(Micah 6:5) O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.
Warning concerning Balaam:
Three New Testament writers warn us concerning aspects of Balaam. Peter warned of the “way of Balaam” (2 Pet 2:15); Jude warned of the “error of Balaam” (Jude 11) and Jesus through John warned about the “doctrine of Balaam” (Rev 2:14). God evidently wanted us to learn lessons of “what not to” concerning this prophet. The story of Balaam is recorded for us in Numbers 22-24. It appears that Balaam had some communication with God and Peter called him a prophet – whether he considered him originally true of false, we do not know, but a prophet none the less. If the story of Balaam would have ended in Numbers 22:14, we would say that Balaam was a Godly man and righteous prophet, but the story does not end there and so we see some of what Peter, Jude and Jesus spoke of about him
Way of Balaam:
Peter spoke of Balaam when he was telling of false prophets in the beginning of the chapter and he used Balaam as an example. He used various illustrations in this chapter but when he spoke of Balaam he centered his thoughts on fleshly, worldly desires. The way of Balaam could be his desire for wealth at any cost, which he saw possible through prophesying for Moab against Israel. The Psalmist spoke of those who are blessed if they do not stand in the way of sinners (Psa 1:1). So, Balaam’s way could be a combination of his association with Moab (an enemy of Israel) and his desire for wealth instead of Godliness.
Error of Balaam:
The error of Balaam is spoken of in Jude 11 where Jude also mentions Cain and Kora in regards to going in a wrong way. There are two different thoughts as to the error of Balaam. One being that he thought he could skirt around what God specifically told him not to do in order to gain wealth and prestige and the other thought was in regard to his prophecy over Israel. In Numbers 23:22 where he states that God has “not beheld iniquity in Israel”. He seems to be saying that he knows they have iniquity but God refuses to see it and do anything about it. One writer thinks that Balaam is bemoaning the fact of this and sort of thinks that God is overlooking Israel’s sin – showing favoritism.
Doctrine of Balaam:
The doctrine of Balaam is the easiest of the three to discern what is meant. Jesus through John addresses the church at Pergamos and says that they are doing what Balaam did (Rev. 2:14). They were causing the people to compromise their moral purity by association with idols and immoral living. Balaam was not permitted to curse Israel but he counseled Balak what to do in order to survive or cause God’s anger against Israel (Num 31:16). Jesus said that some at the church held that doctrine – saying that it was okay to have fellowship with demons and also to have immoral lifestyles and still be right with God. We have those today who hold the same doctrines and those who go against it are considered old fashioned and stuffy. Paul warned of fornication and idols (1 Cor 8:4-13; 10:18-31; Acts 15:20, 21, 29; 1 Cor 6:18).
Whether we want to believe it or not, there is serious warning from God concerning Balaam and his way, error and especially his doctrine.