probably from בַּל and עַם; not (of the) people, i.e. foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine; Balaam, Bileam.
Transliteration:Bilʻâm
Pronunciation:bil-awm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm), Strong's number `{{H1109}}`, refers primarily to the Mesopotamian prophet who played a significant role in the wilderness wanderings of Israel. Its etymology is suggested to derive from בַּל (bal, "not") and עַם (ʻam, "people"), implying "not of the people" or "foreigner." This etymological suggestion aptly describes Balaam's identity as an outsider, a non-Israelite prophet from Pethor in Aram-naharaim, yet one whom God chose to speak through. The name itself, therefore, subtly underscores his unique position as one distinct from the covenant people, even as he interacts with their divine Protector. While the primary reference is to the prophet, the term also designates a place in Palestine, Bileam, mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 6:70]] as a Levitical city, though this usage is secondary to the personal name in biblical significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The narrative of Balaam is predominantly found in the book of Numbers, specifically chapters [[Numbers 22-24]] and [[Numbers 31]]. King Balak of Moab, fearing the advancing Israelites, hired Balaam to curse them. Despite Balak's repeated entreaties and the promise of great reward, Balaam was divinely constrained to bless Israel rather than curse them, pronouncing powerful oracles that affirmed God's covenant faithfulness and revealed future glory, including the famous prophecy of a "star out of Jacob" and a "scepter out of Israel" ([[Numbers 24:17]]). This narrative highlights God's absolute sovereignty over human intentions and even over the words of a pagan prophet.
Later Old Testament passages reflect on this event: [[Deuteronomy 23:4-5]] and [[Nehemiah 13:2]] recall how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing. [[Joshua 13:22]] notes his death by the sword during Israel's conquest of Midian. Crucially, [[Numbers 31:16]] reveals that Balaam was responsible for advising the Midianites to entice the Israelites into idolatry and immorality through the incident at Peor ([[Numbers 25:1-9]]), leading to a plague and many deaths. This counsel, aimed at undermining Israel from within, reveals the true corrupt nature beneath his divinely inspired pronouncements. [[Micah 6:5]] later refers to the episode as a demonstration of God's redemptive acts.
In the New Testament, Balaam becomes a negative archetype. [[2 Peter 2:15-16]] condemns those who follow "the way of Balaam," characterized by greed and perverse teaching. [[Jude 1:11]] likewise warns against "the error of Balaam," associating him with apostasy motivated by monetary gain. Most strikingly, [[Revelation 2:14]] speaks of "the teaching of Balaam," which led Israel to eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality, directly linking his counsel to the sin at Peor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm) naturally intersects with several key biblical concepts and figures:
* **Prophecy and Prophets:** Balaam, though not an Israelite, functioned as one who received and delivered divine messages. His story illuminates the complex nature of prophecy, where the message can be true even if the messenger's character is flawed.
* **Curse and Blessing:** The central tension of the Balaam narrative revolves around the power of spoken words to curse or bless. God's intervention demonstrates His ultimate control over these spiritual forces.
* **Sovereignty of God:** The entire account is a profound testament to God's absolute control over all circumstances, even the actions of those who oppose His will. He turns an intended curse into a blessing.
* **Covetousness/Greed:** The New Testament explicitly identifies Balaam's primary motivation as love of money ([[2 Peter 2:15]], [[Jude 1:11]]), highlighting the corrupting influence of greed on spiritual discernment and integrity.
* **Idolatry and Immorality:** Balaam's "counsel" to lead Israel into sin through pagan worship and sexual immorality ([[Numbers 25]], [[Revelation 2:14]]) connects him to these grave transgressions against God's covenant.
* **Balak (`{{H1111}}`):** The Moabite king who sought Balaam's services, representing the external threat and opposition to Israel.
* **Peor (`{{H6465}}`):** The location where Balaam's treacherous counsel bore its bitter fruit, leading to Israel's sin and divine judgment.
* **Star out of Jacob:** This specific messianic prophecy from Balaam's mouth ([[Numbers 24:17]]) connects his story to the broader redemptive plan of God, culminating in the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Balaam's narrative is multifaceted. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **divine sovereignty** of YHWH. God is not merely the God of Israel but the Lord of all creation, able to override human will and use even a pagan prophet to accomplish His purposes and declare His truth. This demonstrates His unyielding commitment to protect His covenant people, turning all intended harm into good.
Secondly, Balaam's story serves as a profound lesson on the **nature of true prophecy** and the character of the prophet. While Balaam was undeniably given divine revelation and spoke true prophecies, his heart remained unrighteous, driven by greed. This distinction between the message's divine origin and the messenger's moral integrity is a critical warning against spiritual compromise. God can speak through imperfect vessels, but He ultimately judges the heart and intentions.
Finally, Balaam stands as a stark **warning against spiritual corruption and leading others astray**. His "way" and "teaching" represent the insidious danger of using spiritual gifts or knowledge for personal gain, leading to compromise with the world's values, idolatry, and immorality. He epitomizes the danger of intellectual assent to truth without a corresponding transformation of the heart, ultimately leading to destruction for both the individual and those influenced by their corrupt counsel.
### Summary
The word בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm), Strong's `{{H1109}}`, denotes a non-Israelite prophet from Mesopotamia whom God used to speak blessings over Israel despite his own mercenary motives. His story, primarily in [[Numbers 22-24]] and [[Numbers 31]], is a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating how He can turn intended curses into blessings and protect His people against all odds. Balaam's prophecies included significant messianic foreshadowing, such as the "star out of Jacob." However, his character was deeply flawed, driven by greed, which ultimately led him to counsel Israel's enemies to entice them into idolatry and immorality at Peor. Consequently, later biblical texts, particularly in the New Testament ([[2 Peter 2:15-16]], [[Jude 1:11]], [[Revelation 2:14]]), portray Balaam as a negative archetype, a warning against spiritual compromise, covetousness, and leading God's people into sin. His narrative thus serves as a timeless cautionary tale regarding the dangers of a divided heart and the profound consequences of spiritual corruption.
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