### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bilʻâm**, represented by `{{H1109}}`, refers to a Mesopotamian prophet and is also used for a place in Palestine. Its name likely means "not (of the) people," or "foreigner." The word appears **61 times** across **57 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily detailing the story of a man hired to curse Israel who is instead compelled by God to bless them.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1109}}` is a central figure in a conflict between the Israelites and the Moabites. Hired by **Bâlâq** `{{H1111}}`, the king of Moab, Balaam was tasked to curse the people of Israel [[Joshua 24:9]]. Despite being offered great rewards, Balaam stated he could only speak the word that God put in his mouth ([[Numbers 22:18]], [[Numbers 22:38]]). Ultimately, God's intervention was direct and powerful; He turned the intended **curse** `{{H7045}}` into a **blessing** `{{H1293}}` because He loved Israel ([[Deuteronomy 23:5]], [[Nehemiah 13:2]]). This story is also memorable for the incident where God opened the mouth of Balaam's ass to rebuke the prophet [[Numbers 22:28]]. Despite this, Balaam's legacy is tarnished, as his later counsel led the Israelites to sin, resulting in a plague [[Numbers 31:16]], and he was ultimately slain by the Israelites [[Numbers 31:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial to understanding the narrative surrounding Balaam:
* `{{H1111}}` **Bâlâq** (waster): The Moabitish king who summoned Balaam. His entire purpose was to bring a curse upon Israel to defeat them, an effort that was completely frustrated by God's power ([[Numbers 24:10]], [[Micah 6:5]]).
* `{{H7043}}` **qâlal** (to be light, curse, despise): This verb describes the action Balak hired Balaam to perform against Israel [[Deuteronomy 23:4]]. It signifies an attempt to make light of or bring contempt upon God's chosen people.
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak** (to kneel, bless, praise): The direct opposite of what Balak intended. Instead of cursing, Balaam was compelled to **bless** Israel multiple times ([[Numbers 24:10]], [[Joshua 24:10]]).
* `{{H7080}}` **qâçam** (to divine, soothsayer): This term defines Balaam's profession. He is explicitly identified as a **soothsayer** who was slain by the Israelites [[Joshua 13:22]], highlighting his connection to divination practices.
* `{{H5173}}` **nachash** (an incantation or augury): Balaam initially went to seek **enchantments** against Israel, but after seeing that it pleased the LORD to bless them, he stopped this practice [[Numbers 24:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1109}}` and his story is significant, illustrating several key principles:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The narrative is a powerful demonstration that God's will cannot be thwarted by human plans or pagan rituals. God's purpose to bless Israel overrides the intentions of both Balak and Balaam [[Deuteronomy 23:5]].
* **The Power of God's Word:** Balaam, a foreign prophet, is constrained to speak only the words **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}` gives him. He is a conduit for divine truth against his own will and financial interests [[Numbers 23:26]].
* **Protection of God's People:** The story shows that God actively protects His people from spiritual attacks. When Balak sought to **curse** `{{H6895}}` Israel, God intervened directly to ensure they were blessed instead [[Numbers 22:12]].
* **The Danger of Corrupt Counsel:** Despite speaking God's blessing, Balaam is ultimately an antagonist. His counsel later led Israel into idolatry and immorality, showing that even those who have encountered God can cause great harm [[Numbers 31:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1109}}` represents a complex figure—a foreign soothsayer used by God to pronounce blessings upon Israel, yet whose own heart and counsel remained corrupt. The account of Balaam serves as a profound biblical lesson on the absolute sovereignty of God, whose protective love for His people can turn any intended curse into a blessing. The word is also used to identify the town of **Bileam** given to the sons of Kohath [[1 Chronicles 6:70]].
TRV