The Balaam Enigma

If you know anything about Balaam it's probably the tale about his talking donkey. But there's a lot more that's strange about his story. Balaam was not an Israelite, though he evidently believed in Israel's God, YHWH. At a time when Israel was wandering in the desert, this man lived in privileged comfort, though his primary source of income was prophecy. Those three words - comfort, prophecy, and income - don't seem compatible. Most Old Testament prophets were short on comforts. But Balaam was formed from a different mould.

Coverage
I should mention that Balaam was not the only non-Israelite worshipper of YHWH who comes into the Bible story. There was a mysterious priest-King called Melchizedek, who blessed Abraham; there was a foreign ruler called Abimelech who had dealings with Isaac; and there was a Midianite priest called Jethro (or sometimes Reuel) who became Moses' father-in-law. But none of these has as much Bible coverage as Balaam has. His story fills three whole chapters of the book of Numbers. Balaam's story is fascinating, but why does it get so much space in the Bible?

Money
In brief, Balak, the King of Moab , watched the progress of the Israelites and feared the potential threat to his Kingdom. In the hope either of avoiding war or ensuring that his army would win if it came to war, he tried an unusual defence tactic - cursing them! Knowing Balaam's reputation as a prophet, he called on him to put a curse on Israel, but Balaam refused to come - at first. However, he eventually gave way to the king's pleas - and his offers of money. Then, when he got in a position to place the curse, he couldn't do it. Instead, he prophesied a time of blessing for Israel - and he did that twice. That's where the story ends, except...

Genuine
Subsequent chapters of Numbers tell the story of Midianite women seducing Israelite men and enticing them to worship other gods. It all ends in a fierce battle during which Balaam is killed. It's easy to miss the explanation of why he was punished in this way. The reason why is that it was he who advised King Balak to send the women in to seduce Israel's fighting men ^{NOTE 2}. So, here's the question - was Balaam a genuine believer and prophet? I believe that the answer is "Yes", although as James pointed out ^{NOTE 3} the demons are also believers ^{NOTE 4} . Balaam did believe in God, and he had a genuine gift of prophecy - but he loved money more.

Loophole
At this point, those who know the story may well say, "But he told King Balak that he couldn't do what he was asking however much money was offered". Yes, and he could have walked away - but he didn't. He kept the conversation going, looking for any loophole that might allow him to claim the reward. Balaam's story is worth a read ^{NOTE 5} just for its drama and mystery, but what does it teach us?

Dazzled
In short, it teaches us to be careful how we judge people - especially people with power. It's easy to be carried away with admiration for strong, charismatic characters - but beware of being dazzled by people's gifts and skills. Jesus warned that there will be people who will be rejected in the end, despite their outward confidence - probably to the surprise of folk who regarded them as admirable.
"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers'"
However gifted, however impressive, however powerful someone may appear, there is but one way to assess their spiritual value - "By their fruit you will recognise them" ^{NOTE 7}.
What kind of fruit?
"Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" ^{NOTE 8}
Be careful whose example you follow.