Balaam Numbers 22: 1-13

Introduction-1• The lives of Old Testament characters provide both positive and

negative examples- I Cor. 10:11• Paul said that the things written before were written for our

learning- Rom. 15:4• Balaam was an unusual person who provides one of those

negative examples from which we can learn • This is the first time he is mentioned in the scriptures • His name also occurs three times in the New Testament

Introduction-2

• After 40 years in the wilderness, Israel was on the way to Canaan• They had defeated Sihon’s army •Who had previously conquered Moab- Num. 21:26• And Og, king of Bashan East of Jordan • They were encamped in the plain of Moab intending to pass

around it to Canaan- Deut. 2:9• The king of Moab was frightened by their number• He and the elders of Midian sent messengers to Balaam

Who Was Balaam?

• The one to whom Balak sent messengers • To hire him to come and to curse Israel • He was the son of Beor who lived in Pethor near the Euphrates

river- v. 5• He was a prophet of God- II Pet. 2:16• God spoke to Balaam• And Balaam spoke great truths- 23:19 & 24:17 • Balak had confidence in him- v. 6

Balaam’s First Test• Appears wise and honorable- v. 8 • Told the messengers to stay overnight so he could ask God

about the matter• God told him not to go with them and not to curse the people

He had blessed- v. 12• Balaam said God would not allow him to go• But told only the first part of God’s message• Had he told all, it might have ended Balak’s plan

Balaam’s Second Test

• Balak wouldn’t take no for an answer• He sent more honorable messengers to Balaam- v. 16 •With a blank check for Balaam- v. 17• Balaam’s answer was correct and impressive- v. 18• But his actions didn’t match his words• Told them to stay while he asked God again • God told Balaam to go with them, but to speak only the word

that He gave to him- v. 20

Balaam’s Rebuke-1

• As Balaam traveled to Moab, his donkey saw an angel in the road- v. 23• The angel had a sword and was ready to kill Balaam• Balaam could not see the angel• The donkey changed course 3 times to avoid the angel• Once crushing Balaam’s foot against a wall• Finally the donkey sat down under him• Each time Balaam struck his donkey

Balaam’s Rebuke-2

• God allowed the donkey to rebuke Balaam- v. 28• Balaam saw the angel who also rebuked him• The angel said that his way was perverse• Peter said it was for his “madness”- II Pet. 2:16• Balaam wanted to curse the Israelites• Balaam repented and said he would return home• The angel told him to go and to speak only the words God gave

to him

Balaam Blessed Israel-1

• Balak rushed out to meet Balaam- v. 36• He told Balak he could only speak God’s words- v. 38• Balak took Balaam to the high places of Baal• There Balaam could see the Israelites• Balaam had seven altars built and sacrifices made• God through Balaam blessed His people- 23:7-10• Balak took him to the top of Pisgah- 23:14 • And He blessed Israel again- 23:18-24

Balaam Blessed Israel-2

• Balak took him to the top of Peor- 23:28• This time he spoke without going to God• And he blessed Israel a third time- 24:3-9• He predicted their triumph over their enemies• Including a prophecy of the Messiah- V17-18• Balak in his frustration dismissed Balaam • And Balaam went home

Balaam’s End

• Balaam was not satisfied • He still wanted gain from the situation• He loved the wages of unrighteousness- II Pet. 2:15• He told Balak how to weaken Israel- Num. 31:16• Through idolatry and sexual immorality- 25:1-3•Was killed along with the kings of Midian- 31:8• He died in dishonor and infamy- Jude 11

Lessons from Balaam-1

1. Leaving out any part of God’s word is dangerous• Balaam told the first messengers only part of God’s answer• All of God’s word is important and needful- Matt. 4:4• Leaving out any part of it was a sign of unfaithfulness in Balaam

and all who do it today- Acts 20:272. God’s will and purpose can not be thwarted• Not by kings, greedy prophets or anyone else• Those who oppose it do so to their own disappointment, sorrow

and destruction

Lessons from Balaam-2

3. Balaam failed to appreciate his relationship to God• He was a prophet through whom God revealed His will• He was willing to sell his relationship for the “wages of

unrighteousness”• Christians should realize the great honor of being a member of

God’s family- I Jn. 3:1 • And never exchange that honor for the temporary enjoyment of

the trash and trinkets of this world- Mt. 16:26

Lessons from Balaam-34. The danger of pursuing wealth• The motive that led to Balaam’s destruction• It will lead to many different sins- I Tim. 6:9-10• Because of it Achan was stoned to death and Gehazi died a

leper• It motivated Judas to betray Christ• It has destroyed the lives of many Christians also•We need to trust God and be content- Heb. 13:5• Let us learn from Balaam’s mistakes