Balak

Balak, the son of Zippor, was the king of Moab during the time when the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. Balak is most noted for his fear of the Israelites, who had encamped on the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho. Observing their numbers and the victories they had achieved over other nations, Balak was filled with dread and sought a way to protect his kingdom from what he perceived as an imminent threat.

In an attempt to thwart the Israelites, Balak sent messengers to Balaam, a renowned prophet, to come and curse the Israelites. Balak's actions reflect the ancient belief in the power of blessings and curses, and his reliance on Balaam underscores the desperation and fear that gripped him. Despite his efforts, Balak's plans were ultimately thwarted by divine intervention.

Balaam

Balaam, son of Beor, was a non-Israelite prophet who resided in Pethor, near the Euphrates River. Known for his ability to pronounce effective blessings and curses, Balaam was sought by Balak to curse the Israelites. The narrative of Balaam is a complex one, illustrating the tension between human intentions and divine will.

When Balak's envoys first approached Balaam, he sought God's guidance. God instructed Balaam not to go with them and not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12: "But God said to Balaam, 'Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.'"). Despite this clear directive, Balaam's desire for the rewards offered by Balak led him to entertain the king's request further.

As the account unfolds, Balaam is permitted by God to go with Balak's men, but only under the condition that he speaks only what God commands. On his journey, Balaam encounters the Angel of the LORD, who stands in his path with a drawn sword. This encounter, which includes the miraculous speech of Balaam's donkey, serves as a divine warning to Balaam to adhere strictly to God's instructions.

Upon meeting Balak, Balaam attempts to curse Israel three times, but each time, God intervenes, and Balaam ends up blessing the Israelites instead. Balaam's oracles are profound, affirming God's protection and blessing over Israel. In Numbers 23:8, Balaam declares, "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" .

Despite his initial obedience to God's command, Balaam's legacy is marred by his later actions. According to Numbers 31:16 and Revelation 2:14, Balaam advised Balak to entice the Israelites into sin through idolatry and immorality, leading to a plague among the Israelites. This act of leading Israel into sin is often referred to as "the doctrine of Balaam."

The account of Balak and Balaam serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. It highlights the importance of obedience to God and the dangers of allowing greed and personal ambition to override divine instruction.