“The Problematic Pagan Prophet”

Scripture Passage for Today

Numbers 22:1-24:25

Scripture Focus

I see him, but not here and now.
     I perceive him, but far in the distant future.
A star will rise from Jacob;
     a scepter will emerge from Israel.
It will crush the foreheads of Moab’s people,
     cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth.
                                          (Numbers 24:17 NLT)

Observation

Let’s face it—Balaam’s a bit problematic. Even if today’s passage were the only scriptural reference to Balaam, questions about Balaam abound. How is it that God uses a pagan prophet? Is that really what’s going on here? Why does God first tell Balaam not to respond to Balak’s request and then, later, seem to allow it, and then, later still, rebuke Balaam along the way by means of a talking donkey?

(As a father, I have an opinion on that. I’ve told my children “no” before, and then conceded, and then reinforced with them the reasons for my initial denial. I think that’s what’s going on here. God to Balaam, “Alright, go if you insist—you’re free to choose—but understand you’re to speak *nothing* but what I tell you!”)

Beyond this passage, there must be more to the story of Balaam than Scripture reveals in detail, because he is described in the New Testament as one who “loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15 NIV) and one who “taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin” (Revelation 2:14 NIV).

Still, here, it appears that God does indeed speak through Balaam—and powerfully! Not only does he bless Israel in spite of being offered rich payment to curse them, but he offers a Messianic prophecy! Wow! Even as Israel wanders through the wilderness having missed God’s “promised land” opportunity through rebellion, God is still speaking a promise—and speaking that promise through a pagan prophet.

He’s awesome, you know. Massive. Remarkable. And what He promised through a problematic pagan prophet centuries ago, He’s brought to pass in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of God.