Numbers 22-24
Balaam son of Beor is a curios character – a man of extremes. He was from Pethor near the Euphrates so hundreds of miles east from Moab. On the one hand he held to what God said. He refused to curse Israel against God’s will. However, he was lured by power and money to go in the first place. Also later we learn that he taught Balak how to lead Israel astray.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.
Rev 2:14
An overview of the oracles.
Oracle 1:
A people apart – great in numbers
Not cursed by God
Oracle 2:
God has commanded Balaam to bless Israel, not to curse.
God is with them.
No divination will work against them.
Oracle 3:
Their king will be greater than Agag and their kingdom exalted.
They are strong and will overpower other nations.
Those who bless them will be blessed,
those who curse them will be cursed.
Oracle 4:
I see him, but not now… A star will come out of Jacob;
he will crush the foreheads of Moab
Edom will be conquered
Amalek… will come to ruin at last
you Kenites will be destroyed