Balaam’s Failed Curses and the Strategy of Sin

Balaam’s attempts to curse Israel were repeatedly overruled by God, who transformed every intended curse into a profound blessing4aSG 43.2+1. Originally a prophet of God, Balaam apostatized due to his covetousness and desire for the rewards offered by Balak, the king of Moab4aSG 43.2+1.

The First Attempt: From Aram to the High Places of Baal

Balak, terrified by the strength of the Israelites, sent messengers with rewards of divination to hire Balaam to curse the people Numbers 22:5-74aSG 43.1. Although God initially told Balaam not to go, the prophet’s desire for honor led him to seek permission a second time, which God granted with the strict condition that he speak only the divine word4aSG 43.1+1. On the journey, an angel with a drawn sword stood in the way as an adversary because Balaam's way was perverse, and even his donkey spoke to rebuke his madness 2 Peter 2:164aSG 43.2+1. Upon meeting Balak, the king took him to the high places of Baal, but instead of a curse, Balaam declared that he could not defy whom the Lord had not defied Numbers 22:41+1. He looked upon the people and wished to die the death of the righteousBHOTV3 19.1.

The Second Attempt: The Field of Zophim

Hoping a change of location would change the outcome, Balak brought Balaam to the top of Pisgah in the field of Zophim4aSG 46.2+1. Seven altars were built and sacrifices offered, yet the message remained the same4aSG 46.2+1. Balaam was constrained by the Spirit of God to proclaim that God is not a man that He should lie or repent, and that He had not seen iniquity in Jacob or perverseness in Israel Numbers 23:19-214aSG 46.2. He concluded by stating there is no enchantment against Jacob nor divination against Israel Numbers 23:23GC 529.2.

The Third Attempt: The Top of Peor

In a final effort, Balak led the prophet to the top of Peor, which looks toward JeshimonKJV — Numbers 23:28+1. This time, Balaam did not seek enchantments but saw Israel abiding in their tents and was filled with the Spirit of God Numbers 24:1-21SP 325.1. He broke into a beautiful parable, describing their tents as "goodly" and predicting their future exaltation and victory over their enemies Numbers 24:5-81SP 325.1. He pronounced a final blessing: "Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee" Numbers 24:91SP 325.1.

The Prophecy of the Star and the Scepter

Enraged by these three blessings, Balak smote his hands together and ordered Balaam to flee to his place without reward Numbers 24:10-11ST December 16, 1880, par. 6. Before leaving, Balaam delivered a final prophecy concerning the "latter days," predicting that a "Star out of Jacob" and a "Scepter out of Israel" would arise to smite the corners of Moab Numbers 24:14-171BC 1117.1.

Balaam’s Diabolical Success through Sin

Though he could not curse Israel through magic, Balaam suggested a more successful plan to bring about their ruinPP 451.4+1. He advised Balak to seduce the Israelites into sin through the daughters of Moab and the idolatrous feasts of Baal-peorTSB 83.3+1. This snare led the people to commit whoredom and sacrifice to idols, separating them from God’s protection and resulting in a plague that killed twenty-four thousand people Numbers 25:1-9BEcho October 1, 1889, par. 7+1. Balaam's own life ended in misery, as he was eventually slain by the sword during Israel’s war against the Midianites Numbers 31:8PP 451.4.