BALAAM
Midianite prophet who resided in Petor, son of Beor or Bosor. He was hired by Balak king of Moab to curse Israel, but God pushed him to bless rather than curse his chosen people.
Although he spoke with a form of piety, his heart was evidently bent on getting Balak’s pay (Jude 11). The angel of the Lord resisted him, and his donkey rebuked him, but he was allowed to go his way (Num. 22, 23, 24; Deut. 23: 4, 5; Josh. 24: 9, 10) .
Although driven by God to bless Israel, he perversely advised Balak to seduce them through the Midianite women (Num. 31:16; 2 Pet. 2:15; Rev. 2:14), which led to their downfall. in gross idolatry (Num. 25:1, 2).
After Israel was punished for his sin, vengeance fell on Moab, and among the dead was Balaam. He is called a “soothsayer” (Josh. 13:22), and when he was with Balak he sought out enchantments.
In Num. 23:15 the words “to God” are added by the translators. In Num. 24:1 states that he did not go looking for omens, but rather he became dominated by God. In the NT passages he is held up as an example of complete evil and apostasy.