I. Why Include Balaam?

A paradoxical prophet: Balaam’s story illustrates that God can reveal His words even through a corrupt man….or his donkey!
He is one of the few non-Israelite prophets in Scripture, explicitly receiving direct communication from the LORD (YHWH).
His inclusion shows that God inspires words not men.
The New Testament repeatedly references him as a warning, an example of greed, compromise, and false teaching (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14).
Balaam’s oracles include genuine, God-breathed prophecy — including one of the clearest early Messianic prophecies in the Torah (Numbers 24:17).
Thus, he represents a “prophet in function” but not “in faith.”

II. Historical and Narrative Background

Setting: Late wilderness period, in the plains of Moab east of the Jordan, just before Israel’s entry into Canaan.
Identity: Balaam son of Beor, from Pethor on the Euphrates (Numbers 22:5) — a Mesopotamian diviner known for cursing and blessing through spiritual invocation.
Commission: Balak, king of Moab, hires him to curse Israel to prevent their invasion (Numbers 22:5–6).
God speaks directly to Balaam (22:9–12), forbidding him to go.
When Balaam persists, God allows him to go under restraint, leading to the famous episode of the speaking donkey (22:22–35).
This reveals that Balaam truly heard God’s voice but resisted its moral demand.

First Oracle – Numbers 23:7–10
- Israel’s separateness and divine blessing cannot be cursed.
- Balaam declares that Israel is “a people that shall dwell alone.”
Second Oracle – Numbers 23:18–24
- God does not change or lie; His blessing cannot be revoked.
- Theme: The immutability and faithfulness of God’s word.