The Prophet Who Loved the Wages of Unrighteousness
Balaam the son of Beor was a non-Israelite diviner or prophet from Pethor, a city in Mesopotamia, renowned for his ability to pronounce powerful curses and blessings. His story, primarily chronicled in the book of Numbers, is a profound warning against spiritual compromise, covetousness, and the attempt to use the gifts of God for worldly gain.
The name Balaam is often interpreted to mean “devourer of the people” or “destruction of the people,” a title tragically fulfilled by the consequences of his counsel.
The Commission to Curse Israel
When Israel was encamped on the plains of Moab, their presence struck fear into the heart of Balak, king of Moab. Balak desperately sought to hire Balaam, whose reputation as one whose curse was effectual had spread across nations, to destroy the advancing Israelites.
Balaam, though possessing some knowledge of the true God (whom he refers to as “the LORD my God,” Numbers 22:18, KJV), was immediately tempted by the promised reward of “silver and gold.”
Numbers 22:18 (KJV): “And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.”
Though he outwardly professed obedience, his heart yearned for the treasure, causing him to repeatedly seek permission to go against the explicit command of God: “Thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12, KJV).
The Talking Donkey and the Angel
The dramatic turning point in Balaam’s journey is a vivid demonstration of God’s sovereignty and judgment. As Balaam, driven by covetousness, pressed forward to meet Balak, an angel of the LORD stood in his path with a drawn sword. Balaam, blind to the spiritual reality, beat his donkey three times for refusing to move, until the LORD miraculously opened the mouth of the animal.
2 Peter 2:16 (KJV): “But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.”
The angel then opened Balaam’s eyes, saving his life and sternly commanding him to speak only the word that God would put in his mouth.
The Prophecies of Unstoppable Blessing
Despite three attempts by Balak to reposition Balaam and influence the curse, the LORD seized control of Balaam’s tongue, forcing him to pronounce magnificent blessings and stunning prophecies upon Israel, including a powerful messianic forecast:
Numbers 24:17 (KJV): “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…”
The Doctrine of Balaam: The Seduction of Sin
Unable to curse Israel directly because God had blessed them, Balaam revealed his true, wicked heart by teaching Balak a sinister strategy—the “doctrine of Balaam.” This counsel was to use the Midianite and Moabite women to seduce the Israelite men into sexual immorality and, crucially, idolatry (worshipping Baal-peor). By causing Israel to sin, they would bring God’s own judgment down upon themselves.
Revelation 2:14 (KJV): “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.”
This strategy succeeded, leading to a massive plague that killed twenty and four thousand people (Numbers 25:9, KJV). Balaam, who had prophesied the coming of Christ, died a swift and unrighteous death at the hands of the Israelites when they later fought against the Midianites.
Numbers 31:8 (KJV): “Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.”
The Defence of Sincerity
The story of Balaam provides the New Testament writers with the ultimate example of a gifted man whose heart was utterly corrupted by avarice. He is condemned in three New Testament books:
- 2 Peter 2:15: The “way of Balaam,” which is to love “the wages of unrighteousness.”
- Jude 1:11: The “error of Balaam,” which is running greedily after reward.
- Revelation 2:14: The “doctrine of Balaam,” which is teaching others to compromise and sin for worldly gain or acceptance.
For those committed to the “Defence of the Truth” and the hope of the Lord’s Return, the lesson is paramount: It is not enough to speak the right words; we must possess the right heart. The temptation to compromise truth for money, popularity, or influence (the modern-day wages of unrighteousness) is the very essence of the “doctrine of Balaam.” We must guard our hearts against this treacherous desire.