Balak and Balaam
Numbers 22-24

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All the Bible verses quoted in this article are from the King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

The Book of Numbers, from chapters 22 to 24, records an important event that occurred during the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan by the Israelites. This event involves Balak, the king of Moab, who allied with the five kings of Midian, using gifts to bribe Balaam, a renowned soothsayer of that time, to curse the Israelites. The name Balak (H1111) means “devastator,” corresponding to Balak causing the Israelites to sin and be punished by God. The name Balaam (H1109) means “not of the people,” signifying that Balaam did not belong to the Israelites and had no good intentions towards them.

The story begins in Numbers, chapter 22. At that time, it was around the end of 1407 BC. The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for nearly 40 years. They had reached the eastern bank of the Jordan River, north of the Dead Sea, opposite the city of Jericho, preparing to enter Canaan. The place where the Israelites stopped and camped was on the border of the kingdom of Moab. The Moabites had heard stories about the Israelites over the past 40 years and were very afraid of them, especially after seeing the Israelites defeat the Amorites, a powerful people who had once conquered Moab’s territory. Therefore, Balak, the king of Moab, allied with the five kings of Midian to find a way to oppose the Israelites.

In fact, the Israelites had no intention of conquering the territory of the Amorites, the Moabites, or the Midianites, as these lands were outside the Promised Land of Canaan. Specifically, God did not permit the Israelites to attack the Moabites and the Ammonites because they were the descendants of Lot.

According to Numbers chapter 21, when the Israelites requested permission from Sihon, king of the Amorites, to pass through his land to reach Canaan, Sihon not only refused but also attacked the Israelites. As a result, the Israelites defeated the Amorites and took over their cities. Subsequently, when the Israelites advanced toward Bashan, the king of Bashan also attacked them. However, the Israelites defeated the people of Bashan and took their land.

Therefore, when the Israelites arrived at the wilderness of Moab to prepare to enter Canaan, the Moabites were very fearful. This fear led Balak, the king of Moab, to ally with the kings of Midian and send messengers to invite a famous soothsayer named Balaam to curse the Israelites.

According to Numbers 22:7, the elders of Moab and Midian went to meet Balaam with gifts for divination (H7081). This implies that Balaam was a soothsayer. The Hebrew noun “קָסַם” /qāsam – ka-xem/ (H7080), translated as “soothsayer,” is a term used in the Bible to refer generally to those who practice divination, sorcery, and the prophets of false gods. According to Numbers 22:6, Balak knew that whoever Balaam blessed was blessed, and whoever Balaam cursed was cursed. Thus, Balaam was a very famous soothsayer among the Moabites and Midianites at that time. Balak believed that if the Israelites were cursed by Balaam, the Moabites could defeat them. We do not know the extent of Balaam’s magical powers, but we do know that servants of the Devil possess certain powers that can affect those who do not belong to God.

According to Numbers 22:5, 23:7, and Deuteronomy 23:4, Balaam was likely from the people of Aram, residing in the city of Pethor near the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. Today, this area is in the northern part of Syria. The Arameans were descendants of Shem, the youngest son of Noah (Genesis 10:22) [Please note: According to Genesis 9:24, Ham was the second son. According to Genesis 10:21, Japheth was the eldest. According to Genesis 11:10, two years after the Great Flood, Shem was 100 years old. Thus, when Noah was 500 years old, he fathered Japheth; at 501, he fathered Ham; and at 502, he fathered Shem. Shem is listed first in the genealogy because he is the ancestor of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ.] The distance from Moab to Pethor was considerable, potentially up to 800 km, and the journey could have taken up to a month.

Balaam was neither an Israelite nor a prophet of God for the Israelites. He certainly was not a prophet of God for the Moabites or the Midianites. Balaam was merely a sorcerer who worshipped false gods and received his power from demons.

The Moabites are descendants of Lot, through his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:37). They worshipped many false gods, but their primary deity was Chemosh (Numbers 21:29; 1 Kings 11:7). Chemosh was considered the God of War. When King Solomon sinned, he built high places for Chemosh, the god of the Moabites, and for Molech, the god of the Ammonites (1 Kings 11:7), introducing idol worship into Israel. Later, King Josiah destroyed the altars of these false gods within the kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 23:1-20).

The Midianites are descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). They worshipped many false gods. Except for a notable exception, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law and priest of Midian, had an understanding of the God of Israel, acknowledging Him as greater than all other gods (Exodus 18:11). Among the gods worshipped by the Midianites was Baal-Peor (Numbers 25:3), a deity associated with fertility and sexuality. The noun “Baal” (H1168) means “lord,” which the Canaanites used to refer to their highest deity. The noun “Peor” (H6465) is the name of a mountain in Moab. Baal-Peor means “Lord of Peor.” The rituals of worship for Baal-Peor were connected with immoral activities. This is why, when the Israelites committed sexual immorality with the Moabite and Midianite women, they also participated in the worship ceremonies of Baal-Peor.

Perhaps Balaam had occasions to learn about the God of Israel and had reverence for Him. In fact, he even knew God’s name, “the Self-Existing and Eternal One.” So when messengers from Moab and Midian came to him, repeating Balak’s request, Balaam asked them to stay overnight, intending to seek the will of God (Numbers 22:8).

Up to that moment, Balaam was not a prophet or servant of God, but he did respect God. He had heard about what God had done for the Israelites and against their enemies. It’s possible Balaam had some knowledge of God and even practiced offering sacrifices to Him. However, he viewed God as just one of many spiritual beings whom he worshipped alongside other gods.

On the first night, when Balak’s messengers stayed with Balaam, God came to Balaam and spoke with him. The Scriptures do not record that Balaam sought God’s guidance, but rather that God came to him and questioned him. God’s visit to Balaam could have been through a dream or a vision. A vision is when He appeared to Balaam while he was awake. The Bible records the incident as follows:

Numbers 22:9-12

9 And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?

10 And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,

11 Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.

12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.

Verse 10 confirms that God, in the person of *God, came to Balaam. Balaam sincerely disclosed to *God about Balak’s messengers, who had come to invite him to curse the Israelites. *God clearly instructed Balaam: “Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.” Therefore, the next morning, Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, saying, “Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.”

We might wonder how exactly God appeared to Balaam. How did Balaam know for sure that this was the God of the Israelites? The Bible does not give us an answer. However, we see that Balaam believed it was the God of the Israelites, and he obeyed His command rather than accepting Balak’s invitation.

Balak’s messengers returned and reported to Balak that Balaam had refused his invitation. Perhaps Balak thought that Balaam desired more honor and greater rewards, so he sent another delegation, consisting of highly respected individuals, with the same invitation. Additionally, Balak promised to reward Balaam handsomely and grant him whatever he desired. Balaam replied to the messengers as follows: “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” (Numbers 22:18).

We see that Balaam acknowledged God, the Self-Existing and Eternal One, as his God. He also affirmed that he would not go beyond the command of the Lord to do anything, whether small or great. Up to this point, Balaam appeared to be a person of faith and obedience to God, even claiming Him as his God. However, this was only an outward display by Balaam. In reality, he harbored desires for honor and wealth that Balak could bestow upon him. This inner conflict in Balaam’s heart is expressed by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter in the New Testament:

“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). [Please note: In the Hebrew language of the Old Testament, the father’s name of Balaam is “Beor” (H1160). In the New Testament Greek language, his father’s name is transliterated as “Bosor” (G1007).]

Therefore, in the end, Balaam devised a plan for Balak to use the tactic of seduction, causing the Israelites to engage in sexual immorality with the Moabite and Midianite women, worshiping the idol Baal-Peor, so that the Israelites would bring upon themselves the curse of God. Balaam hoped that through this, he could receive a reward from Balak (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14).

In reality, there have always been many who outwardly speak words and perform deeds that appear to honor and obey God but inwardly harbor greed. This may be a desire for fame, status, or positions of authority; a craving for material wealth and possessions; or a pursuit of bodily pleasures. Ananias and Sapphira, a couple in the early Church in Jerusalem, serve as a classic example (Acts 5). Therefore, the Lord Jesus prophesied that:

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 20:16; 22:14).

And the Apostle Paul had heartfelt sharing with the people of God in Corinth:

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

When Balak sent messengers to Balaam again, Balaam should have simply repeated the previous words of God and firmly declined Balak’s invitation. However, in his heart, Balaam hoped for a change from God so that he could receive honor and rewards from Balak. Therefore, he invited Balak’s messengers to stay overnight to see if God would speak differently to him.

In reality, there are many people of God who, upon receiving God’s teaching that does not align with their desires, are not satisfied. They try to find ways to make God change according to their wishes. This is great foolishness on the part of those who follow God. Those who follow God need to learn from Abraham: wholeheartedly trust and obey God, without questioning, without trying to manipulate God to do their bidding.

Consider this: if we truly believe that God loves us so much that He gave us Christ and only allows what is best for us, why wouldn’t we wholeheartedly obey Him, eagerly follow His holy will, and completely entrust our lives into His hands? Every child of God needs to remember the example of Abraham and Romans 8:26-39.

God used Balaam to bless the Israelites through his mouth. However, God also had a specific test for him.

“And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” (Numbers 22:20).

The next morning, instead of waiting for the officials of Moab to come to him, Balaam got up and went with them himself, accompanied by his two young men, along with the officials of Moab. God had clearly instructed Balaam, saying, “If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them.” But Balaam got up and went with them on his own accord.

In the Hebrew language of the Bible, the pronoun “הוּא” /hû’/ (H1931 – hu) in Numbers 22:22 means “he himself acting on his own.” Because Balaam went with the officials of Moab on his own initiative, not obeying the words of God, God was angry with Balaam. A translation close to the Hebrew Scriptures of Numbers 22:22 should be:

“But the anger of the Self-Existing and Eternal One was kindled because he went on his own initiative, and the Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One took His stand in the road as his adversary. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two young men were with him.”

The noun translated as “adversary” in the Hebrew language of the Old Testament is the noun “Satan,” meaning adversary. The adversary is the one who creates all disadvantages and harm for the opposing party.

According to many biblical scholars, the terms “the Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One” and “the Angel of *God” are titles for God in the person of the Word, when He appeared in human form to humanity in the Old Testament. We agree with this explanation because the Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One is indeed God in the person of the Word, thus receiving the worship of humanity. Therefore, it was God in the person of the Word who appeared as the messenger of the Self-Existing and Eternal One to rebuke Balaam. And it was He who would also instruct Balaam on what to say regarding the people of Israel (Numbers 22:35).

After Balaam’s donkey avoided the Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One three times and was struck by Balaam, God opened the mouth of the donkey to speak human words. The Bible records two incidents of animals speaking human language. The first was the serpent in the garden of Eden, tempting Eve. The second was Balaam’s donkey, speaking out against being struck three times by Balaam. We do not see Balaam expressing surprise upon hearing his donkey speak out against him; instead, he just responded to it. We think that it is possible that in the early days of creation, all creatures could speak human language. It is also possible that during the Millennium Kingdom and the Eternal Kingdom, all creatures will speak human language, having intimate interactions with humans.

Right after Balaam responded to his donkey, God opened Balaam’s eyes so that he could see the Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One. Balaam immediately bowed down and prostrated himself on the ground. At this moment, the donkey lay down under Balaam. Perhaps Balaam dismounted the donkey and prostrated himself on the ground before the Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One, in the manner of worshiping divine beings as practiced by the peoples of the Middle East.

Numbers 22:31-35

31 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.

32 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:

33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.

34 And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

35 And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

Balaam’s words to the Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One, recorded in verse 34, imply that he acknowledges his wrongdoing. If his going with the princes of Moab was seen as evil in the eyes of the Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One, he would return. Balaam’s use of the word “if” indicates his attempt to seek an opportunity to proceed further. Balaam still desires the honor that Balak has bestowed upon him and the benefits that Balak has promised.

The Angel of the Self-Existing and Eternal One allowed Balaam to proceed but instructed him to speak only the words that He would tell him.

Balaam met Balak, and on three occasions, Balak took Balaam to the mountaintops to offer sacrifices to the Self-Existing and Eternal One and curse Israel. However, by the command and inspiration of God, Balaam blessed Israel instead. Balak was disappointed and blamed Balaam. Afterward, Balak and Balaam parted ways.

God used the mouth of Balaam to speak words of praise and blessing for the people of Israel, along with prophecies about the future of Israel and neighboring kingdoms. In Hebrew, these are seven poetic verses that can be sung as a song.

The first poem is recorded in Numbers 23:7-10, where God put words in Balaam’s mouth to prophesy about the glory, independence, and populous nature of the people of Israel.

The second poem is recorded in Numbers 23:18-24, where God appeared to Balaam and instructed him what to say. Balaam praised God’s presence among the people of Israel, their lack of idolatrous practices, and their strength against enemies.

The third poem is recorded in Numbers 24:3-9, where the spirit of God moved Balaam to praise the glory and victorious battles of the people of Israel.

The fourth poem is recorded in Numbers 24:14-19, where Balaam prophesied about the coming of a king in Israel who would conquer Edom and Moab.

The fifth poem is recorded in Numbers 24:20, where Balaam prophesied about the eventual destruction of the Amalekites.

The sixth poem is recorded in Numbers 24:21-22, where Balaam prophesied about the destruction of the Kenites by the Assyrians.

The seventh poem is recorded in Numbers 24:23-24, where Balaam prophesied about ships from Kittim coming from the west to attack Assyria and Eber.

From the moment Balaam began honestly speaking the words that God commanded him or that he inspired by God, he became a servant and prophet of the Lord. If, after parting ways with Balak, Balaam had returned to his home without any further involvement with Balak, he would have been counted among those who were not Israelites but were good prophets of God. According to tradition among the Israelites, there are seven individuals who were not Israelites but were prophets of God: Beor, the father of Balaam; Balaam himself; Job; and Job’s four friends.

Regrettably, driven by greed and ambition, Balaam advised Balak to use a scheme that led the Israelites to engage in sexual immorality with women from Moab and Midian and to engage in spiritual idolatry with the idol Baal-peor. As a result, twenty-four thousand Israelites were killed in God’s punishment; however, the Midianites were destroyed, and all five kings of Midian were killed. Balaam himself was also killed.

A question arises: why were both the people of Moab and the people of Midian involved in causing the Israelites to commit sexual immorality, yet only the Midianites were destroyed while the Moabites were not? The answer lies in Deuteronomy 2:8-19. It was because God had given the territory of Ar to the descendants of Lot, including the Moabites, as their inheritance. He did not allow the Israelites to wage war against the Moabites and the Ammonites. However, the Moabites and the Ammonites were not admitted into the assembly of the Lord because they did not welcome the Israelites when they came into the Promised Land. In fact, the Moabites even hired Balaam to curse them (Deuteronomy 23:3-6).

Balaam proclaimed of himself, the one “which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open” (Numbers 24:16). Yet he destroyed himself out of greed for his own honor and profit. The example of Balaam is worthy for every child of God to reflect upon. Are any of us knowledgeable about God but still allow the desires of the flesh to lead us into sin, opposing God? There are three strong temptations that demons use to tempt humanity. They are temptations concerning fame, fortune, and the flesh. Regarding fame, it is pride – the desire to impress and be respected by many people. Concerning fortune, it is the desire for money, material wealth, and a comfortable life. Regarding the flesh, it is the desire for sexual immorality.

A wise person knows how to completely entrust their life to the hands of God. Trusting and obeying God entirely, they diligently follow all His teachings. Such a person doesn’t need to devise elaborate plans like those who do not have God; instead, they simply trust and obey Him, and God Himself will bring about all good things for them. The Word of God confirms:

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21).

We hope that the story of Balak and Balaam will help us always remember that those who outwardly show trust and obedience to God through words and actions yet harbor selfish desires in their hearts will have unfavorable outcomes. The Word of God teaches clearly:

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17).

May the Word of God sanctify us and strengthen us. May we all hold fast to our faith and be faithful to the Lord until the day Christ comes.

May the love, grace, and fellowship of the Triune God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, cover all of you. Amen!

Timothy Christian Huynh
Priscilla Christian Huynh
07/06/2024