Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

Character Study of Balaama gospel sermon by Jeff S. SmithIntroductionBalaam is an interesting character from the Old Testament history of Israel’s conquest of the PromisedLand. Balaam sometimes seems to be sincere and religious, but the response to him from both God andIsrael indicates that his sincerity was deeply perverted by his greed. He becomes a New Testamentbyword for false teachers, greedy religionists and all those willing to compromise if the price is right.DiscussionI. The Character of BalaamA. Israelites Invade1. when the children of Israel pitched their tents in the plains of Moab, the Moabites entered intoa security alliance with the Midianites (Numbers 22:1-14)2. obviously, Balaam’s reputation preceded him for as soon as the Hebrew pilgrims approachedthe Promised Land, Balak called upon the soothsayer to curse them for him2. but just as obviously, Balaam knows Jehovah in some way as well3. Balaam certainly appears here to be an honest and honorable man who refuses to take the jobBalak offered to him because God opposed it, and with that, Balak’s princes returned to the king andinformed him4. so naturally Balak sent more numerous and honorable princes to persuade Balaam again, butthe soothsayer refuses to do so at any price; God, however, intervenes and tells Balaam he will let him goif the princes ask again (see Numbers 22:15-21)B. Insolent Donkey!1. and in the morning, Balaam is off, but something is amiss, for God is angry at him–perhaps hedid not wait to be asked or God read his mind and saw his greed (Numbers 22:22-35)2. the most remarkable thing follows–Balaam’s donkey rebukes him and saves him as the Angelof the Lord appears3. Balaam learned a hard, if temporary, lesson about being sensitive to the will and presence ofGod4. when he arrived a Kirjath-huzoth, Balak greeted him and prepared him to pronounce the cursethat the king was sure would prevent a Hebrew conquest of his land (see Numbers 22:36-41)C. Balaam Blesses Israel1. Balak, however, blesses Israel instead with a series of four parables inspired of Goda. he begins by explaining why he brought a blessing instead of a curse (Numbers 23:7-10)b. then he emphasizes the fact that he could not do otherwise (Numbers 23:18-24)c. third, he describes the glorious progress of Israel and the irresistible power behind her(Numbers 24:3-9)d. finally, he discusses the future of Israel and the nations about her (Numbers 24:15-24)2. Balaam seems to depart the Bible stage in Numbers 24:25 which says “So Balaam rose anddeparted and returned to his place; Balak also went his way.”a. but what happens next, which is not immediately attributed to Balaam, is disastrous(Numbers 25:1-3)b. later, Moses attributes this awful incident to “the counsel of Balaam” (Numbers 31:16),indicating that after Balaam refused to speak anything but the blessings and oracles of God, afterward, hefelt free to suggest to Balak that the people could be subverted by idolatry and the fleshc. according to Numbers 31:8, he was killed by the Israelites in a slaughter of Midianitekings, further tying him to the incidentII. Some ApplicationsA. The Wages of Unrighteousness1. Balaam figures into the New Testament three times and never positivelyCharacter Studies! 159