INTRODUCTION

The name “Balaam” is well-known among believers because of what he did to Israel when they entered the plain of Moab. Some believe he is a genuine prophet, while others believe he is a sorcerer. Balaam is a name that is not only found in the Bible. His name was discovered in an Aramaic inscription from the sixth century. The Deir ‘Alla Inscription (also known as the Balaam Son of Be’or Inscription) was discovered on a plastered wall in Jordan in 1967 during the Deir ‘Alla excavations led by Henk J. Franken. The plaster was recovered in 119 pieces, which are now on display in the Amman Museum.[1]His prophecy about Israel is still valid, and it was fulfilled for Israel. Why do most people ignore those things, despite the fact that they are said? As a result, this paper critically examines Balaam’s characteristics to determine who he truly is by treating him as a false prophet.

1. MEANING OF THE PROPHET
The common Hebrew word for prophet is nabi, which comes from a verb that means “to pour forth” like a fountain, and thus means “one who announces or pours forth God’s declarations.” The English word prophetes (profetes) comes from the Greek prophetes (profetes), which means “one who speaks for another, especially one who speaks for a god, and thus interprets his will to man” in classical Greek.[2]

1.1. The Role of Prophets in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, a prophet was someone who God used to communicate His message to the world. Prophets were also known as “seers,” because they were able to “see” spiritually as God gave them insight (1 Samuel 9:9). The prophets are divided into two groups: writing prophets like Isaiah, Daniel, Amos, and Malachi, and “non-writing prophets” like Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29), Micaiah (2 Chronicles 18:7), and Elisha (1 Kings 11:29). (1 Kings 19:16). In the Old Testament, there are also some anonymous prophets, such as the unnamed prophet in Judges 6:7–10.

False prophets are also mentioned in the Old Testament. These were liars who pretended to speak for God but were only interested in deceiving the public or furthering their own agendas. Ahab had nearly 400 false prophets working for him (1 Kings 22:6, 23). Several false prophets and one false prophetess opposed Nehemiah’s work (Nehemiah 6:14). A prophet’s test was to say exactly what he meant 100 percent of the time (Deuteronomy 18:22). If a prophet’s prophecies were not fulfilled, he could not have been speaking for God, because God never lies (Numbers 23:19).[3]

1.2. The Role of Prophets in the New Testament
Some theologians believe that the prophets’ ministry in the New Testament ends when they finish writing Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. It will also be a topic of endless debate among Bible scholars. Those who support prophecy among Bible scholars are also aware that it can be misused in the church. Sam Storms issues a warning to those who follow prophecy today, “As helpful as prophecy is to the church, Christians are not to gullibly embrace all who claim to speak on behalf of God. Rather, the church must test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

Here John is concerned with whether the “prophet” affirms the incarnation of God the Son in the person of Jesus Christ (1 John 4:2–3; 2 John 7–11). This may be, at least in part, what John has in mind when he writes that, “It is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.” (Rev. 19:10). In other words, all true prophecy bears witness to Jesus Christ. Prophetic revelation is not only rooted in the gospel of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; its ultimate aim or primary focus is also to bear witness to the person of the incarnate Christ. Prophecy, therefore, is fundamentally Christ-centered.[4]

2. WHO WAS BALAAM?
Balaam is a Hebrew word that means “devourer,” “swallower up,” or “glutton.” Balaam was well-known among the Midianite tribes as a soothsayer or magician, owing to his proclivity for foretelling the future. Balaam was the son of Beor, and his hometown was Pethor, on the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. Despite living among idolaters, Balaam knew about the God of Israel. People in the ancient Middle East pitted the power of their local or national gods against the gods of their adversaries. The kings in the area thought Balaam could use the powers of their gods Chemosh and Baal against the Hebrews’ God, Jehovah, as the Hebrews moved toward the Promised Land.[5]

2.1. Jewish Rabbi Thought on Balaam
Balak, King of Moabites, asks Balaam to curse Israel as they approach land of Moab in this situation. Though Balaam initially declined his invitation to curse Israel, he eventually followed him and tried to curse Israel, but he blessed them (Num.22-24). Rabbi Jonathan Lipnick cited Rabbi Yohanan, a 3rd-century sage from Israel, in his writings: “God put a word in Balaam’s mouth” to bless the Israelites, it was like a “hook” for him (BT Sanhedrin 105b).

To put it another way, Rabbi Yohanan believed that these words of blessing caused great pain to Balaam, similar to a fish being caught. In her commentary, Leibowitz writes,“Maimonides, too, asserted in his Guide to the Perplexed that when the Torah reads, “And God put a word in Balaam’s mouth” the words were, in essence, God’s words, and that God taught Balaam by rote, indicating that Balaam never believed for a moment his own words of blessing. The fact that he is responsible for encouraging the Moabite women to seduce the Israelite men at Baal-peor seals the deal for Rashi in portraying Balaam as the bad guy. The Torah text blames Balaam, a non-Israelite religious leader, and women for the Israelite men’s immoral behavior, which is troubling but not surprising.[6]

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Compare Abraham, Moses and Bilam in his writing, The pagan prophet Bilam is the most unlikely recipient of God’s blessings. But that is how God works. He chose an elderly, infertile couple to be the Jewish people’s grandparents. He chose a man who was unable to speak to be his mouthpiece. Bilam, who despised Israel, was chosen to be the messenger of His love. “The Lord your God would not listen to Bilam, but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you” Moses says explicitly.[7]

Balaam is not completely blind, according to Rabbi Lissa S Greene. After all, he’s supposed to curse the Israelites, but he can only bless them if he sees their size. He takes a look and sees! God’s spirit descends upon him, and he speaks as a prophet. His blessing has become a beloved expression of Israel’s glory gathered in the sanctuary for prayer, and it has become an integral part of our liturgy.[8]
Rabbi Martin Lockshin, university professor emeritus at York University, start his words, Balaam, according to most traditional Jewish commentators, was a bad guy. He eagerly agreed to King Balak’s request to curse the Israelites in exchange for payment. According11th-century scholar to Bible commentators Rashi.Balaam’s self-righteous statement, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, big or little, contrary to the command of the Lord my God” (Num. 22:18),is a not-so-subtle hint that he expects at least that much for his services.

According to Rabbi Samuel ben Meir, better known as Rashbam, At the beginning of the story, Balaam tries unsuccessfully to invoke God’s curse on the Israelites. However, after numerous attempts, everything suddenly changes. Now Balaam, seeing that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, did not, as on previous occasions, go in search of omens, but turned his face toward the wilderness. As Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the spirit of God came upon him.2 Chronicles 24:1-2 Balaam intended to bless Israel with all his heart from this point forward. As a result, the Divine Presence’s spirit descended in love and affection to the highest levels.[9]

Jonathan Libnick commented on Balaam, So, who was Balaam the real deal? Is he a prophet, a sorcerer, a saint, or a devil? Judaism allows for a diversity of viewpoints, and the ability to agree to disagree.[10]

2.2.Old Testament Books Apart from the Book of Numbers Observation on Balaam
Deuteronomy 23:4“For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaimto pronounce a curse on you.” Moses told the new generation of Israel who was ready to enter Canaan, Because of their treatment of Israel during the wilderness period, the Ammonites and Moabites were not allowed to attend Israel’s religious gatherings.

They had refused Israel bread and water, so the Moabites hired Balaam to curse Israel through Balak (Num. 22:2-6). (Deut. 23:6 says that Israel was not to make peace with them.) The Moabites and Ammonites were also descended from Lot’s daughters’ incestuous unions (Gen 19:30-38). These facts show that they have been and will continue to be hostile to the LORD and His people since the beginning.[11]

Joshua 13:22 “In addition to those slain in battle, the Israelites had put to the sword Balaam son of Beor, who practiced divination.” The assassination of Balaam, who delivered, against his will, a tremendous prophecy of blessing for Israel in Numbers 22–24, may represent a nationalist apprehension over the importance of this Aramean soothsayer. So that no one thinks he lived happily ever after once he returned to his homeland, he is listed among the conquest victims here.[12]

Joshua 24:9 “When Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, prepared to fight against Israel, he sent for Balaam son of Beor to put a curse on you.” Joshua repeat what Balaam did in the book of Numbers, he recounted the plot between Moab’s king, Balak, and the soothsayer, Ba-laam. A curse was thought to be effective in antiquity. It cannot, however, work against what God has decided to bless. Curses are often viewed as powerless in modern times, but there is at least a psychological effect in a curse God said He would not listen to Balaam. Instead, he “repeatedly blessed” Israel, and God delivered them.[13]

Nehemia 13:2 “Because they had not met the Israelites with food and water but had hired Balaam to call a curse down on them. (Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing).” This alludes to the events of Numbers 22-24, in which God blessed Israel despite Balaam’s desire to curse them. It also serves as a reminder that God is more than capable of turning any curse into a blessing.[14]
Micah 6:5 “My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.” Micah reminded them of God’s Righteousness, saying, “That you may know the Lord’s righteousness (righteous works).” All of these instances of God’s intervention demonstrate his faithfulness to his promises, his concern for his elect, and his gracious counsel to them.[15]

2.3. New Testament Books Observation on Balaam
2 Peter 2:15 “They have left the straightway and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.” Peters compares the false teacher to Balaam in this statement. Peter accuses the False teachers of carousing (while they feast with you), adultery, and greed at the Lord’s Supper (while they feast with you) (financially exploiting the community). The last charge compares them to Balaam (also mentioned in Jude), who prophesied or taught for money (both practices were rejected in the early church, especially prophecy for money). Balaam’s (and, by extension, the teachers’) actions were so repulsive that a dumb animal rebuked him verbally! (The donkey speaks in Num. 22:30, but the angel rebukes Balaam in 22:32–33; however, the eloquent rebuke is in the donkey’s mouth in Second Temple Jewish literature).[16]

Jude 1:11“Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.” Jude describes the false teacher’s personality and mentions Balaam. The oracle compares the false teachers to Cain, the great prototype of sinners who corrupted Adam’s race, and also to the first heretic, who justified his antinomian behaviour by denying divine righteousness and judgment (if this tradition can be traced back to Jude’s time). Second, they are compared to Balaam, the prophet who rushed to give the advice that led Israel into the disastrous apostasy at Beth-peor out of greed for financial gain.[17]

Revelation 2:14“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.” Because some accept Balaam’s teaching, John is against Pergamos Church. Jesus Christ despised the doctrines and practices of a group of compromising people who had infiltrated the church fellowship. These infiltrators are known as “Nicolaitans,” and we first met them in Ephesus (Rev. 2:6). “To rule the people” is the meaning of the name. The doctrine they taught is known as “Balaam’s doctrine” (Rev. 2:14). Balaam is a Hebrew name that means “lord of the people” and is most likely a synonym for Nicolaitans. Unfortunately, this group of professed believers “ruled” the people and led them astray.[18]

The story of Balaam is not a myth, as evidenced by the above discussion; he is a real person, as evidenced by internal and external evidence of the Bible. We couldn’t figure out what religion he belonged to, though. Joshua claims to be an expert in divination. A human’s attempt to obtain supernatural human powers’ action or information is referred to as “divination.” Magical practices date back to the dawn of recorded history, and they can be found in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greek documents from the time of the Bible. Magic is based on the idea that physical objects belonging to demons can be used to influence divinity.[19]

Despite the fact that Balaam was a diviner, the Jewish Rabbi believes that Balaam’s blessing is from God. Balaam’s mouth was filled with God’s word. Balaam, on the other hand, has no idea what he actually prophesied or how accurate it was. These words of blessing, according to Rabbi Yohanan, caused great pain to Balaam, similar to a fish being caught. For Jewish scholars, determining whether Balaam is a true prophet or a false prophet is difficult. This is still a point of contention among Jewish academics.

Deuteronomy 23:4; Joshua 24:9; Nehemia 13:2; Micah 6:5 Focus on Balaam’s attempt to curse Israel, but God intervenes by touching Balaam’s mouth and turning the curse into blessings. According to Joshua 13:22, Balaam’s death was caused by his secret plot against Israel. And accuse him of being a soothsayer. Balaam expected a reward from Balak, and with this bribe, Balaam was attempting to curse Israel, according to 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11. Balaam’s plot to lead Israel away to food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality is mentioned in the book of Revelation.

CONCLUSION
Apart from the book of Numbers, both the Old and New Testaments address Balaam’s dark side, issuing strong warnings not to follow his doctrine and to avoid conforming to his teaching. At the same time, Balaam had apparently received word from the living God that Israel would be blessed in the future. Without fear of Balak, King of Moab, he received and spoke to Israel, demonstrating that God can use anything he wants, whether good or bad. Samuel appeared unexpectedly when King Saul consulted the spiritist. Balaam’s donkey is also speaking out against his master, and the Angel rebuked him for the beatings. Balaam is used by God to bless Israel in the same way. We could charge him in some way if someone refers to him as a prophet, Balaam. He is an unworthy and wicked prophet. He is unable to provide others with any examples.

(Endnotes)
[1]Dr David E. Graves, “Biblical Archaeology: Bonus 38 – Deir ‘Alla Balaam Inscription,” Biblical Archaeology (blog), December 29, 2014, https://biblicalarchaeologygraves.blogspot.com/2014/12/bonus-38-deir-alla-balaam-inscription.html.
[2]“Prophet Definition and Meaning – Bible Dictionary,” biblestudytools.com, accessed February 26, 2022, https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/prophet/.
[3]“What Was a Prophet in the Old Testament?,” GotQuestions.org, accessed February 26, 2022, https://www.gotquestions.org/prophet-Old-Testament.html.
[4]Sam Storms, “What Does Scripture Teach About the Office of Prophet and Gift of Prophecy?,” The Gospel Coalition, accessed February 26, 2022, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/sam-storms-what-does-scripture-teach-about-office-prophet-gift-prophecy/.
[5]“Get Acquainted With Balaam: Pagan Seer and Magician,” Learn Religions, accessed February 26, 2022, https://www.learnreligions.com/balaam-pagan-seer-and-magician-701179.
[6]“Balam: Prophet, Sorcerer, Saint or Sinner? – Jewish Theological Seminary,” accessed February 26, 2022, https://www.jtsa.edu/torah/balam-prophet-sorcerer-saint-or-sinner/.
[7]“Covenant & Conversation | Balak | The Hidden Meaning of the Bilam Story | Rabbi Sacks,” June 29, 2020, https://www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/balak/the-hidden-meaning-of-the-bilam-story/.
[8]“Balaam’s Talking Ass,” Reform Judaism, accessed February 27, 2022, https://reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study/torah-commentary/balaams-talking-ass.
[9]“Learning from Balaam’s Mistakes,” The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com, accessed February 27, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/jerusalem-report/learning-from-balaams-mistakes-498371.
[10] “Balam.”
[11]John F Walvoord and Roy B Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary (Colorado: Cook Communication Ministry, 1983), 303.
[12]“Joshua (Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series) by Pekka Pitkänen – PDF Drive,” accessed February 28, 2022, http://www.pdfdrive.com/joshua-apollos-old-testament-commentary-series-e196294141.html.
[13]Michael, Rydelnik, and Michael Vanlaningham, The Moody Bible Commentary (Chicago: Moody Publisher, 2014), 349.
[14]“Nehemiah Chapter 13,” Enduring Word (blog), December 28, 2015, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/nehemiah-13/.
[15]“Micah 6:1-16 – The Pulpit Commentaries,” accessed February 28, 2022, https://www.bibliaplus.org/en/commentaries/5/the-pulpit-commentaries/micah/6/1-16.
[16]“The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary by Gary M. Burge – PDF Drive,” accessed March 1, 2022, http://www.pdfdrive.com/the-baker-illustrated-bible-commentary-e194275362.html.
[17]“[Richard J. Bauckham] Jude, 2 Peter (Word Biblical( ),” dokumen.tips, accessed March 1, 2022, https://dokumen.tips/documents/richard-j-bauckham-jude-2-peter-word-biblicalbookfiorg.html.
[18]“The Wiersbe Bible Commentary – PDF Drive,” accessed March 1, 2022, http://www.pdfdrive.com/the-wiersbe-bible-commentary-e33431508.html.
[19]Paul J Achtemeier, The Harper Collins Bible Dictionary(Bangalore: Theological Publication in India, 2013), 641-642.