Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the term "heathen" often refers to nations or individuals outside the covenant community of Israel, typically those who worship other gods. Despite their status, the Bible records instances where God, in His sovereignty, chooses to reveal Himself to non-Israelites for His purposes. One notable example is the divine revelations given to Balaam, a prophet from the region of Pethor, near the Euphrates River.Balaam's Background Balaam, son of Beor, is introduced in the Book of Numbers as a diviner of significant reputation, known for his ability to bless and curse effectively. Although not an Israelite, Balaam is sought by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites who are encamped on the plains of Moab during their wilderness journey. Balak's fear of the Israelites' growing power prompts him to seek supernatural intervention against them. Divine Encounter and Instructions In Numbers 22, Balaam receives a delegation from Balak, offering him rewards for cursing Israel. Despite his initial willingness to comply, Balaam encounters God, who instructs him not to curse the Israelites, for they are blessed. The Berean Standard Bible records God's words to Balaam: "You must not go with them. You must not curse the people, for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12). Balaam's subsequent interactions with God reveal a complex relationship. Although he is a heathen prophet, God communicates with him directly, demonstrating His control over all nations and peoples. Balaam's eventual journey to Moab is marked by further divine intervention, including the famous incident with the talking donkey, which underscores God's authority and the seriousness of Balaam's mission. Prophetic Oracles Upon reaching Moab, Balaam delivers a series of oracles instead of curses, as Balak had desired. These oracles, found in Numbers 23 and 24, are profound declarations of God's blessing upon Israel. Balaam's first oracle affirms the distinctiveness and divine favor of Israel: "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). In his subsequent oracles, Balaam continues to pronounce blessings, highlighting Israel's strength, future prosperity, and the coming of a messianic figure: "A star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel" (Numbers 24:17). These revelations, given through a heathen prophet, emphasize God's unchanging purpose for His chosen people and His ability to use any means to accomplish His will. Theological Implications The account of Balaam illustrates several key theological themes. First, it underscores God's sovereignty over all creation, including those outside the covenant community. God's choice to reveal Himself to Balaam demonstrates His authority and the universality of His power. Second, the narrative highlights the futility of opposing God's plans. Despite Balak's intentions, God's blessing upon Israel cannot be reversed, and His purposes prevail. Finally, Balaam's account serves as a reminder of the accountability of all individuals, regardless of their background, to respond to divine revelation. Balaam's ultimate failure to align himself fully with God's will, as later evidenced by his role in leading Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16), underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. In summary, the divine revelations given to Balaam, a heathen prophet, reveal God's sovereign control and His unwavering commitment to His promises. Through Balaam, God communicates profound truths about His chosen people and His redemptive plan, demonstrating that His purposes transcend human boundaries and expectations. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 22:1And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho. Nave's Topical Index Library Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. ) 2 Samuel xxiii. 1-7. The Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch. The Sovereignty of God in Operation Jacob Boehme's Influence in England The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. ) The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). The Prophet Amos. Subject Index Extracts No. vii. Resources What is the Gathering of Christ Church? | GotQuestions.orgCults and Religions Basics ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.org Heathen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Abimelech Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Balaam Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Belshazzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cornelius Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cyrus Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Nebuchadnezzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Pharaoh Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Excluded from the Temple Heathen: Nebuchadnezzar, After his Restoration Heathen: The Centurion at Caesarea Heathen: The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Their Land Given to Israel The Heathen are Without God and Christ The Heathen: Baptism to be Administered To The Heathen: Cautions Against Imitating The Heathen: Conversion of, Acceptable to God The Heathen: Danger of Intercourse With The Heathen: Employed to Chastise the Church The Heathen: Evil of Imitating The Heathen: God: Brings to Nought the Counsels of The Heathen: God: Will be Exalted Among The Heathen: God: Will Finally Judge The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Goodness of God The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Power of God The Heathen: Have: The Testimony of Conscience The Heathen: Necessity for Preaching To The Heathen: Praise God for Success of the Gospel Among The Heathen: Salvation of, Foretold The Heathen: Salvation Provided For The Heathen: Scoffing at Saints The Heathen: Strangers to the Covenant of Promise The Heathen: The Church Shall be Avenged of The Heathen: The Glory of God to be Declared Among The Heathen: The Gospel Received By The Heathen: The Gospel to be Preached To The Heathen: The Holy Spirit Poured out Upon The Heathen: Worshippers of the Devil Related Terms Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) |
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