Balaam

Balaam was a pagan prophet from Pethor near the Euphrates River (Numbers 22:5). Balak, king of Moab, hired him to curse the Israelites as they approached Moabite territory (Numbers 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 (Numbers 22:7-21). On the way, Balaam's donkey saw the Angel of the Lord and saved Balaam from being killed (Numbers 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 (Numbers 31:8). He had advised the Midianites to entice Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14). Balaam's story is remembered as an example of God's sovereignty (Deuteronomy 23:4-5; Joshua 24:9-10; Nehemiah 13:2; Micah 6:5) and as a warning against greed and false teaching (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11).