Balaam
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Balaam in the Bible?
Balaam was a prophet residing in Pethor, a city in Mesopotamia, who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Although he initially attempted to fulfill this request, he was compelled by divine intervention to pronounce blessings upon the Israelites instead, a narrative that underscores the sovereignty of the Israelite deity over foreign prophetic traditions.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Balaam provides insight into the complex relationship between Israel and its neighbors, illustrating how biblical authors incorporated foreign prophetic figures to demonstrate the supremacy of Yahweh and to validate the divine protection of the Israelite community against external threats.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Balaam in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.