Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Balaam was a wicked prophet in the Bible and is noteworthy because, although he was a wicked prophet, he was not a false prophet. That is, Balaam did hear from God, and God did give him some true p...
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Lena Wms
Supporter
My Brother has given a great deal of information, however since the Word of God is infinite there is so much more to this story. Balaam at some point had to know the Torah, the Law. Otherwise he would not have known how to cause the punishment of God to fall on Israel. At one time, he had must have been a powerful man of God to be known in the heathen nations as a prophet. However, like Elisha's servant, GREED had entered his heart. (remember he tried to take Namann's garments and gold for the healing of his leprosy) Most people overlook some important words in verse 20, God said IF these men rise up and ask you to go with them, go with them but only say what I tell you. Balaam never waited for the IF! He just got up and saddled his ass and left with them. The men never had a chance to ask him. He had already told them no he was not going with them, now when they wake up, he is jumping up traveling with them? Do you think they were scratching their heads? No wonder God sent His Angel! He wanted to make sure Balaam got it right. God was attempting to point out Balaam's lil god called greed. It had already caused him to miss the first instruction, then beat his lil donkey, not realize the miracle of the donkey speaking, then lie to the Angel... He told the Angel, if I have messed up, I will go back home. Another IF? We can't point fingers at him today. The Word of God is like a mirror. All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for reproof, and correction according to 2Tim 3:16-17, So what are we seeing? Greed at it's worst. Men and women of God so easily turned by the enemy of our souls by the promise of riches, fame, reputation, and prestige. Not that any of these things are evil, but the Bible says the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. Not money itself but the love of it. The greed of it. Many will want examples to see: greed is putting your job before God instead of putting God first. Greed is trying to keep up with the Jones, Williams and Smiths before you feel satisfied in church. Greed is comparing yourself with anyone but the LORD Jesus Christ. Thank God for the saving power of the Lord Jesus..He heals greed from our lives! Be Blessed Lena
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Balaam was a Gentile soothsayer from the Euphrates who was hired by King Balak to curse the Hebrew people. 4 times he tried to curse the Jews, and each time God turned the curse into a blessing. His 4 prophetic utterances are most important and at least 1 is well known in the Old Testament, Numbers 24:17. JP He was a double-minded prophet in that he was eloquent in prophecy but presumptuous in seeking to alter the divine plan (Num. 23; 24). HL There is a most fascinating connection found here in how the story of Balak and Balaam ends. After 3 attempts to curse Israel, Balaam finds God’s speech taking over once again; but this time, Balaam utters a prophecy about some Great King coming to Israel in the distant future: "I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not nigh; A Star shall come forth out of Jacob And a Scepter shall rise out Israel" (Numbers 24:17). Balaam was an enigma in that God would communicate to him and through him. Granted and admittedly he came up with some practical teaching, excellent soteriology, and prophetic teaching (e.g. excellent eschatology).-- It was all about Israel: Israel’s separation (Nu 23:9-10), Israel’s justification (Nu 23:21), Israel’s sanctification (Nu 24:5-9), and Israel’s exaltation (Nu 24:17, 19). JP
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