Double Game Of Balaam

Balaam's life could be divided into three phases.

1) Prophet of God:

Balaam is considered one of the seven Gentile prophets according to the Torah, others being Balaam’s father, Peor, Job, and four friends of Job. He recognised and worshipped the true God, Jehovah.

Relationship with God: Balaam also had a relationship with God, and he conversed with him. Struggle of faith: Initially, Balaam was clear to say to King Balak of Moab that he could not come to curse God's chosen Nation of Israel. However, Balak sends more dignitaries and assurance of rewards, making Balaam rethink and pray again to God for permission to go. As he goes, the Angel of the Lord confronts Balaam (Numbers 22:22), who is visible only to the donkey. Miraculously, the donkey speaks; Balaam's life is spared, and he can proceed. (Numbers 22:28)

Prophecy: Balaam is taken by Balak to three places: Kirjat Huzoth, Pisgah and Peor. In all places, Balaam ends up blessing Israel.

2) Prophet of Man:

To please King Balak, Balaam reduced himself to a Prophet of an individual – Balak – to do what he wanted. On three occasions, Balaam pleased God by blessing Israel; now, he wanted good terms with Balak or to please him. He wanted to please Balak and was pleased with money, a solid-inducing factor. The ‘error of Balaam’ as to (Jude 1:11) ‘gain from wrongdoing’ (II Peter 2:15) or unrighteous and unspiritual deeds.

3) Prophet of Satan:

By becoming a prophet of a man for money, he fell into the hands of Satan and became his prophet. Balaam devised a plan and thought God did not see it. Hence he advised Balak to make the Israelites spiritually vulnerable and to lose blessings by seducing them through the women of Moab; to worship Baal and also indulge in adultery. (Numbers 25: 1-9) It was a stumbling block for Israel. (Revelation 2:14)

His spiritual descent ended in his death. The sword killed Balaam in a battle facing God’s wrath and judgement. (Joshua 13:22)

Am I in the ‘danger zone’ of ‘pleasing men’ and ‘pleased with riches’?