A mysterious story about Valaam and his donkey. Balaam in the Bible Prophet Balaam Old Testament

Initially, the Jews did not intend to attack the Midianites, since they were descendants of Abraham. The conflict arose over Valaam himself. Although he cursed everyone present at the feast, he then gave friendly advice to Balak - to corrupt the Israeli men with the help of women (so that the God of Israel would turn away from the chosen people). The war (Balaam’s prophecy about which did not foretell anything good for the Midianites themselves) began precisely because of this provocation of his. According to Balaam’s plan, the Midianite women invited Jews to the towns of Moab (mainly for some holidays) and dealt with them in various types of criminal cases under Israeli law (idolatry, adultery, etc.). However, this plan did not go as planned. Having killed 24 thousand Israelites, God suddenly ordered a war to begin with Moab, and after its conquest, he additionally ordered the destruction of all captives who had been deflowered (an exceptional case in the history of the war for Canaan).

Prediction

His prediction is one of the Old Testament prophecies about Christ:

These words of Balaam, looking from the mountain at the Jewish people, are about the “Descendant” of this people (messiah), who is called the “star” and the “rod”. Balaam predicts the defeat of the princes of Moab and the descendants of Seth who invited him, implying here the crushing of the forces of evil taking up arms against the Kingdom of the Messiah.

Mention in the New Testament

Balaam is mentioned three times in the New Testament (including in the Revelation of John the Theologian) as an example of a person inclined to commit crimes against God and people for the reward of unrighteousness (2 Pet., Jude, Rev.).

Rabbinic interpretation

Inscription from Deir Allah

In 1967, in the Deir Allah hill in the eastern Jordan Valley, a Dutch expedition led by Professor Henk J. Franken, during excavations of an ancient temple, discovered plaster with an inscription in Early Aramaic, first published in 1976. The text talks about the soothsayer Balaam. Reconstruction by André Lemaire:

Inscription of Laam, [son of Beho]rov, a man who was a seer of God. Behold, the gods came to him at night, and [spoke to] him according to these words, and they said to [Balaam], the son of Beor, thus: “Behold, the last flame has appeared, the fire of punishment has appeared!” And Balaam got up the next day [...several?] days […] and he could not eat, and he wept greatly. And his people came to him and said to Balaam the son of Beor: “Why don’t you eat anything and why are you crying?” And he said to them: “Sit down! I will show you how great the calamity is!” cloud! Let there be darkness and nothing shining [...? ...] will cause horror for you with the [cloudy] darkness, and you will never make noise, but [in their place?] the swift, the bat, the eagle and peli[kan], vultures, ostrich and a[ist] and young falcons, and the owl, the chickens of the heron, the dove, the bird of prey, the pigeon and the sparrow, [every bird of heaven], and [on the earth] below, in the place where the [shepherd's] staff led the sheep, the hares eat 10. freely [but...]

Christian writers about Valaam

Tertullian and Jerome write that Balaam actually had the gift of prophecy from God, but the passion for profit prevented Balaam from using his gift.

In the hymns of the Orthodox Church

If this story seems mysterious to you, then you are not alone. Even before we get to the meeting with the talking animals, the question arises: why does the magician speak to God and listen to Him? Isn't it self-evident that the Magi de facto together with the enemy side? Why does God appear to change his thoughts about whether Baalam should go or not? And not once, but four times? Why is this man, who seems intent on being obedient to God, portrayed as a negative character, even in the New Testament (2 Pet. 2:15, Jude 1:11)?

There are surprising parts to this story - Balaam ends his speech by declaring a serious powerful prophecy. Chapters 22-25 of the book of Numbers are filled with amazing Torah mysteries that are just waiting to be unraveled.

History of Valaam

The people of Israel, overcoming fatigue, overcome the difficult journey from Egypt and come closer to the Promised Land. They very politely ask to pass through the domains of the Edomites and then the Amorites, but in both cases they are refused and then attacked. Despite this, the Israelis defend themselves and win, after which they capture the territory. And so, having unintentionally taken possession of the territory of the Edomites and Amorites, the people of Israel move forward. The king of Moab, Balak, son of Zippor, sees them approaching him and panics. He thinks he knows what could work in this case... there is a wizard named Balaam who is on close terms with the gods... perhaps he can come and curse the Israelites? Balak sends his most senior people with a fabulous sum as a gift to find out if Balaam is ready for such a challenge. And this is where the story starts to get confusing.

Balaam is a well-known sorcerer, and witchcraft is forbidden by God. However, it seems that he is quite sure that he hears God and would like to do what God says. And God tells Balaam not to go because the people of Israel are meant to be blessed, not cursed. So Balaam obeys - refuses to go to Balak, and assures his people that he is not interested in money.

Although they might be interested.

When Balak again sends even higher-ranking people with an even more tempting offer, it seems that the ruse was a success, because Balaam again comes to God to check the answer: Are you really sure I can't go with them? And, strangely, God apparently relented. He gives Balaam permission to go, but to say only what He told him. So Balaam sets off with permission. But then he is stopped in his tracks by none other than the Angel of the Lord, and his donkey refuses to budge and even explains why. In words. This whole situation is clearly out of the ordinary and should indeed serve as a warning to all concerned. If you really want to know what God thinks about such endeavors, here is your answer.

Balaam says: “Well, if you don’t want me to go, I won’t go.”, but God somehow strangely and contradictorily gives him permission to continue. What is this? What does God mean: should he go or should he not go?

Balaam meets Balak, but is unable to pronounce a curse on Israel, and instead blesses him three times in a row, with amazing blessings at that.

There's a lot to think about

The key to this saga will be the verse of Numbers. 23:19:

“God is not a man, that He should lie, and not a son of man, that He should change. Will he say it and not do it? will he speak and not fulfill it?

On the one hand, it would seem that God changed his mind (several times in a row), but on the other hand, if we look at what God said from the very beginning, we will see that He was consistent to the end.

At the very beginning, God's words to Balaam were:

“Do not go with them, do not curse this people, for they are blessed.” (Num. 22:12)

This is God's original statement: the people of Israel are not intended to be cursed, but to be blessed. God intends to protect Israel from curses and all witchcraft, and will do everything to bless them. This is His decree and He will not back down. Not once do we see Him hesitate or fail to do so. He protects Israel from curses and evil declarations, and preserves their blessings, and protects them at all times. He said it, promised it, and made sure everything was done according to His word.

BUT STILL. Still... there is a question of free will. That's why Balaam wandered back and forth. God revealed His heart, His intentions and His will to Balaam, and yet He gives him permission and freedom to act against His will.

So far so good. Well, what about the donkey that was detained by the angel? Was it right for Balaam to continue on his way or not? But what about Balaam’s concessions and offers to return?

I think God is showing not only Balaam, but also the reader (you and me) what He expects in this situation and what He thinks about it. He's not happy. Valaam understands everything, understands that he must return, but doesn't really want to do it. That's the whole point.

Our Desires Are Extremely Important to God

God will not violate our freedom, and He will respect our choices. But He has desires, preferences, feelings and goals, and He will share them with us and invite us to join Him. But he won't put pressure on us. He gives us permission to go our own way and do as we see fit, but rest assured that nothing will interfere with the fulfillment of God's original thoughts, plans and purposes.

Balaam's desire to go for the reward was accepted, but ultimately the people of Israel were blessed and not cursed, just as God had said in the beginning. God creates opportunities for our choices, but He will not allow us to trample His overarching purposes. Even the story of Ishmael and Isaac shows us that God will do exactly what He intended to do in the first place. He did not stray from the intended path. He's working hard on Plan A.

Balaam pretended to listen and submit, but his actions show that he really doesn't care much about the revelation of God's heart. He's not on God's side. God revealed to him what He thought and felt, but Balaam did not share God’s attitude towards the people of Israel. Cash is more important to him. He is only interested in God's will in words; he does not want to go back. He doesn't care about the fate of Israel.

This story shows us the extraordinary interaction between God's sovereignty and our free will in the universe.

If only Balaam had correctly accepted what God told him from the very beginning ( I love Israel and I want to protect them and give them only good things), then he wouldn't have to check a second time whether it was okay to go and curse them. Such petty go/no-go debates are laughable if we listen to God's original statement. Balaam expected permission from God, but God does not need grumbling obedience, He wants us to agree and unite with His will.

We may feel tense in certain situations as we make decisions and discover God's will, but often God's purposes and heart are already known to us. Are we really paying attention to what He has already said? Before we get completely confused about what to “do” and what to “not do,” maybe we should try our best to find out what God cares about?

Despite all of God's protection of Israel from supernatural evil, Balaam showed the King of Moab how he could trick the people of Israel into idolatry (Num. 31:16), and this led to a problem because God did not cancel Israel's freedom in this case either. will. Yet, some amazing statements came from Balaam's lips, and the miracle of the reversed curse was noted in history as a miracle and a sign of God's greatest blessing (Josh. 13, 24, Neh. 13).

Our freedom to make choices comes at a cost to God. Freedom is an expensive thing, as any veteran will tell you. It cost God the life of His only begotten Son, our Messiah Yeshua. But without freedom there is no love. In His love, God will not take away our freedom, and He will allow us to make bad choices. This is the price He is willing to pay. But the desire of His heart is that we should freely consent to His will, that our hearts would grow in unity with His heart.

“Teach me, O Lord, in Thy way, and I will walk in Thy truth; establish my heart in the fear of Your name.” (Ps. 86:11)

God's Purposes for Israel Come Above All

God intended to keep Israel not only because He loved them (although He still loves them very much), but also because it was through Israel that He came to earth as the Messiah and brought about salvation for all - both Jews and and for the pagans. Balaam unwittingly proclaims these Messianic prophecies:

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“He bows down, he lies like a lion and like a lioness, who will raise him up? He who blesses you is blessed, and he who curses you is cursed!” (Num. 24:9)

“I see Him, but now I am not yet; I see Him, but not close. A star rises out of Jacob and a rod rises out of Israel...” (Num. 24:17)

The Messiah who was to come was a seed from the people of Israel, so jealously guarded by God. The parallel with Jacob's blessing to Judah is unmistakable. We often use this story to teach that God can use anyone to proclaim His word, even a donkey! But we also see that He used both the corrupt sorcerer Balaam - which in itself is a huge miracle - and the people of Israel, known for their stiff necks.

God will accomplish all His purposes for Israel and for the world, and He will not pressure anyone against their will. But He would like to share with us what is in His heart and invites us to join Him in His work on this earth. The work of God's promises to Abraham continues, and Israel will return to its deliverer, whether blessings or curses are pronounced upon it. God chose to do His work through Israel, and He is not one who uses people and then abandons them - His love and care for Israel continues to this day. Every word of God's plans and purposes for Israel will come to pass, just as He said.

We find mention of Balaam in chapters 22-24 of the book of Numbers. Israel, on the way to the Promised Land, stopped “in the plains of Moab, by the Jordan, opposite Jericho” (Numbers 22:1). This greatly frightened Balak, the king of Moab, and he sent envoys to Pephor, a city in Mesopotamia, located several hundred kilometers away, to bring Balaam. The favor that Balak asked him for is described in Numbers 22:5-6:

Numbers 22:5-6
“And he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor to Pephor, which is on the river [Euphrates], in the land of the sons of his people, to call him [and] say: behold, a people came out of Egypt and covered the face of the earth, and he dwells near me; So come, curse this people for me, for they are stronger than me: perhaps I will then be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; I know that whomever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed.”

Balaam was famous for the fact that whomever he blessed was blessed, and whomever he cursed was cursed. (Numbers 22:6). And if we read the entire 22-24 chapters of the book of Numbers, we will learn that initially Balaam had pious intentions. When Balak's servants came to him, he promised that he would consult God first. When the Lord told Balaam not to go with them, he obediently sent them back. This is what a person who follows the straight path does, and Balaam did the same. Clearly he was moving in the right direction. But Valak insisted. A few days later, even more princes, even more famous, again came to Balaam and promised him great honors and riches if he would go with them and curse Israel. A man whose heart was entirely devoted to God would not have waited: he would have sent all the princes back again, since God had already made him understand that he should not go with them. But Balaam did not do this. He said he would go and ask God again. And although it would have been much worse if he had gone with them without consulting God at all, this nevertheless indicates a flaw, a lack of firmness, and the intention of Balaam not to send the messengers away with anything. We call on God again when we want something badly and we are not satisfied, or we have not come to terms with what He told us the first time. This is exactly what happened here. Balaam wanted to go with them; There were so many gifts and honors that he simply could not refuse. But he did not want to disobey God either! He would be glad to go, curse Israel, receive a reward and at the same time be at peace with God - just as we sometimes do: “I want my will to be done, Lord, please change Yours. Let me do what I want, and then everyone will be fine!” God, seeing Balaam in this state, allowed him to go, but only if these people came to call him again. But in the morning he appears before us sitting on a donkey, ready for a long journey! He didn't want to waste a second waiting for someone to call him! As a result, God became angry with him and sent His Angel to prevent Balaam. Balaam's donkey saved his life, because when she saw the angel, she tried to turn off the road. The angel commanded Balaam to go, but ONLY to speak what God would speak to him (Numbers 22:35). This was a warning to Balaam not to deviate from God's Word. As we can see, he did not pay due attention to this. So Balaam went and met with Balak. Despite the fact that Balak brought him to various places from where it would be more convenient for him to curse Israel, Balaam adhered to what God told him and spoke only the words of God, blessing Israel. Valak was outraged! This is what he said to Balaam after he blessed Israel for the third time:

“And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he clasped his hands, and Balak said to Balaam: I called you to curse my enemies, and now you are blessing them for the third time; so run to your place; I wanted to honor you, but behold, the Lord deprives you of honor” (Numbers 24:10-11).

Valaam: an example not to be followed

Balaam seems to have taken the position of God. He spoke only God's word, and although he followed the princes of Balak, he spoke only what God wanted. He followed the word of God relentlessly. Some may ask, then why is he held up to us as an example not to be followed in 2 Peter 2:15, as well as in other Scriptures that we will look at next? No doubt he wanted to go after Balak, and perhaps all he was thinking about was the gifts. However, it seems that he did not deviate from God's command and left Balak with nothing. He obeyed God, even though it meant losing the gifts and rewards that were promised to him. Or was it different?

In 2 Peter, in the Epistle of Jude and in the book of Revelation, Balaam is mentioned as an example of what not to do. From what we have already read in the book of Numbers, there may be a feeling of a biased assessment of events, however, as we read further, we understand that this is not so:

Numbers 25:1-5, 9
“And Israel dwelt in Shittim, and the people began to commit fornication with the daughters of Moab, and they invited [the Daughters of Moab - approx. author] the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate [their sacrifices] and bowed down to their gods. And Israel cleave to Baalpeor. And the wrath of the Lord was kindled against Israel. And the Lord said to Moses, Take all the leaders of the people and hang them before the Lord before the sun, and the fury of the wrath of the Lord will be turned away from Israel. And Moses said to the judges of Israel: kill every one of his people who cling to Baal-peor […]... And those who died from the defeat were twenty-four thousand.”

How is it that the women of Moab knew how to seduce the Israelites? How did it happen that they came, forced those who prostituted with them, invited them to make sacrifices and worship false gods? God did not like this, He became angry, and twenty-four thousand Israelites died after this during the defeat. Who planned this evil that brought destruction to Israel? In Numbers 31:15-16 and Revelation 2:14 we find the answer:

Numbers 31:15-16
“And Moses said to them: [why] have you left all the women alive? behold, according to the advice of Balaam, they were a reason for the children of Israel to depart from the Lord to please Peor, [for which] the defeat was in the company of the Lord.”

and Revelation 2:14 (Lord Jesus speaking to the Angel of the Pergamum Church)
“But I have a few things against you, because you have some there who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to lead the children of Israel into temptation, so that they would eat things sacrificed to idols and commit fornication».

The adviser who taught Moab to deceive Israel was Balaam. We already know how partial he was to receiving gifts and honors. 2 Peter 2:15-16 says he LOVED them:

2 Peter 2:15
“Leaving the straight path, they got lost, following in the footsteps of Balaam, the son of Bosor, WHO LOVED THE WAGE OF UNJUSTICE, but was convicted of his iniquity: the dumb donkey, speaking with a human voice, stopped the madness of the prophet.”

Up until Numbers 24, Balaam was God's prophet, God's mouthpiece. He walked the straight path, BUT did not follow it to the end. In the end, he left him and fell into error because he “loved the wages of unrighteousness.” He started well, but his end was disastrous. It is important not only to take the right path, but also to stick to it until the end. His start was good, but he did not continue to move further in this direction. He was ultimately killed by the Israelites when they captured Midian. In the passage of Scripture where his death is narrated (Joshua 13:22), Balaam is no longer referred to as a “prophet”, but as a “soothsayer.” He began as a “prophet,” God’s mouthpiece, and ended as a “prophet,” God’s enemy.

Balaam in 2 Peter and Jude

Balaam went from being God's mouthpiece to becoming a false teacher who led God's people astray (Revelation 2:14). He was on the right path, but he left it and fell into error. This is probably why he is mentioned three times by the New Testament writers as an example of what not to do. We have already seen a similar entry in the book of Revelation, and in 2 Peter and Jude we are given two more:

2 Peter 2:15-16
“Leaving the straight path, THEY got lost, following in the footsteps of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved the unrighteous reward, but was convicted of his iniquity: a dumb donkey, speaking with a human voice, stopped the madness of the prophet.”

and Jude 11
“Woe to THEM, for they follow the path of Cain, indulge in the deceitfulness of reward, like Balaam, and perish in stubbornness, like Korah.”

Both 2 Peter and Jude speak of those who follow the way of Balaam. Who are these people? What did they do? Do they have similarities with Balaam, and if so, what are they? How can an Old Testament character relate to the modern age of grace? We will find this answer in the Scriptures. Let's start with 2 Peter, where the word "they" refers to the first verse, which says:

2 Peter 2:1-3
“There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive heresies and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their depravity, and through them the path of truth will be reproached. And out of covetousness they will entice you with flattering words; judgment has long been ready for them, and their destruction does not sleep.”

2 Peter 2:1
“There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive heresies and, denying the Lord who bought them, will bring upon themselves quick destruction.”

2 Peter 2:15
«…»

And 2 Peter 2:20-21:
"For if, having escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, again become entangled in them and overcome by them, then the latter is worse for them than the first. It would be better for them not to know the path of righteousness than, having learned it, to turn back from the holy commandment handed down to them».

As is clear from the above:

These people were redeemed by the Lord.

They escaped the filth of this world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ .

They learned the ways of righteousness, and the holy commandment was handed down to them.

They left the straight path, which in turn means that they once walked this way.

The false teachers spoken of in God's Word are not unbelievers; these are believers, or, more precisely, people who started out as believers. Otherwise, who else could there be people who have been redeemed by the Lord, who have received knowledge (full knowledge) of Jesus Christ and to whom the holy commandment has been handed down? Like Balaam, they began to follow the straight path, but then they abandoned it and turned into false teachers, bringing destructive heresies and ensnaring God's people with flattering words! If we think that we should not attach so much importance to false teachers, because, by and large, we have not seen so many openly rejecting “the Lord who redeemed them,” then we are mistaken. God devoted much of 2 Peter and almost all of Jude to warnings about these deceivers. This is truly a problem that God's Word says, "BE ALERT"!!! 2 Timothy 2:15 says:

2 Timothy 2:15
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Our job is to faithfully teach the word of truth, and without a solid foundation it will be impossible to defend ourselves against the false teachers running around. Going back to 2 Peter, verses 10-22, we continue talking about these apostates:

2 Peter 2:10-22
“And especially those who follow the evil lusts of the flesh, despise the authorities, are impudent, self-willed and are not afraid to slander the higher ones, while the Angels, surpassing them in strength and power, do not pronounce a reproachful judgment on them before the Lord. They, like dumb animals, led by nature, born to be caught and destroyed, slandering what they do not understand, will be destroyed in their corruption. They will receive retribution for their iniquity, for they delight in daily luxury; disgraces and defilers, they enjoy their deceptions, feasting with you. Their eyes are filled with lust and incessant sin; they seduce unsteady souls; their hearts are accustomed to covetousness: they are the sons of the curse. Leaving the straight path, they got lost, following in the footsteps of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved the unrighteous reward, but was convicted of his iniquity: the dumb donkey, speaking in a human voice, stopped the madness of the prophet. These are waterless springs, clouds and mist, driven by a storm: the darkness of eternal darkness is prepared for them. For, uttering inflated idle talk, they ensnare those who are barely behind those in error into carnal lusts and debauchery. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for whoever is conquered by someone is his slave. For if, having escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome by them, then the latter is worse for them than the first. It would be better for them not to know the path of righteousness than, having learned it, to turn back from the holy commandment handed down to them. But what happens to them is according to the true proverb: the dog returns to his vomit, and the washed pig [goes] to wallow in the mud.”

God spends most of 2 Peter describing these false teachers. Many of our contemporaries, and many lived at different times: people who used and used the Name of God and Christ for their own purposes, for the sake of power, money, fame. They follow the example not of Christ, but of Balaam. The Second Epistle of Peter leaves no doubt as to what their end will be. As we just read:

They bring upon themselves swift destruction (2 Peter 2:1).

Their judgment has long been prepared, and their destruction does not sleep (2 Peter 2:3).

“For if, having escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome by them, then the latter is worse for them than the former. It would be better for them not to know the path of righteousness than, having learned it, to turn back from the holy commandment handed down to them. But what happens to them is according to the true proverb: a dog returns to his vomit, and a pig that has been washed [goes] to wallow in the mud” (2 Peter 2:20-22).

For them the darkness of everlasting darkness is prepared (2 Peter 2:17).

It is not salvation that is prepared for these people, but “the darkness of eternal darkness.” “But isn’t salvation a gift given to us by grace?” - someone will ask. Of course yes. It is a gift given by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But it is obvious that some will renounce the Lord and, therefore, the faith, and will become His enemies, leading the people astray and bringing destructive heresies. They will truly be like Balaam. He also walked the straight path, but then he got lost and from a true prophet turned into a false teacher who taught the enemies of God to lead His people astray. For such people “the darkness of everlasting darkness is prepared.” According to 2 Peter, “It would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, having known it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Peter 2:21).

Judas

Balaam is also mentioned in the Epistle of Jude, in almost the same way and in approximately the same context as in 2 Peter. Jude begins his apostolic epistle with the following words:

Judas 3
“Beloved! Having all the zeal to write to you about common salvation, I considered it necessary to write to you an admonition... to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints».

With his message, Judas wanted to convince believers to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Obviously this belief was under attack. Yes, faith IS under attack, and as long as the enemy is around, he will never stop attacking it. We must sincerely strive for the faith; and Jude goes on to substantiate this in his one-chapter epistle:

Jude 4-19
“For certain people have crept in, destined of old for this condemnation, the wicked, turning the grace of our God into [a reason for] debauchery and those who reject the only Master God and our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to remind you, who already know this, that the Lord, having delivered the people from the land of Egypt, then destroyed those who did not believe, and the angels who did not preserve their dignity, but left their home, are kept in eternal bonds, under darkness, for the judgment of the great day. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, like them, committed fornication and went after other flesh, being subjected to the punishment of eternal fire, were set as an example - so it will certainly be with these dreamers who defile the flesh, reject the principalities and slander the high authorities. Michael the Archangel, when he spoke with the devil, arguing about the body of Moses, did not dare to pronounce a reproachful judgment, but said: “The Lord rebuke you.” But these slander what they do not know; Whatever they know by nature, like dumb animals, they corrupt themselves. Woe to them because they follow the path of Cain, indulge in the deceitfulness of bribes, like Balaam, and perish in stubbornness, like Korah. Such are temptations at your love suppers; feasting with you, they fatten themselves without fear. These are waterless clouds carried by the wind; autumn trees, barren, twice dead, uprooted; fierce sea waves, foaming with their shame; wandering stars, who are reserved for the darkness of darkness forever. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them, saying: “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousand times His holy angels to execute judgment on all and to convict all the wicked among them of all the deeds that their wickedness has produced, and of all the cruel words that wicked sinners spoke against Him." These are murmurers, not satisfied with anything, walking according to their own lusts (ungodly and lawless); their lips utter inflated words; they show partiality for self-interest. But you, beloved, remember what was predicted by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They told you that in the last time there would appear scoffers, walking after their own ungodly lusts. These are people who separate themselves (from the unity of faith), who are spiritual, who have no spirit.”

It turns out that this is the same category of people as the one we saw in 2 Peter, at least if we look at the fruits. These are deceivers who even have the audacity to call themselves Christians. Because of these false teachers—and many of them active today—Jude felt a grave need to write to believers to fight for the faith once delivered to the saints. We need to fight for our faith! It is Scripture - and not doctrines, rites and traditions established by people, no matter what position they occupy - that is the basis of our faith. Colossians 2:8 warns us:

Colossians 2:8
« Take heed, brethren, lest anyone lead you away with philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ;».

Also in 2 John 7-8:
“For many deceivers have entered into the world, not confessing Jesus Christ who has come in the flesh: such a [man] is a deceiver and Antichrist. Watch yourself so that we do not lose what we have worked for, but that we receive the full reward».

Jude and Peter also tell us:

Jude 20-21
"And you, beloved, building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourself in the love of God, expecting mercy from our Lord Jesus Christ, for eternal life».

2 Peter 3:17-18
« Therefore, beloved, being forewarned of this, beware lest you be carried away by the error of the wicked and fall from your own affirmation, but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen».

“...having been warned about this, beware lest you be carried away by the delusion of the wicked and fall away from your affirmation.” We all have the potential to be “carried away in the error of the wicked”; this warning makes no exception for anyone. Balaam began to follow the right path, but later abandoned it. “...But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Peter continues. “Beware...” is one part of the action to which we are called; “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” is another part of it.

There are many deceivers in the world and even in the body of Christ, so Peter and Jude are speaking to believers, and the only way to be protected from their deceptive teachings is to love the pure milk of God's Word. The only way to build a house so that it will withstand various influences is to build it on stone, i.e. hear God's word and do it, as Jesus Christ explained (Matthew 7:24-25). Balaam knew God's Word; he even followed it to a certain point, until it came into conflict with his passion for honor and wealth. When this happened, he retreated. Unlike him, we must follow the straight path: the path of knowledge and fulfilling the word of God at any cost. To begin, go through and finish the race, having reaped, having received in full all the reward from the Lord that He has prepared for us.

Hebrews 12:1b-2
« Let us lay aside every burden and the sin that besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.“Who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Notes

By this time he had moved from that place to Mesopotamia and lived in the land of Midian along with the enemies of Israel.

Here: a person who practices witchcraft, fortune telling - approx. lane

The word "knowledge" used here is the Greek word "επίγνωσις" (epignosis), meaning "infallible or complete knowledge", "accurate and deep knowledge, close, thorough, exhaustive acquaintance with it; true knowledge" (as compared to the word "gnosis", meaning simply "knowledge"). See Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, MacDonald Publishing Company, p.641 and The Companion Bible, Kregel Publications, Appendix 132.

Here again the verb "to know" is used, which is the Greek verb "επιγινώσκω" (epiginosko), which means "to know thoroughly", "to know accurately and clearly" (see note to footnote 2)

Question: Why did God communicate with Balaam? And where did Balaam have such power that he could curse an entire people? After all, Balaam worshiped Baal, and not the God of the Israelites! Who could give Balaam such power if Baal were a fictional god?

If Yahweh gave Balaam such power, then how could he give it to the priest of Baal?
After all, God told Balaam several times not to curse the Jews, which meansBalaam really had power!

The one true God communicated with Balaam, because Balaam communicated with Him. He was a prophet of the true God who knew God's will. Why then did the Jews kill Balaam, since he blessed them?!

Read more on the topic “Interpretation of Scripture”:

Baal or Baal, according to historians and archaeologists, is one of the oldest human gods, worshiped by the Phoenicians and Semites. According to many magicians, Christian and Jewish theologians, this is one of the most terrible demons in hell.

In the article:

Who is Baal

Baal, known as Baal, Bel or Balu, was an ancient god of the Semitic peoples of the Mediterranean coast, distinguished by his power and cruelty, and was the first global patron god to emerge. The fact is supported by the fact that Baal in many Semitic languages, primarily in Phoenician, is a word denoting God in general.

There were many different forms of Baal, named after the area where he was worshiped or his sphere of influence. Examples of local or elemental names are Baal-Gal, Baal-Peor or Baal-Haddad (patron of the storm) or Baal-Shamim (god of the Sun). Baal-Shamim belonged to one of the most ancient temples of Syrian Palmyra, which has reached modern times in almost perfectly preserved condition and was destroyed by Islamic terrorists.

Historians call a feature of the cults of Baal the presence in ritual activities of sacrifices, including human and child sacrifices, and the presence of large-scale orgies with the participation of almost the entire population, which were supposed to ensure fertility of the earth and symbolize the ritual marriage of Baal with his wife. Baal's sphere of influence in cultures where the demon occupied a dominant position was extremely wide.

Baloo was a thunder god, which associated him with the ancient Greek Zeus or the Roman Jupiter. Baal patronized sunlight, and during the heyday of Phoenician culture he protected sailors, pirates and traders. The Romans and Greeks drew other parallels, the main one of which was the identification of Baal with Kronos or Saturn - the Titan who fought Zeus and other Greek gods, which was explained by the large-scale confrontation of cultures with each other.

When the foundations of Judaism began to be laid, the cult of Baal was persecuted by the first Jewish prophets. The most famous murder of the priests of Baal by the biblical prophet Elijah, famous for the eradication of paganism and his lifetime ascension to Heaven. Due to the widespread struggle, the demonization of Baal occurred.

Carthaginian Baal Hammon

The original center of the cult of Baal was the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, but the faith reached its greatest flourishing and fame in ancient Carthage. Followers of the Carthaginian religion provided Baal with blood sacrifices. Baal Hammon is the son of Dagon, a fertility deity depicted in the form of a fish. Dagon's wife, the lion-headed goddess Tanit, was a cruel manifestation of the goddess Astarte.

The name Baal-Hammon arose due to a mixture of the Baal and Babylonian cults Zeus-Ammon, as a result, the initially solar god received the attributes of a thunder warrior. The similarity with Zeus was ensured by the presence of a bull as an animal symbol for both gods. Baal patronized not only war, murder and fire, but also had a more peaceful hypostasis as the patron of fertility, family ties and prosperity.

Infant sacrifice to Baal Hammon.

Children were the first to be sacrificed to Baal. Children under seven years old were literally thrown into a huge fire in honor of God. Modern research says that more often dead children were sacrificed to Baal Hammon, putting them on fire, and the sacrifice of firstborns is a myth. All historians agree with the fact of the sacrifice of minors: the fact is confirmed by Roman and Greek decrees prohibiting the Carthaginians from sacrificing children.

One of the most large-scale acts of sacrifice occurred during the siege of Carthage by the Greek commander Agathocles. The Carthaginians decided that Baal no longer patronized them because the people stopped killing their own children in his honor: for a long time the children of strangers were sacrificed. As a result, about two hundred representatives of the city nobility voluntarily gave up their own children, and another three hundred adults decided to enter the fire. The bloody god accepted the offering: the siege became difficult for the army Agathocles. The Greek conqueror was forced to retreat.

Historians and researchers have identified Baal with Moloch because of the name of the burning ritual - “ Molkh", extremely consonant with the name. Children were also sacrificed in honor of Moloch.

Other names of Baal, associated deities and historical figures

Waalberite.

The name Baal was a common noun in many places, and the differences in the cultures of the peoples in whose territory the cult of Baal was widespread are great.

Modern historians and scientists who study the mythology and religion of ancient peoples often confuse individual gods with the demons that emerged from ancient cults. For a long time there was a misconception due to which the demon Moloch was identified with the god Baal due to the incorrect interpretation of one word.

They confused Baal and Melkarta- patron saint of navigation. Baal had similarities with the Egyptian deity Petbe who was called Pet-Baal- patron of the sky. Name should be noted Baloo- this is what Baal was called in the territories of Ethiopia and southern African states. In the black tribes, God gave the basis to other bloodthirsty, stranger and crueler cults.

There is a certain relationship between Baal and. The name Beelzebub arose later and became an example of a special verbal construction in the ancient Jewish tradition, so as not to name the names of pagan deities. Baal Zebub or Beelzebub, who later became the Patron of Flies, was one of the small town gods. Mentioned in the Old Testament Bible, Torah and Gospel.

Baal is confused with Vaalberite- one of the local Jewish gods, who patronized various kinds of unions.

There was a goetic demon Berit, who had nothing in common with Baal.

Another demon associated with Baal was Belphegor or Baal-Peor- one of the highest demonic ranks in the Christian tradition.

People belonging to royal families also took names associated with Baal. The name of the most famous ancient Carthaginian commander Hannibal translated as Baal's Favorite. During the reign of the emperor Heliogabala(Solar God) in Ancient Rome there was an attempt to introduce the cult of Baal instead of the existing ancient Roman pantheon of gods. The idea failed, and the reign of Heliogabalus was short.

Baal also left an imprint in the Celtic cultural tradition. He is identified with the original Celtic solar god - Velen. The lunar holiday is associated with Baal Beltane, which celebrated in many countries. The celebration is extremely popular in neo-pagan communities.

Demon Baal - a creature from medieval grimoires

Baal the demon.

The fight against the cult of Baal was one of the main activities of the early Christian and Jewish prophets. Quite quickly, the deity replenished the pantheon of demons in the Abrahamic religions. Idolatry and worship of Baal were strictly punished. In the Middle Ages, this led to the name Baal being associated with Satan as "Lord of Hell."

Finding, made it possible to streamline the hellish hierarchy, in which Baal (Bael) occupied first place among other demons. Baal was considered the king of the East, he could appear before the caller in the form of a toad, a cat or a man, sometimes in all three entities at once (3 heads located on spider legs).

According to the Goetic tradition, Baal has the power to grant a person the ability to become invisible and endow him with supernatural wisdom. Bhaal has sixty-six legions of hell-spirits at his command, capable of accomplishing almost any task.

How to Summon the Demon Bhaal

There are no cults of Baal as a god left today. Magicians, alchemists, soothsayers, and researchers have been turning to his evil and deep dark essence, which has become a demon in the Jewish and Christian traditions, for centuries.

The ritual of summoning Baal must be performed, carefully preparing for the arrival of the demon. First you need to prepare a protective pentagram, best by drawing the sign with chalk. Care should be taken to ensure the integrity of the drawing. Afterwards, candles are placed on the rays of the pentagram, lit and an invocation is pronounced.

Before the ceremony, you need to take care of making Lamena- a metal plate (the sign is described in the Goetia). The symbol must be on the caster as a medallion, otherwise the infernal lord will not show due attention.