Bible Dictionary
Balaam
Balaam was a diviner from Pethor whom Balak hired to curse Israel. God compelled him to bless Israel instead, though Balaam later gave harmful counsel that led Israel into sin and was eventually killed with the Midianites.
Biblical Usage
Balak summoned Balaam to curse Israel, but God compelled him to bless the people and to utter striking prophecies concerning Israel’s future. Balaam later counseled a way to lead Israel into sin, and he was killed with the Midianites. The New Testament uses him as an example of greed, corrupt teaching, and compromise with ungodliness.
Scripture References