The doctrine of Balaam refers to teachings that encourage God’s people to compromise their faith and commit sinful acts. This doctrine is based on the biblical story of Balaam, a prophet who was hired by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Israelites as they traveled to the Promised Land. However, God prevented Balaam from cursing Israel. When Balaam was unable to curse the Israelites, he advised Balak to entice them into idolatry and sexual immorality instead. The strategy worked, causing God’s anger against Israel (Numbers 25:1-3, 31:16).
There are several key aspects to the doctrine of Balaam:
- Greed and love of money – Balaam was motivated by greed and financial gain when he agreed to curse Israel for payment from Balak (2 Peter 2:15).
- Leading God’s people into sin – Balaam showed Balak how to sabotage Israel by enticing them to worship false gods and commit sexual immorality (Revelation 2:14).
- Rebellion against God’s will – Despite God’s warnings, Balaam continued to meet with Balak’s messengers in defiance of God’s will (Numbers 22:12-35).
- Prophesying falsely for profit – Balaam gave both true and false prophecies, tailoring his words for material gain rather than faithfully speaking God’s message (Jude 1:11).
- Misuse of spiritual authority – As a prophet, Balaam exploited his spiritual gifts and influence for personal benefit.
The New Testament writers warn against false teachers who exhibit the errors of Balaam. 2 Peter 2:15 says that Balaam “loved gain from wrongdoing.” Jude 1:11 says the way of Balaam is characterized by greed, rebellion, and destruction. Revelation 2:14 refers to those who hold to the “teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel.”
There are a few examples in Scripture of the doctrine of Balaam influencing God’s people:
- Israel’s sin at Peor – After failing to curse Israel, Balaam suggested that Moabite women seduce Israelite men into sexual immorality and idol worship. This succeeded in bringing God’s judgment on Israel (Numbers 31:16).
- Solomon’s wives – Many of Solomon’s wives worshiped idols and influenced Solomon’s heart away from God, a situation warned about in Deuteronomy 7:3-4.
- Jezebel – The wicked queen Jezebel promoted Baal worship and killed the Lord’s prophets, leading Israel into idolatry and immorality.
- The Nicolaitans – Jesus condemned this sect at Ephesus and Pergamum for idolatry and sexual immorality (Revelation 2:6, 2:14-15).
While Balaam’s story originated during Israel’s wilderness travels, the errors he promoted infiltrated God’s people countless times throughout Old Testament history. Even in the early church, there were false teachers who sought to lead believers astray into sexual sin, greed, and idolatry. The doctrine of Balaam serves as a warning about the dangers of greed, sexual immorality, false prophecy, and corruption of spiritual authority.
To avoid falling into the errors of Balaam, Christians should:
- Flee from sexual immorality and pursue purity (1 Corinthians 6:18).
- Avoid greed and be content with what God provides (Hebrews 13:5).
- Remain humble and accountable before God and spiritual leaders.
- Test those who claim to speak for God (1 John 4:1-3).
- Avoid idolatry and false religion (1 Corinthians 10:14).
- Be wary of prosperity theology or prophets who promise material blessings.
In summary, the doctrine of Balaam refers to compromising faith and morality for financial gain, sexual gratification, or some other unrighteous purpose. It entices God’s people toward greed, false religion, and reckless living. Scripture exhorts believers to stand firm against such deception. Walking closely with God, obeying His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance protects followers of Christ from stumbling into the errors of Balaam.
The story of Balaam contains vital warnings that still resonate today. By studying how idolatry and sexual sin corrupted Israel, Christians become equipped to detect and avoid modern versions of these dangers. Just as Balak discovered he could defeat Israel through trickery and seduction after failing to conquer them directly, the devil employs flattery, materialism, false ideology, and moral compromise to bring down believers and churches. But just as Balaam was restrained from cursing Israel due to God’s mercy, Christians sealed by the Holy Spirit have supernatural protection against the doctrine of Balaam. By remaining spiritually vigilant and clinging to Jesus, His followers overcome the destroyer’s schemes.
In the Old Testament, Balaam serves as a notorious example of a false prophet motivated by greed and willing to manipulate God’s people for personal gain. His story provides a sobering lesson about the far-reaching consequences of spiritual corruption. By contrast, Jesus embodied the perfect submission and obedience that Balaam lacked, always speaking and acting according to the Father’s will. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus laid down His life to protect His flock from sin, while Balaam exploited his sheep. While Balaam
led ancient Israel into the wilderness of sin, Jesus provides the water of life to satisfy and sustain His people forevermore.
Though thousands of years old, the account of Balaam contains practical warnings applicable today. It reveals the enemy’s cunning schemes against believers. But most importantly, it reminds God’s people of His faithfulness in protecting and blessing those who walk in His ways. So just as Moses charged the Israelites to vigilantly obey God after facing Balaam’s deception, Christians should continually rededicate themselves to pursuing righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then they will experience the profound peace and joy of resting under the shadow of the Almighty rather than succumbing to the dangerous doctrine of Balaam.