Balaam paradox

June 8, 2022 (Wednesday)

 

Every now and then we run across something or someone in the Bible that we can’t make sense of because of our theology. Balaam is one such person. Balaam seems to be a non-Jewish person who communicated with God.

 

We might be tempted to call Balaam a prophet. Since, when he communicated what God wanted him to say, he was correct. Yet, his heart was not right with God. We mostly know his story from when the king of Moab attempted to bribe him to curse Israel. Again, the story is "complicated." First, God tells him not to go. Then, God tells him to go and sends an angel to kill him for going. His life was spared by a donkey who eventually talked to him.

 

The story found in Numbers 22 reads like Balaam is not exactly sane. After the donkey talks to him, Balaam proceeds to argue with him. After arriving, with the presumed intention of cursing Israel, Balaam blesses Israel twice. Then we read this gem, “When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping by tribes. Then God’s spirit came on him.” [Numbers 24:1 – 2 ESV] Other translations for “omens” include “divination.”

 

Now for the questions. Who cares if Balaam curses Israel? Certainly, human curses have no effect on God’s plan or people. Another question is why would God interact with someone who practiced divination? Here is someone who made a living selling blessings and curses. He practices something God calls repugnant (extremely distasteful). In fact, the Law required such people to be put to death.

 

The fact is, we are not told. My suspicion is that we would not understand the answer. However, God made Himself known and heard through Balaam. Balaam knew the truth of who he was communicating with (both God and devils) and I suspect others did as well. It was in this tension that Balaam and those who heard him were given a choice. Eventually, Balaam did not choose wisely when he taught King Balak how to get the Israelites to bring a curse upon themselves (see Numbers 25 and 31:9).

 

God can use religious leaders from outside the line of faith. This reinforces the idea that all people, everywhere and at all times, are without excuse. Balaam communicated with Balak, who was blessing Israel. Balak did not take it to heart and found a way to subvert God’s blessing. He did not act in ignorance.

 

I suspect this may be happening today, all over the world and in every religious situation. God is calling people to Himself. Jesus claimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (see John 14:5)