The Biblical account of Balaam is controversial since the prophet is depicted as immoral. According to Revelation 2:12-16, Balaam advised King Balak on how to indulge the Israelites into sinning by sexual immorality and food sacrifices to idols. While many Christians believe that Balaam is sinful, Steven Notley in his article “The Teaching of Balaam” contradicts the belief. According to Steven Notley, the author of Revelation solely relied on their understanding of the Moabite prophet’s instruction to Balaak (para. 4). Therefore, Steven Notley suggests that the author of Revelation was informed by the association of Balaam with Moabites.
While the Balaam is presented as a sinful and bad influence on the Israelites, the literal content of the scriptures communicates otherwise. According to Steven Notley, the scripture contents do not record that Balaam encouraged the Israelites to participate with the Moabites in idolatry and sexual immorality (para. 4). However, the teaching of Balaam is not just presented in the New Testament, the Old Testament in the book of Numbers. According to the Old Testament, Numbers 31:6, Moses referred to Balaam as a person who led the Israelites astray and against the teaching of God (para. 5). Although the books present Balaam as sinful, Numbers 22-24 state that Balaam refused the commands of King Balak, and, instead, blessed the Israelites.
In addition to Numbers and Revelation, the second letter of Peter (2 Peter) is another book that describes Balaam. The Second letter of Peter 2:15 describes Balaam as a good example of a prophet who apostatized for the sake of material gain. The Bible verse states, “They have left the right way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness” (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). While the Biblical content of the Bible presents Balaam as greedy, idolatrous, and evil, Steven Notley argues that there is no literal scripture that proves the teachings.
Works Cited
Notley, R. Steven. “The Teaching of Balaam.” Jerusalem University College.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “2 Peter 2:5”.