Can the character and principles of the prophet for profit Balaam be found in each of us? You may be surprised at what Scripture has to say about that. Welcome to The Messianic Torah observer and our reflections on Torah Portion Balak. 

 

1. Brief Introduction—Set the Stage for Discussion

This week’s Torah Portion/Reading entitled Balak is one of the most important stories to be recorded in the Tanakh (ie., the Old Testament).(I certainly wouldn’t go so far as to say it is The Most important story of Torah.) But it is indeed of tremendous value to the Truth-seeking disciple of Y’shua Messiah. And we’ll certainly get into the reasons for that in the take-away portion of this post.

But suffice for the time being to consider the words of the Prophet Micah regarding the main character of the Balak Reading, who wrote:

“Remember…what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Acacia Grove to Gilgal (ref. Num. 25:1), that you may know the righteousness of YHVH” (6:5).

Balaam serves as a tremendous lesson to Yah’s people. Why? Because Balaam, as Micah states, serves as a means by which we may know the righteousness of YHVH.

Although the rabbis in their apportioning of and naming of the chapters and verses of Torah into what we know today as Torah Portions or Readings entitled this reading “Balak,” the main character of the story is really Balaam. And my reflections regarding this Torah Portion and its main character today will be from a rather unconventional perspective. That perspective being that the character of Balaam as described in our reading this week can be found to a greater or lesser extent in each of us; and certainly to a great extent in churchianity and certain segments of our faith community.

2. Profile of the Primary Entities of the Story

I will narrow down the players of our story this week to just three: Balak, Balaam and YHVH.

We already know about YHVH. Yet we could go on forever about aspects of His character and Person and how they impact us as His beloved children. Interestingly enough, we learn a tremendous deal about YHVH’s character through the various interactions and dealings that take place between the other two players of the story.

So as it relates to this story, we’ll focus on the other two players: Balak and Balaam.

Balak

Balak (aka Balac), king of the Moabites.

Now the Moabites were the incestuous descendants of Lot’s older daughter near Zoar, south east of the Dead Sea as recorded in Genesis 19:37). Moab consisted of territory that was about 40-miles long and 12-miles wide (Deu. 2:10,11). The country had a bit of a scuffle with her neighbor, the Amorites, which ultimately drove the Moabites southward.

Although Balak became consumed with Israel’s immense numbers, which prompted this overall story in the first place, YHVH forbade Israel to meddle with the Moabites on account of their ties to Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Jud. 11:9,19). The problem was, however, that Balak was unaware of Israel’s total lack of interest him and his country.

Balak enjoyed an ancestral friendship and league with the Midianites. Midian, if you recall (or not) was Abraham’s son by Keturah (Gen. 25:2). The Midianites occupied regions of northern Arabia, as far south as the eastern gulf of the Red Sea. The Midianites over the course of years had somewhat of a colorful history. Midian merchants (described in Genesis as Ismaelites) passing through Palestine purchased Joseph from his brethren (Gen. 37:28) and in turn sold Joseph to the Egyptians. Moshe fled to the Land of Midian for safety, ultimately marrying a daughter of the priest of Midian. Interestingly, they joined in league with the Moabites in opposition to Israel.

Balaam (The Infamous Star of our Story)

When it comes to any discussion of the character and person of Balaam, it is his beating of his ass that generally and most notably comes to mind. Indeed, the beating of Balaam’s ass is in and of itself an amazing story with a ton of spiritual significance attached to it. But the overall story surrounding the animal’s beating is of even greater relevance.

Balaam appears to have been an enchanter (Hebrew=aw-nan); a soothsayer; a conjurer; a sorcerer. He hailed from Mesopotamia, generally considered to be the cradle of ANE civilization and ground zero, so to speak, of the establishment and reign of most of the pagan pantheon.

In general, Balaam is considered by some to have been a composite consisting of a heathen sorcerer; a true prophet of YHVH; and a perverter of Faith.

Most importantly, despite his obvious ties to paganism, Balaam appears to have been a member of the scattered worshipers of YHVH who were not connected to Israel, such as Job, Melchizedek and Jethro. This is of course speculative at best.

Joshua 13:22 identifies Balaam as the son of Beor, a soothsayer, that the children of Israel ended up killing with the sword.

The NT discusses Balaam in connection to apostasy in the Body and Assemblies of Mashiyach (2 Peter 2:15).

Interestingly, as it relates to this passage of Torah, some scholars doubt the existence of Balaam. Instead, these contend that Balaam was an amalgamation of characters or characteristics, made up by Jewish writers. A fictional character if you will. Yet these ignore the oft-times complexities of people (cf. Jer. 17:9).

Certain elements of Christianity hold Balaam in ‘avarice’ and unholy ambition; and self-deceived. In an article entitled “Balaam: A Prophet for Profit” (www.ttb.org), J. Vernon McGee identifies Balaam as a “prophet for profit.” He describes him as a very complex, hard to understand individual.

Post-biblical Jewish scholars viewed Balaam as wicked.

Other Jewish scholars see Balaam as a prophet on par with Moshe. Some have advocated Balaam’s utterances be entered into the Shema.

Interestingly, the following statement from Balaam is recited in every synagogal service: “How Godly are thy tents, O Jacob, thy dwellings, O Israel.”

According to Jewish tradition, Jacob’s uncle Laban’s son, Be’or,was Balaam’s father (ie., Laban’s (grandson) (www.hebrew4christians.com). The article goes on to suggest that given the similarity between Beor and Peor, it’s a strong possibility that they are one and the same. If this is indeed the case, then Balaam would have been first and foremost a prophet of Baal Peor. There’s just not enough available information to firmly support such a contention.

Other Jewish traditions identifies Balaam as a seer, magician and sorcerer.

Furthermore, it is contended that he possessed an “evil eye,” which drew demonic spirits to seize anything upon which Balaam gazed (Avot 5:22)—which could, in part, explain why Balak was so intent upon Balaam simply gazing upon the nation and cursing them from 3-vantage points.

Balaam was routinely sought after by powerful people for purposes of invoking curses upon their enemies.

Sanhedrin 106a contends that Balaam, a great magician, was a chief advisor to Pharaoh. It is further contended that it was Balaam who advised Pharaoh to enslave the Israelites and afflict the nation with bondage (Exo. 1:8-11).

Here’s another fun fact: rabbinic literature represents Balaam as one of seven-heathen prophets; the other six being Balaam’s father, Job, and his four-friends.

Balaam gained notoriety among the heathen as being exalted as that of Moses.

Also associated with the name and person of Balaam is the epithet “rasha,” that is, the wicked one. He is pictured as being blind of one eye and lame in one foot. He comes replete with disciples who were distinguished by 3-morally corrupt qualities: and evil eye, a haughty bearing and an avaricious spirit.

Balaam received his divine communication at night only.

The title Billa ‘Am has been affixed to Balaam, the meaning of which is “one that ruined a people.

There is a hostility against Balaam’s memory. The rabbis have declared that Balaam has no portion in the world to come (Sanh. 10:2; 90a).

Interestingly enough, the rabbis wrote commentary on why God took away the power of prophecy from the Gentiles (Tan., Balak, 1), of which Moshe is declared to be the author thereof.

3. A Brief Overview of the Story

Our Torah Portion—Balak—is found in Numbers 22:2-25:9

The story takes place during the last stage of the nation’s sojourn. This Torah Portion has been referred to by some as “The Book of Balaam.”

22:2-4.

Israel having defeated the Amorites had at this juncture settled on the border of Moab. Their presence on the Moabite border was quite unsettling to the Moabites, especially Balak their king.

22:5-14—Enter Balaam—Famed Soothsayer

Given Israel’s overwhelming size and appearance, as well as the street creds she received in her recent defeat of Moab’s neighbor the Ammorites, Balak quickly determined that his military would be no match for Israel.

So Balak devises a rather unconventional method of defeating Israel. He decides to contract a well known soothsayer of the region to curse Israel by the name of Balaam. (Well, maybe not so unconventional when you consider that it was not uncommon for enemy combatants in the ANE to consult and employ soothsayers to conjure up spells and cite curses upon the other prior to battle.)

Moab, who was in league with, as I mentioned earlier, his ancestral relatives the Midianites, puts together an ambassadorial contingency—if you will—to pitch the curse-deal to the renown soothsayer Balaam.

So this ambassadorial entourage consisting of Moabite and Midian elders set up to Pethor (known by some as a place of magic) to entreat Balaam to come with them to curse Israel. The entourage take with them, of course, “Rewards of Divination;” that is payment for his services.

The entourage spokesmen pitch the deal to Balaam, who in turn has the group lodge overnight while he goes off somewhere to consult YHVH (vs. 8). I guess one can say that Balaam goes off somewhere to pitch the pitch to YHVH. If you have any sense of the character of YHVH, you can probably figure out ahead of time that this can’t possibly go the way the entourage, and secretly the way Balaam wants it to go.

Any way, during Balaam’s pitch of the pitch to YHVH, YHVH informs Balaam that the Israelites were a “blessed” people (vs. 12—a protected people), and instructs Balaam (1) not to accompany the entourage back to Moab, and (2) not to curse Israel.

Now, the relationship that YHVH had with Balaam is inexplicable as it seems that Balaam is so distant from YHVH’s chosen people the Israelites (ie., he had no association with Israel whatsoever), who YHVH gave explicit instructions on how He required them to interact and worship Him. So Balaam is indeed an enigma, which makes this whole story all the more fascinating to say the least.

Continuing, Balaam tells the men only that YHVH denied him leave to accompany them back to Moab. Interestingly, Balaam left out in his response to the Moabite/Midian entourage that YHVH told him that he could not “curse the people whom He (YHVH) had blessed.” Instead, Balaam watered down what YHVH told him to do. Which at first brush may seem noble to most readers. But in reality, the abridged words of Balaam to the entourage are quite revealing. For they reveal the true intent of Balaam. They left open a door for Balak and his ambassadors to return with an even better offer. It also gave Balaam, in my humble opinion, more time to strategize a way around YHVH’s constraints on him.

22:15-20—The Second Deputation

Upon the entourage’s report of Balaam’s rejection of the curse-pitch (ie., the offer to curse Israel) Balak presumed Balaam’s refusal to accept the deal was because the price offered for his services was not hitting on all cylinders, so to speak. So, an even better offer is made and taken to Balaam by even greater representatives of Midian and Moab. (I’m sure when the second entourage arrived, it was quite a spectacle to behold—pomp and circumstances; red carpet; lights; cameras; etc.)

During this second entreaty, Balaam reaffirmed his allegiance to the will of YHVH (vs. 18). But he still entertained the entourage’s pitch and goes back to inquire of YHVH.

Why? It would seem that Balaam wanted to explore the offer just a little more with YHVH (vs. 19). Or maybe Balaam foolishly thought He could twist YHVH’s arm in allowing Him to go with the entourage, curse Israel, and claim His prize. (You know how we do? Don’t we at times feel and at times even attempt to sway YHVH’s direct will over our lives? Certainly not something that any true child of the Most High entertain, much less engage in.)

This go-round, YHVH permits Balaam to return with the entourage back to Moab. However, YHVH still prohibited Balaam from casting curses upon Israel.

So why did YHVH permit Balaam to accompany the entourage back to Moab if He wasn’t going to allow Him to complete his mission of cursing Israel? Was it to test Balaam’s intent and character and obedience? To allow Balaam to hang himself? Or maybe to be a witness to the Moabites and Midianites of YHVH’s uncompromising Will (vs. 20)? One could certainly entertain a great many reasons why for sure.

22:21-35—Balaam’s Journey

It was during Balaam’s journey with the Moabite/Midianite contingent back to Moab that the beating of Balaam’s ass took place. Quickly put: YHVH dispatched a messenger to confront Balaam and stall his journey for a specific, crucial purpose.

Despite YHVH “permissively” allowing Balaam to accompany the entourage back to Moab, Balaam’s intent was contrary to the “Direct Will of YHVH.” (And we’re going to touch upon the permissive and direct Will of YHVH near the end of this discussion.) And YHVH cared enough for Balaam that He dispatched His angel to inhibit Balaam’s purpose (vs. 32): “I am come forth for an adversary, because thy way is contrary unto Me.”

Indeed, YHVH is a reader and interpreter of the hearts and intent of man.

It was the writer of Hebrews that penned:

“For the Word of YHVH is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (4:12).

Despite revealing to Balaam that He knew Balaam’s true intentions and heart, YHVH let’s Balaam off with just the warning. And thus Balaam continues on with his journey to Moab.

22:36-40—Balaam’s Arrival and Reception

Upon the entourage’s arrival back in Moab, Balak chides Balaam for his initial refusal to comply with his request. But that chiding is quickly dismissed as being much to do about nothing. You know, some people just feel that their wealth can buy them anything, even the compliance of individuals who belong to YHVH.

22:41-23:6—Preparations for the Great Incantation

Altars are erected and bullocks and rams sacrificed in preparation for Balaam’s cursing regimen.

Balaam inquires of YHVH, who in turn places His Word in Balaam’s mouth, which he utters in the hearing of Balak (vss. 4,5).

23:7-10

In what some translations describe as a parable (ie., an oracular utterance), Balaam extols the sanctity of Jacob (ie., the nation of Israel) and the unique destiny she possesses under YHVH’s care.

In Balaam’s oracular utterance we learn that Israel stands apart from all other nation-peoples of the world (vs. 9). She is not reckoned among the nations of the world. Furthermore, she does not conspire against the nations of the region.

Balaam describes Israel’s immense numbers, likening them unto dust (’ashes’ by some rabbinic accounts) (vs. 10).

23:11-17—New Arrangements

Balak is extremely disappointed in Balaam’s failure to curse Israel as his business deal stipulated. Instead, the supposed curse was an acknowledgment of the greatness of Israel. Not to be entirely deterred from his purpose, Balak adjusts Balaam’s perspective of Israel by relocating the entourage to a field so that Balaam may see the utmost part of the people (vs. 13). One can only guess that Balak figured that Balaam didn’t get a full sense of the problem that Israel seemed to pose on his and his compatriots’ nations.

A second set of altars are erected and sacrifices offered. YHVH again meets with Balaam and places His Words into Balaam’s mouth.

23:18-24—Balaam’s 2nd Prophecy

Balaam prophesies one of the most famous prophecies in Scripture:

“YHVH is not a man that He should lie; neither the son of man that He should repent. When He hath said, will He not do it? Or when He hath spoken, will He not make it good” (vs. 19)?

The bottom line to Balaam’s oracular utterance is that YHVH remains with Israel. Israel is acceptable in YHVH’s sight. YHVH’s plans for Israel will not change. No weapon formed against Israel will prosper.

At this time in her sojourn, Israel was without iniquity nor calamity. She was compliant with the will and instructions of YHVH (vs. 21). There was no paganism practiced in Israel (vs. 23).

Israel was YHVH’s handy work and the nations of the region were to sit back and “exclaim in wonder at God’s dealings with His people” (Hertz) (vs. 24).

Israel was becoming an irresistible lion on the earth at that time.

23:25-24:2—Remonstrances and New Preparations

Balak again remonstrates against Balaam’s oracular utterances that favored Israel. Yet Balaam again reminded Balak:

“Told not I thee, saying: ‘All that YHVH speakteth, that I must do?’” (vs. 26).

Balak makes a third attempt to get Balak to curse Israel by yet again changing the prophet’s view of the nation. He takes Balaam to Mount Peor.

Altars were erected and sacrifices made a third time and Balaam was moved by YHVH’s Spirit to utter a third prophecy in favor of Israel.

24:3-9—Balaam’s 3rd Prophecy

Another well known prophecy is uttered here:

“How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel” (vs. 5)!

24:10-14—Balak’s Anger is Expressed.

24:15-17—A vision of Israel’s glorious future and the destruction of Moab is foretold.

24:18-24—Oracles Concerning the Nations

This oracle includes a revelation that Israel would soon triumph over a number of nations in her conquest of the Land of Promise.

24:25-25:1-9—Balaam Returns to his Place and The Sin of Baal-Peor

Balaam ultimately returned to his home. We can only assume that he did not cash in his award for cursing Israel. Nevertheless, at some point Balaam met an untimely death among the Midianites (31:8).

The story takes sort of a wild turn however. For we learn that the people of Israel out of nowhere took up Ba’al worship. We later learn, that Balaam was behind this heinous inducement. For it was through the enticements of Ba’al prostitutes that the men of Israel sinned. The Ba’al prostitutes enticed the men into harlotry; sacrifices to false gods; eating animals sacrificed to those false gods; and worship of those same false gods. Specifically, we learn that Israel “joined herself to Baal of Peor.” This horrid turn of events vociferously angered YHVH which resulted a plague breaking out against the people of Israel.

I would encourage you, if you are so led, to do some research on Ba’al of Peor worship. There appears to be some particularly disgusting aspects to the worship of Ba’al of Peor that no doubt rubbed even greater salt in the wound inflicted upon YHVH by his peoples’ sinful acts. We won’t get into those aspects of Ba’al worship here however.

As a result of the nation’s disgusting sin, YHVH instructed Moshe to have all the offenders (referred to as chiefs) hanged—impelled —facing the sun, such that Yah’s fierce anger would be turned away from Israel (25:4). The judgment against the offenders would be carried out by the judges of the nation—ie., the magistrates who were selected to govern the nation back in Exodus 28:21-26.

While lamenting in front of the tent of meeting, a male member of the children of Israel proudly paraded a Midianite prostitute (no doubt priestess of Baal) past many of the nation’s leaders, including Moshe, Eleazer and Eleazer’s son, Phineas, on their way to take care of some not-to-be mentioned business. The couple went to a tent (described in some translations as a chamber) to carry out their disgusting business.

Phineas, son of Eleazar, Levitical High Priest at the time, who was also a Levitical Priest in his own right, being outraged by the hubris of his fellow Hebrew brother, followed the couple to the tent/chamber and ran them both through with a javelin (ie., a spear), killing both.

It was Phineas’ decisive righteous actions that stopped the plague. The record states that some 24,000-Israelites died as a result of that plague.

4. Key Considerations of the Story

As a Yeshua-focused Torah Observer, there are several things to consider when studying this Torah Portion:

Despite Balaam’s obvious pagan leanings, YHVH maintained a significant relationship with him. To me, there’s not a whole lot more that can be surmised about this strange relationship apart from acknowledging that YHVH is indeed sovereign, and He will work through and establish relationship with the most unlikely individuals to fulfill His purpose and to magnify and glorify His Holy Name in heaven and on earth. That being said, it behooves us, on either a collective or even an individual level, to not become too high-minded, thinking that YHVH works only with members of our faith community. [Expound] Unfortunately, at times, those that don’t fit into the boxes that we’ve erected for the ideal member of our Faith, we reject, condemn and judge. This is a dangerous mindset to possess, and if left unchecked, can result in us failing to receive the blessings that Father may have for us at any particular time.

Most of us have little to no problem recognizing the sovereignty of YHVH over our lives. But more times than not we are open to doing things our own way. At times, our way runs contrary to YHVH’s Will. This leads to the concept of YHVH’s “Direct Will” versus His “Permissive Will.” In our story here, Yah’s “direct will” was that Balaam would (1) not accompany the Midianite/Moabite entourage; and (2) not curse Israel. However, Yah’s “Permissive Will” can be seen in YHVH permitting Balaam to return to Moab with the entourage. Thus, Balaam subjected himself to YHVH’s direct will by refusing to curse Israel, but he took advantage of YHVH’s permissive will in entreating the Father to allow Him to go with the entourage to go to Moab. Father, being an interpreter of the heart and mind as we discussed earlier, recognized that and dispatched His messenger to confront Balaam. This event brilliantly served to let Balaam know that YHVH was aware of what he was up to. Needless to say, Balaam used the opportunity of YHVH’s permissive will to find a way of circumventing YHVH’s prohibition against him cursing Israel, and likely being able to claim his prize from Balak by showing Balak how to destroy Israel from the inside out.

5. Key Take-Aways of the Reading—A Little Balaam in all of Us

It has become rather common place for people, both within and without, our faith community to dismiss Balaam as a pathetic soothsayer; a prophet for profit, whose greed resulted in him circumventing the Will of YHVH. We must never forget that despite him no doubt having some pagan baggage associated with him, YHVH still had a real, unique relationship with Balaam: He revealed future events to Balaam; He spoke directly to Balaam; He revealed His direct will to Balaam. Yet none of this dismisses the fact that Balaam had a bit of bad baggage to go with his unique relationship with the Almighty. Sort of like many of us, right?

Regardless, as I mentioned earlier, the Prophet Micah suggests that we not forget Balaam so that through Balaam’s story we will learn the righteousness of YHVH.

But I believe there’s an element to the Balaam story that the 21st-century disciple of Y’shua Messiah must seriously consider. Maybe somewhat controversial; maybe not. But all things considered, I think you’ll find some degree of validity to my claim.

Given all that we’ve learned about Balaam in this study, would it be too far beyond reason to suggest that there’s a little Balaam in each of us? Additionally, would it be too much of a stretch to suggest that there’s a taste of Balaam in many of the faith organizations, along with those organizations’ teachers and leaders who are working in and around the Body of Messiah today? I truly believe there’s a scriptural case to be made for this claim.

The significance of Balaam’s story was not lost to the Apostles.

When addressing the issue of False Prophets operating in the Body of Messiah, the Apostle Peter wrote:

“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet” (2 Peter 2:15,16; KJV).

So Peter introduces us to the concept of “The Way of Balaam.”

Then the Apostle Jude, when addressing the pending judgment of the same false teachers and prophets that Peter addressed in his second letter, wrote:

“Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core (ie., Korah)” (Jude 1:11; KJV).

Thus Jude introduces us to the concept of “The Error of Balaam.”

Then there’s the Apostle John, who records Yahshua’s message to the Assembly of Messianic Believers in Pergamum as follows:

“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stubmlingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” (Revelation 2:12-14; KJV).

And thus John reveals to us the concept of “The Doctrine of Balaam.”

Let’s take a quick look at each of these three Balaam concepts and see if we can identify aspects/elements of Balaam in each of us, as well as within the religious organizations that some of us are affiliated with.

The Doctrine of Balaam

Balaam realized that He could not override YHVH’s protection of Israel by cursing Israel as Balak had demanded and paid him to do. However, Balaam conceived of a means by which he could circumvent YHVH’s protection of Israel by having the men of Israel “curse themselves” through seductive idolatry. The doctrine of Balaam is about getting the people of God to violate YHVH’s Torah which would lead to their destruction via the curses of Torah. In other words, destroy the Body of YHVH from within through manipulative and twisted teachings and doctrines.

Balaam is forced by spiritual circumstances to find another way to undermine Israel and circumvent YHVH’s Will, which is a firm indictment of the wretched condition of this man’s heart and mind.

So Balaam could not destroy Israel by placing a curse upon them because of YHVH’s protection over them. But Balaam clearly recognized that he could convince the Israelites to subvert YHVH’s Torah by counseling or to borrow a popular business practice: to consult with Balak on how to get the upper hand on Israel.

Numbers 21:16—”The Moabite women caused Israel to, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against YHVH.”

So instead of destroying Israel from outside influences such as a curse, Balaam realized that Israel could handily be destroyed from the inside. And of course the rest is history.

We recognize that the true, original Body of Messiah that was founded in the 1st-century C.E., was all but decimated from the inside out, through the workings of Roman Emperor Constantine and his entourage in the 4th century C.E. Constantine was a devoted disciple of Mithra and the Sun God to the day he died. Yet he found personal favor with the true Body of Messiah that had endured on and off persecution and tribulation for years. Believing that Jesus Christ aided him in winning the decisive Battle of the Milvian Bridge in Ponte Milvio, Rome, favored Christianity. Within the confines of that favor, yet while still a devoted Mithra and Sun God worshiper, Constantine joined himself to Christianity with the expressed intent of fundamentally redefining the Faith from the inside out to better reflect his personal conceptions of what the Faith should be.

Today, a great example of the “Doctrine of Balaam” is clearly seen in the messages put forth by various ministries. And generally those organizations that place a lot of emphasis on raising and collecting the money from their followers epitomize the Doctrine of Balaam. These organizations and their leaders vehemently deny the Truth of Scripture and reject Torah. These make matters worse by teaching their followers to reject Torah and the primacy of Scripture over their lives.

Specific examples of this can be seen in such ministries as belonging to Creflo Dollar (who rejects Torah entirely) and T.D. Jakes (who teaches that Sabbath is any day of the week). These and other similar ministries teach (ie., counsel/consult) their followers to embrace sin by exploiting the hijacked doctrine of “grace.” Their teachings perpetuate a lawless grace that leads only to the members ultimate destruction. Another way of looking at this is that these ministries teach their followers to circumvent the Will of YHVH, which results in spiritual harlotry and idolatry in the lives of their followers.

Recall that in my first segment of this post that I discussed a recent experience I had in a Facebook Group where a Messianic Jew (I’m presuming so having no proof other than his response to the woman’s inquiry) was leading a woman to follow Talmudic/Mishnaic laws as opposed to the Truth of Torah. These individuals employ the Way of Balaam in their attempts to sway the unsuspecting, would-be people of Yah to abandon the rule and authority of Scripture in their lives for man-made laws and traditions. These deny the authority of Y’shua Messiah over the lives of would-be members of the Faith, instead elevating the rule and authority of the rabbis and so-called Jewish sages over the lives of believers. And their way is passed on and taught (similar to the concept of Balaam counseling Balak on how to defeat the Israelites from the inside out) to their unlearned and unsuspecting followers. And these leaders and teachers seek to reap unto themselves disciples that they can manipulate and lead astray just like the pharisees of old.

Recall Y’shua’s words when He denounced the Scribes and Pharisees, saying the following to them:

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” (Mat. 23:13; KJV).

Indeed, such is the Doctrine of Balaam.

We also learn from the Apostle Peter that those that speak evil of Torah are examples of the propagation of the Doctrine of Balaam.

We see further examples of this in modern hip-hop music and politics (Reference: Disciple of Yahshua—The Doctrine of Balaam).

The Error of Balaam

As it relates to “The Error of Balaam,” we can easily see played out Balaam’s natural inclination to entertain evil. When we entertain the thought of evil despite knowing better—despite knowing the direct will of YHVH–we stand the chance of falling into the doctrine and way of Balaam.

It is apparent that Balaam’s ultimate goal was to sway YHVH over to his will. That process would employ his obstinate heart; his unbending personal will; and manipulative mindset.

The power and notoriety of ANE soothsayers such as Balaam was based on the soothsayer’s perceived control over the so-called deities. Thus Balaam could have foolishly believed himself to be wiser than YHVH and felt confident that he could get this one over on YHVH. I would imagine that he thought if he were indeed successful in getting over on YHVH, he would have yet another deity in his pocket portfolio, which could certainly make his services in the future a bit more lucrative for him.

When YHVH consented to Balaam accompanying the Moabite/Midianite officials back to Moab, did YHVH change His mind on the matter? Or maybe this was a prime example of the so-called “Permissive Will of Elohim?” I believe this could very well be the case.

If we wanted to, we could parallel this example with the Israelites’ demand for meat over the manna YHVH miraculously fed them with. Obviously, it was not YHVH’s will that His people eat meat at that time. Yet he permitted them to have meat as they demanded; which was of course granted to them till they grew sick of it. In the end was Israel the better for trying to circumvent the direct will of YHVH?

I believe the Psalmist gave us a very astute answer:

“And He (YHVH) gave them their request (ie., the quail), but sent leanness into their soul” (106:15).

Nagging YHVH may ultimately get us what we want, but we stand the great risk of becoming spiritually dried up (J. V. McGee; pg. 6).

The question that each of us must answer throughout our walk with Mashiyach is: Do we desire YHVH’s “Permissive Will?” or do we desire YHVH’s “Direct Will?” What is the best thing for our relationship with the Almighty? Obviously, when we are willing to give our all to Y’shua and trust YHVH for everything, regardless how unappetizing or unappealing it may seem to us at times, we strengthen our relationship with the Almighty and our walk with Messiah gets easier and easier each passing day.

It is the covetous, unconverted, non-compliant heart of some in Faith that wants what it wants, when it wants it, regardless what Father may say otherwise. And this situation often leads to the permissive will of YHVH being granted in their lives. All too often, however, the end result spells disaster for the child of YHVH.

For many of us, we become adept at rationalizing our ungodly, self-absorbed actions and behavior to ourselves, to others, and most importantly to Yah. And Father may at some point grow weary of our whining and contrived justifications for doing other than His will in our lives. And it is at those times that Father often grants us His permissive will to do what we want to do. More times than not, it doesn’t go at all well for us.

We must become adept at accepting YHVH’s direct will for our lives. And when the urge hits us to sway Yah’s will in our lives, we must be adept at rationalizing; at effectively analyzing our motives for trying to sway Yah’s will. And if we find that our motives; our intentions; our desires are not in alignment with that of our Creator, then we have to learn to say no to self and yes to YHVH! Yes to YHVH! Yes to YHVH our Elohim.

For example, Paul urged us to examine ourselves before we partake of Y’shua’s communion (1 Cor. 11:28-34). Indeed, self examination must become a common practice in our day-to-day walk with Messiah. And we cannot be afraid to recognize the rotten portions of our will; those aspects of our will that runs contrary to the will of YHVH. Thus, we must seek the Holy Spirit (aka, the Ruach haKodesh) to eliminate those jacked-up, non-functioning parts of our will that run contrary to the direct will of YHVH in our lives. If we are faithful to turn ourselves over to the full control of the Holy Spirit, Father will sync our will with His, and we will find that we get along with YHVH better than we could ever imagine.

Another example of the Error of Balaam playing out in our lives can be seen in our tendency to judge others whom we don’t necessarily agree with or simply don’t like.

“Whom YHVH has justified, no man can condemn.” (J. V. McGee).

An example of this principle can be found in Yah’s relationship with King David—an adulterer and murderer—who still found favor in Yah’s eye and heart. Another example may be found in wandering Israel; you; me.

We must ask ourselves when tempted to judge and condemn: Who are we to condemn or judge others? We must keep imputed righteousness in its proper perspective when it comes to assessing others in the Body of Messiah (Rom. 8:31-33).

Why are we quick to judge and write-off those who are not like us; who do not walk out their Faith as we do? The natural tendency when we see others who aren’t like us is to condemn and judge. But that’s hasatan’s job, is it not? And fortunate for those of us who are Yah’s elect: Y’shua is our constant advocate before YHVH our Elohim.

Thus the “Error of Balaam,” at least in part, judging and or working against those that belonged to YHVH circumventing the Will of YHVH; circumventing the plan of YHVH; seeking to get into YHVH’s eternal business all play into the concept of the Error of Balaam.

The Way of Balaam

The “Way of Balaam” is simply the practice of circumventing YHVH’s direct will for our lives by taking advantage of YHVH’s “Permissive Will” for our lives.

According to https://bible.org/illustration/way-balaam:

“The way of Balaam” was a readiness to prostitute his high spiritual gifts and privileges for “The wages of unrighteousness” (II Peter 2:14), being willing to preach something contrary to God’s Word for personal gain.

The “Way of Balaam” is clearly seen in various and many sectors of churchianity today. For many organizations, it has become “all about the benjamins, baby” (to borrow a recent slight against Jews by a controversial Congresswoman)! For some Christian preachers and speakers, the work of the Gospel—so to speak—is an endless series of “gigs.”

It’s a permanent YHVH-circumvented lifestyle that one ultimately deludes him or herself into thinking that he or she can get away with error and false teachings. But Yah sees and knows everything. And regardless how solid we think we have this thing worked out in our heads, in the end we will reap all that we’ve sown.

6. Closing Thoughts

In 2 Peter 2:15, we find Peter, obviously moved by the Ruach haKodesh, accurately profile the person of Balaam:

1. He fell outside the “Direct Will of YHVH.”

2. Balaam cherished the wages of unrighteousness.

3. Balaam was obviously covetous

And then we find in 2 Peter 2:15—”Following in the Way of Balaam;” Jude 11—”Run greedily in the Error of Balaam for profit;” and Revelation 2:14—”Those who hold the Doctrine of Balaam…” These 3-passages paint for us a character analysis of Balaam.

Thus, scripture seems to conclusively prove that there’s a little Balaam in each of us. And that little Balaam that resides in each of us, as well as in so many faith-based organizations in operation today, that will get us into serious trouble with the Almighty unless we do something to eradicate it from our lives.

For we do not want to hear, when we stand before our righteous Judge those horrifying words:

“…I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mat. 7:23; KJV).

So, I say, this week, let’s make every effort to eradicate Balaam from our lives and give every bit of ourselves over to the Will of our Creator. In the end, it’s never ever about us. It’s all about Him.

May you be outrageously blessed fellow saints in training. Shalom. Take care.