Numbers 23:1 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.

Now yesterday I mentioned that Balaam did not curse Israel. He was hired by Balak to curse Israel but Balaam remained good at his word, that he said nothing except as the Lord had revealed. This he did. Learned scholars have had many negative things to say about Balaam’s character, but none of them actually stated what it was that Balaam did wrong. They only labeled Balaam.

Examining Balaam’s behavior I see a few things that should be considered. First, Balaam was not a Jew. The issue of building alters and offering up sacrifices could be seen as a copycat sacrifice, even a pagan offering if you would like, but not to a pagan god. The issue for me is not in who made sacrifice or what they sacrifice or even where they sacrifice.

The sacrifices where not a sacrifice of worship. All the sacrifices prescribed within scriptures were given of God with purpose and were solemn in design and execution. They were given as a form of worship. Here Balak and Balaam made sacrifices unto God to solicit a favorable answer to Balak’s request. It could be seen as a bribe or worse tempting God.

It is not in doubt that God spoke to Balaam. Balaam’s reputation of one who could bless and curse might very well have been in connection with his talent for hearing God. But I do not see Balaam’s action or behavior to be so profound so as to be compared to Judas in betrayal. But I do see something in the New Testament that I feel comfortable comparing it with.

Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Like Balaam, they were not family.