BIBLE CHARACTERS

Lesson #12

 

Balaam:

A Prophet Who Spoke to A Donkey

Numbers 22:1-21; 22:22-35; 23:1-24:14; 24:15-25; 25:1-3; 31:16 Deut. 23:3-6; Josh. 13:22; 24:9-10; Neh. 13:1-2; Micah 6:5; 2 Pet. 2:15-16; Jude 11; Rev. 2:14

Victor M. Eskew

 

1.   When you read Numbers 22:1-1, what is your opinion of Balaam?  Why do you have such an opinion?

 

2.   Why was the Lord’s anger kindled against Balaam when He had told him to go with the princes sent by Balak?

 

3.   What caused Balaam to carry on a conversation with his donkey?  Why didn’t he realize a donkey was talking?

 

4.   Why did God authorize Balaam to go to Barak after confronting him by the angel of the Lord?

 

5.   The New Testament speaks of “Balaam the son of Boser, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Pet. 2:15).  Yet, Numbers 24:11 seems to indicate that Balak withheld his promises after Balaam blessed Israel instead of cursing them.  How do we reconcile the texts?

 

6.   Why would Balaam counsel against Israel in the matter of Peor when the Lord had blessed them through him three times?

 

7.   How did Balaam die?

 

8.   What does Balaam prophesy about Israel in his oracles?