Balaam

Definition

Balaam was a pagan prophet whom King Balak hired to curse Israel while they were camped at the Jordan River in northern Moab, preparing to enter the land of Canaan.

• Balaam was from the city of Pethor, which was located in the region around the Euphrates River, about 400 miles away from the land of Moab.
• The Midianite king, Balak, was afraid of the strength and numbers of the Israelites, so he hired Balaam to curse them.
• As Balaam was traveling toward Israel, an angel of God stood in his path so that Balaam’s donkey stopped. God also gave the donkey the ability to speak to Balaam.
• God did not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites and commanded him to bless them instead.
• Later however, Balaam still brought evil on the Israelites when he influenced them to worship the false god Baal-peor.

(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)

(See also: bless, Canaan, curse, donkey, Euphrates River, Jordan River, Midian, Moab, Peor)

Bible References

• 2 Peter 2:16
• Deuteronomy 23:3-4
• Joshua 13:22-23
• Numbers 22:5
• Revelation 2:14

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1109, G09030