Joshua 13:22

The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword.

Study Bible

The Israelites
This phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people. The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were in the process of conquering the Promised Land. This conquest was not merely a territorial expansion but a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. The Israelites' actions were guided by divine command, emphasizing their role as instruments of God's judgment against the Canaanite nations.

put to the sword
This phrase indicates the execution or killing of someone by means of a sword, a common method of warfare and judgment in ancient times. The act of putting someone to the sword was often seen as a divine mandate, especially in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. It signifies the complete and utter defeat of an enemy, leaving no room for their influence to persist. This action against Balaam underscores the seriousness with which God viewed the sin of divination and the need to eradicate it from among His people.

Balaam son of Beor
Balaam is a complex figure in the Bible, known for his interactions with Balak, king of Moab, as recorded in Numbers 22-24. Although he was a prophet who received messages from God, Balaam's heart was not fully aligned with God's will. His desire for personal gain led him to attempt to curse Israel, though God turned his curses into blessings. Balaam's death at the hands of the Israelites serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of opposing God's people and His purposes.

who practiced divination
Divination refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. In the Hebrew context, divination was strictly forbidden as it represented a reliance on powers other than God. Balaam's association with divination highlights his spiritual compromise and the danger of mixing true prophecy with pagan practices. The Israelites' execution of Balaam was a decisive act to purify their community from such influences, reinforcing the importance of exclusive devotion to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Balaam son of Beor
A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless and curse. He is a complex figure who, despite being used by God to bless Israel, ultimately led Israel into sin through his counsel to Moab.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, led by Joshua, who were conquering the Promised Land as commanded by God. They executed Balaam as part of their campaign against the Midianites.

3. Divination
A practice condemned by God, involving seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. Balaam's association with divination highlights his departure from God's ways.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The conquest of this land is a central theme in the book of Joshua.

5. Midianites
A nomadic people who opposed Israel. Balaam's death is part of the broader account of Israel's conflict with the Midianites.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
Balaam's account warns against compromising one's faith for personal gain. Despite knowing God's will, Balaam's love for wealth led him astray. Believers must guard against allowing worldly desires to lead them away from God's path.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Balaam's intentions, God used him to bless Israel. This demonstrates God's ultimate control over all situations, reassuring believers that His purposes will prevail.

The Consequences of Sin
Balaam's end serves as a reminder that sin has serious consequences. His involvement in leading Israel into sin resulted in his death, illustrating the biblical principle that sin leads to destruction.

The Call to Holiness
The Israelites' execution of Balaam underscores the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands. Believers are called to be distinct from the world, rejecting practices that are contrary to God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Balaam's account illustrate the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over obedience to God? Reflect on areas in your life where you might be tempted to compromise your faith.

2. In what ways does the account of Balaam demonstrate God's sovereignty and ability to use even those with wrong intentions for His purposes?

3. How can the consequences faced by Balaam serve as a warning for us today regarding the seriousness of sin and disobedience?

4. What practices or influences in today's world might be comparable to the divination associated with Balaam, and how can Christians guard against them?

5. How does the call to holiness, as seen in the Israelites' actions against Balaam, apply to modern believers in their daily walk with God? Consider connections to New Testament teachings on holiness.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 22-24
These chapters provide the background of Balaam's account, where he is hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel but ends up blessing them instead.

Numbers 31:8, 16
These verses recount the death of Balaam and reveal his role in advising the Midianites to lead Israel into sin, which resulted in a plague among the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage condemns practices like divination, which Balaam was associated with, emphasizing God's call for His people to be set apart from such practices.

2 Peter 2:15-16
Peter references Balaam as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, warning believers against following in his footsteps.