Balaam Summary
STEPBible TIPNR
Balaam was a pagan prophet hired by Balak to curse Israel, but he blessed them instead.
from Pethor of Mesopotamia (NUM 22:5, DEUT 23:4)
Lineage: Beor › Balaam
Names
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en
Balaam
the ancient of the people; the destruction of the people
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en
Balaam
· Also called · H1109a none · NUM 22:5 [poss.] Baal [lord] of the people; [poss.] the clan brings forth; devourer, glutton
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he
בִּלְעָ֣ם
biləam · H1109a · NUM 22:5 [poss.] Baal [lord] of the people; [poss.] the clan brings forth; devourer, glutton
- he בִּלְעָם · H1109A
- el Βαλααμ Balaam · none · NUM 22:5
- el Βαλαάμ · G0903
- bg Валаам
Mentioned in (59)
Num 22:5
Num 22:7
Num 22:8
Num 22:9
Num 22:10
Num 22:12
Num 22:13
Num 22:14
Num 22:16
Num 22:18
Num 22:20
Num 22:21
Num 22:23
Num 22:25
Num 22:27
Num 22:28
Num 22:29
Num 22:30
Num 22:31
Num 22:34
Num 22:35
Num 22:36
Num 22:37
Num 22:38
Num 22:39
Num 22:40
Num 22:41
Num 23:1
Num 23:2
Num 23:3
Num 23:4
Num 23:5
Num 23:11
Num 23:16
Num 23:25
Num 23:26
Num 23:27
Num 23:28
Num 23:29
Num 23:30
Num 24:1
Num 24:2
Num 24:3
Num 24:10
Num 24:12
Num 24:15
Num 24:25
Num 31:8
Num 31:16
Deut 23:4
Deut 23:5
Josh 13:22
Josh 24:9
Josh 24:10
Neh 13:2
Mic 6:5
2 Pet 2:15
Jude 1:11
Rev 2:14
SDA Books
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Family of origin
- Father: Beor
- Mother: Unknown
Balaam Article
STEPBible TIPNR
Balaam was a pagan prophet from Pethor near the Euphrates River (Num 22:5). Balak, king of Moab, hired him to curse the Israelites as they approached Moabite territory (Num 22:6). Despite initial resistance, Balaam agreed to go with Balak's messengers after God permitted him, but only to speak what God told him (Num 22:7-21). On the way, Balaam's donkey saw the Angel of the Lord and saved Balaam from being killed (Num 22:22-35). In three oracles, Balaam blessed Israel instead of cursing them (Numbers 23-24). Later, Balaam was killed in Israel's battle against Midian (Num 31:8). He had advised the Midianites to entice Israel into idolatry and immorality (Num 31:16; Rev 2:14). Balaam's story is remembered as an example of God's sovereignty (Deu 23:4-5; Jos 24:9-10; Neh 13:2; Mic 6:5) and as a warning against greed and false teaching (2Pe 2:15; Jud 1:11).
Balaam Dictionary
Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Lord of the people; foreigner or glutton, as interpreted by others, the son of Beor, was a man of some rank among the Midianites (Num. 31:8; comp. 16). He resided at Pethor (Deut. 23:4), in Mesopotamia (Num. 23:7). It is evident that though dwelling among idolaters he had some knowledge of the true God; and was held in such reputation that it was supposed that he whom he blessed was blessed, and he whom he cursed was cursed. When the Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, on the east of Jordan, by Jericho, Balak sent for Balaam “from Aram, out of the mountains of the east,” to curse them; but by the remarkable interposition of God he was utterly unable to fulfil Balak’s wish, however desirous he was to do so. The apostle Peter refers (2 Pet. 2:15, 16) to this as an historical event. In Micah 6:5 reference also is made to the relations between Balaam and Balak. Though Balaam could not curse Israel, yet he suggested a mode by which the divine displeasure might be caused to descend upon them (Num. 25). In a battle between Israel and the Midianites (q.v.) Balaam was slain while fighting on the side of Balak (Num. 31:8).
The “doctrine of Balaam” is spoken of in Rev. 2:14, in allusion to the fact that it was through the teaching of Balaam that Balak learned the way by which the Israelites might be led into sin. Balaam was constrained to utter prophecies regarding the future of Israel of wonderful magnificence and beauty of expression (Num. 24:5-9, 17).
Sources: BibleData (CC BY 4.0, Balaam_1) · STEPBible TIPNR (CC BY 4.0, Balaam@Num.22.5-Rev) · Theographic Bible Metadata (CC BY-SA 4.0, balaam_593)