exact role is debated, it is clear that he was known for his spiritual influence, and his reputation extended far beyond his homeland.

His Story in Numbers 22–24

1. Balak’s Request and Balaam’s Initial Response

When Balak’s emissaries arrived, Balaam sought the counsel of the Lord. God’s initial response was clear: Balaam was not to go with Balak’s men or curse Israel, for they were blessed.

Numbers 22:12 states:

“And God said to Balaam, ‘You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.'”

Balaam relayed God’s message to Balak’s messengers, who returned to Balak empty-handed.

2. Balak’s Persistence and God’s Conditional Permission

Undeterred, Balak sent a more distinguished delegation with promises of great reward. Balaam again sought the Lord, and this time, God permitted him to go—but with the condition that he would only speak what God instructed.

Numbers 22:20-21:

“And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, ‘If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do.’ So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.”

3. The Incident with the Donkey

As Balaam journeyed, God’s anger was kindled because of the man’s apparent greed and duplicity. The Angel of the Lord blocked his path, and his donkey, seeing the angel, refused to proceed. This man struck the donkey three times, unaware of the divine presence.

Numbers 22:31 reveals the turning point:

“Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.”

This dramatic encounter underscored God’s sovereignty and the man’s obligation to speak only what God commanded.

4. Blessings on Israel

Despite Balak’s insistence, Balaam could not curse Israel. Instead, he pronounced blessings over them in a series of oracles, each revealing God’s favor toward His chosen people.

One of his most famous prophecies is found in Numbers 24:17:

“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult.”

This prophecy is often interpreted as a Messianic prediction, pointing to Jesus Christ.

Balaam’s Sin and Downfall

While this man initially appeared to obey God, his actions later revealed a heart driven by greed and a willingness to lead Israel into sin. Although he did not curse Israel directly, he advised Balak to use a more insidious strategy: seduction. He suggested that Moabite women entice the Israelites into sexual immorality and idolatry, leading to divine judgment.

Numbers 31:16 exposes Balaam’s counsel:

“Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.”

This event, known as the Baal of Peor incident (Numbers 25:1-9), resulted in the death of 24,000 Israelites. The false prophet’s role in orchestrating this sin highlights his moral corruption and his willingness to compromise for financial gain.

Death

Balaam’s life ended in judgment. He was killed during Israel’s campaign against Midian, as recorded in Numbers 31:8:

“They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of those who were killed—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. Balaam the son of Beor they also killed with the sword.”

This death underscores the seriousness of his betrayal of God’s people.

New Testament References

The New Testament provides additional insight into Balaam’s character and legacy, using him as a warning against greed, false teaching, and leading others into sin.

1. 2 Peter 2:15-16 warns against the way of Balaam: “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.”
2. Jude 1:11 mentions the error of Balaam: “Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.”
3. Revelation 2:14 condemns the doctrine of Balaam: “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.”

These passages emphasize the false prophet’s greed and the devastating consequences of his actions.

Lessons from Balaam’s Life

Balaam’s story offers profound lessons for believers:

1. Obedience to God Must Be Wholehearted
   Balaam’s partial obedience—appearing to follow God while harboring ulterior motives—ultimately led to his downfall. God desires complete submission to His will.Matthew 7:21 warns: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”
2. Greed Corrupts
   Balaam’s love for money drove him to compromise his prophetic gift and lead others into sin. Scripture repeatedly warns against the dangers of greed.1 Timothy 6:10 states: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
3. The Seriousness of Leading Others into Sin
   Balaam’s counsel to Balak caused thousands of Israelites to fall into idolatry and immorality. Jesus warned about causing others to stumble. Matthew 18:6: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
4. God’s Sovereignty Cannot Be Overthrown
   Despite Balaam’s attempts, he could not curse Israel because they were under God’s protection. God’s plans and purposes will always prevail. Isaiah 14:27 declares: “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?”

Conclusion

Balaam is a figure of paradox in the Bible—a man who knew and spoke the words of God, yet whose heart was far from Him. His story is a sobering reminder of the dangers of greed, compromise, and leading others astray. While he sought to manipulate God’s will for personal gain, his actions ultimately brought judgment upon himself and highlighted God’s unwavering faithfulness to His people.

Balaam’s legacy serves as a warning to all believers to guard their hearts, remain steadfast in obedience, and avoid the pitfalls of greed and false teaching. His life underscores the truth that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. As Numbers 23:19 affirms:

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”