Balaam
Gentile Mesopotamian (of Pethor) · Exodus & Wilderness · Old Testament
- Role
- Soothsayer hired to curse Israel
- When
- End of the wilderness journey
What they did
Hired by Balak king of Moab to curse Israel, he was rebuked by his ass and by the angel of the LORD. He could speak only what God gave him and blessed Israel instead, foretelling 'a Star out of Jacob'.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
God turned the curse into a blessing (Deuteronomy 23:5) and even used a Gentile prophet to foretell a coming King. The New Testament warns against his love of reward.
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, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Numbers 24:17 (KJV)
Bible references
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: Numbers 22:5 (KJV)
Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. Numbers 22:31 (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, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Numbers 24:17 (KJV)
Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee. Deuteronomy 23:5 (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; 2 Peter 2:15 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Beor
Slain with the kings of Midian (Numbers 31:8).