Balaam

A Midianite prophet in the land of Moab (now called Jordan). When the Israelites camped near Moab, King Balak offered Balaam a reward if he would curse the Israelites. On the way to King Balak’s city, an angel of the Lord blocked Balaam’s path. This caused his frightened donkey to speak out loud. Balaam was warned to speak nothing but the Lord’s words. To King Balak’s surprise, Balaam blessed Israel three times. Balaam went home to Peor and helped cause the Israelites to sin. When Israel went to war against Moab and Midian, Balaam was killed. In the New Testament, Balaam is an example of a false teacher who leads Christians away from truth.