{"id":13815,"date":"2024-03-02T18:32:01","date_gmt":"2024-03-02T17:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theholyscript.com\/?p=13815"},"modified":"2024-03-02T18:32:01","modified_gmt":"2024-03-02T17:32:01","slug":"who-is-balaam-in-the-bible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theholyscript.com\/who-is-balaam-in-the-bible\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Is Balaam In The Bible"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Balaam’s Story in the Bible<\/h2>\n

Balaam is described in the Bible as a “diviner of ancient times” who was summoned by Balak, the leader of the ancient Moabite nation. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the emerging Israelite nation, but Balaam refused to do so, instead delivering prophecies of the Israelites’ ultimate victory and glory. Balaam is a significant figure in several of the books of the Bible, and his story is often cited as an example of someone who worked with God rather than against him.<\/p>\n

Balaam’s story begins in the book of Numbers. Balak, leader of the Moabites, summoned Balaam, a soothsayer and seer, to curse the Israelites, who were on the rise as a powerful nation. Balaam, however, refused to curse the Israelites and instead delivered divine messages and prophecy that foretold the glorious future of the Israelites. He told Balak that “God is not a man, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19).<\/p>\n

Balaam’s refusal to curse the Israelites caught the strong attention of Balak, and the king made several attempts to induce him to change his mind. Though Balaam continued to stand firm in refusing to speak ill of the Israelites, Balak was eventually successful in persuading Balaam to support his own people by delivering a divine message of doom for the Palestinians. After hearing Balaam’s warning, the Moabites were temporarily secure.<\/p>\n

Balaam’s story within the Bible provides readers with an important lesson in trusting God’s plan. Though Balaam was tempted to speak ill of the Israelites and support his own people, he chose instead to trust in God’s ultimate plan and refuse to act against His will. Balaam’s refusal to act against God’s will serves as a powerful reminder to Christians today of the importance of obediently following God’s plan, no matter the pressure or temptation.<\/p>\n