The Doctrine of Balaam

The Doctrine of Balaam
by A. J. Tomlinson

This is a time to be particular and careful lest one should become tainted or marred in some false doctrine or delusive spirit and thus be disqualified for the rapture. God in His infinite wisdom and goodness has given us HIS Holy Word and in it is the instruction necessary for our spiritual welfare here in this world and our eternal happiness in the world to come. Although Balaam evidently had some notoriety before, the first time his name is mentioned in history is where Balak, king of the Moabites, called on him to curse Israel. It is very probable that Balaam was a descendant from Abraham by his second wife Keturah.

It is evident that Balaam was regarded by his people as a mighty man of God. His doctrine was known by the king for when he called Balaam to curse Israel he said "...for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed" (Num. 22:6). In the history concerning this man, it shows that Balaam had communication with God and that he regarded Him as his God.

He declared that he could not go beyond the word of the Lord his God to do less or more.

He is further represented by history as practicing divination which thing is spoken of as an abomination to God (Deut. 18:10-12). He is also represented as an enchanter which also made him an abomination to the Lord. When Balaam was slain by Israel the record shows he was called a soothsayer (Josh. 13:22).

Through the counsel of this man Israel joined itself unto Baalpeor and bowed down to the gods of Moab and committed fornication with the Midianitish women. The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel for this, and 24,000 of them died of the plague that was sent on them.

It is conjectured that Balaam's doctrine was so attractive and fascinating that its influence was almost, if not wholly, irresistible. This conclusion is drawn from the fact that Zimri, an Israelite, brought a Midianitish woman right into the camp in the sight of Moses and all the congregation while they were weeping for sorrow over the matter. If he had not been strongly influenced by Balaam's doctrine and peculiar power he certainly would not have had the courage to commit such a daring deed.

This doctrine of Balaam and the effect it had on the children of Israel was such an offense to God that His wrath was only appeased when Zimri and Cozbi, the Midianitish woman whom he brought into the camp of Israel, were both slain. God compliments Phinehas, who slew them, in the very highest terms saying, he "...hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel" (Num. 25:11-13).

To still more fully show His hatred toward Balaam and his doctrine (because the record shows that Balaam was the cause of the trespass, Numbers 31:16), God orders Moses to vex the Midianites and smite them (Num. 2.5:17), and avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites. (Num. 31:2). In this battle Balaam was slain with the sword (Num. 31:8). Now, that Balaam had a particular doctrine is shown in the message to the pastor and church at Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-14). While the pastor was a good man and held to the faith of Jesus under the most trying circumstances, yet the Lord had a few things against him, among which was, "because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam." The record goes on to state that he taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, and also shows, as already stated above, that it was that which taught the children of Israel to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

It is plainly seen that this same Balaam doctrine was introduced in the church at Pergamos in the gospel era 1,548 years after it had appeared in Israel just before the death of Moses. The Lord shows the same displeasure toward it, but this time blames the pastor of the church for allowing it to exist among his members. His wrath is again kindled against the doctrine and those that hold to it and him that allowed it to exist. He accused this pastor of a crime which could only be eliminated by repentance. Then He told him that if he did not repent (which infers that this doctrine must be exterminated from his congregation), He Himself would fight against them that held to the abominable doctrine with the sword of His mouth.
Seeing how God's anger was kindled against this doctrine every time it made its appearance, we readily conclude we are on safe footing when we say He would be just as strongly opposed to it should it make its appearance again. Arriving at this conclusion then it behooves us as God's people to be on the watchtower for fear we might be tolerating the very thing that God hates.
This doctrine has five distinct qualities that should claim our attention:

• First, It is fascinating.
• Second, It despises government.
• Third, It is a stumbling-block.
• Fourth, It teaches to eat things sacrificed to idols.
• Fifth, It teaches to commit fornication.

Peter, as well as Revelation 2:14, shows that this doctrine comes right into the church and takes hold of those who may be very spiritual. Notice he states that they have forsaken the right was as if they have once been in the right way (2 Peter 21:5). The first description of them as he gives it is that they refuse to recognize government. They say haughtily, "I'm going to let the Lord lead me. I don't expect to be governed by man. I'll do so and so if the Lord shows me. The Lord showed me to do this and I'm going to do it whether anybody likes it or not.'' Peter says they are presumptuous, self-willed and not afraid to speak evil of dignities (those in authority) (2 Peter 2:10). Peter shows further that they are spots and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you. Then they will come right into the midst of the true worshipers and appear to be the most spiritual of any, while they boast of how the Lord has led them and revealed to them such great things. Their testimonies will sound like a real child of God, but you can soon locate them when they reject or show that they despise government or authority.

EDITOR'S NOTE: O God, surely there are not any like this among us. And, Lord, if it's me, please let me see it and repent!