Who was Balaam in the Bible
Balaam is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures of the Old Testament. Known as a prophet or diviner, he is remembered for being called to curse Israel but ending up proclaiming blessings instead. His story, told mainly in the book of Numbers, reveals the conflict between obedience to God and the desire for riches and recognition.
Balaam is an example of how a divine gift can be corrupted when the heart turns away from the truth. Balaam was the son of Beor and lived in the region of Pethor, near the Euphrates River (Numbers 22:5).
His reputation as a spiritual man spread among many nations, and he was known for the power and influence of his words. When King Balak of Moab learned that the people of Israel were approaching his land after leaving Egypt, he feared for his security. Determined to stop their advance, Balak sent messengers with promises of reward to ask Balaam to curse Israel.
The prophecy
Balaam consulted God, and the Lord answered clearly: “You shall not go with them, nor shall you curse the people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). Despite this divine prohibition, he hesitated. When the king sent new messengers with even greater promises of wealth and honor, Balaam again sought God’s direction, revealing his ambition and indecision.
God allowed him to go, but only on the condition that he would speak what the Lord commanded. On the journey, the angel of God stood in his way to stop him, but only his donkey perceived the angel’s presence.
When the animal turned aside, Balaam beat it, until the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth and it spoke, asking, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28). Shortly afterward, Balaam saw the angel and recognized his error.
Even so, he continued on to Balak. Before the king, he tried to carry out the order to curse Israel, but God put words of blessing in his mouth. Three times Balaam blessed the people of God, declaring, “There is no enchantment against Jacob, nor divination against Israel” (Numbers 23:23).
His final prophecy even announced the coming of a great king in Israel, a messianic reference: “A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17).
However, Balaam did not remain faithful. Later, he advised Balak to use another strategy to weaken Israel, leading the people into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 31:16). This action brought judgment upon the Israelites and marked Balaam as a symbol of spiritual corruption. He eventually died in battle, fighting alongside the enemies of God.
The example and warning in the life of Balaam
Balaam had spiritual knowledge and heard the voice of God, but his heart was divided. He represents those who recognize the truth but are ruled by the desire for power and wealth. His story is a warning against double-mindedness and serving God only when it is convenient.
The apostle Peter mentions him as an example of one who “loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15), and Jude cites him as a symbol of greed and apostasy (Jude 1:11). In Revelation, Jesus rebukes those who follow “the teaching of Balaam,” that is, those who lead God’s people to compromise their faith in exchange for advantage.
Although God used him, Balaam did not maintain spiritual integrity. He shows that gifts and talents are not guarantees of faithfulness, and that the true servant of God is the one who chooses obedience, even when it requires giving up earthly benefits.
The meaning of the name Balaam
The name Balaam comes from the Hebrew Bil‘am and may mean “destroyer of the people” or “one who devours.” This meaning reflects the role he played, a man who, though called by God, put the people in danger because of his greed and disobedience.
Facts about Balaam
Balaam was called by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel.
God used his donkey to warn him of danger and reveal the angel on the road.
Instead of cursing, Balaam ended up blessing Israel three times.
He prophesied about the coming of a “scepter” who would rule the people, a reference to the Messiah.
Despite his spiritual experiences, Balaam was killed in battle for allying himself with the enemies of Israel.
He is mentioned in Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Micah, 2 Peter, Jude, and Revelation.
He is remembered as an example of someone who knew the will of God but chose greed instead of obedience.
Lessons from the life of Balaam
The main lesson from the life of Balaam is that spiritual gifts do not replace character. He heard the voice of God, but preferred to follow his own interests. This shows that obedience is more important than any talent or position.
Another lesson concerns the temptation of rewards. Balaam nearly destroyed himself and others because of his desire for recognition and wealth. His story teaches that faithfulness to God requires renunciation and constant discernment.
Finally, Balaam reminds us that God can use even the disobedient to fulfill His plans. Even when he tried to resist, Balaam ended up proclaiming divine truth. This reveals that the power belongs to God, not to the messenger.
Conclusion
Balaam was a prophet who heard the voice of God but allowed ambition to corrupt his heart. His story is a warning against the love of money and compromise with sin. Although he spoke inspired words, he ended his life far from God’s presence. He reminds us that the true servant of God is the one who obeys with purity and keeps the heart aligned with the will of the Lord.
