INTERPRETING THE STORY
Balaam is a very confusing character. On the one hand it seems that he hears God and tries to be obedient to God’s voice, and on the other hand he works for one of God enemies to curse Israel. So we wonder if he is a good guy or a bad guy? The short answer is that he is a false prophet. He is an Edomite, a descendant of Esau, and that makes him and his teachings the enemy of God and God’s people. 

Balaam’s teachings are essentially to be religious. He taught Israel to go to a certain location and to make physical sacrifices and offerings. He also led Israel astray from God’s command that it should not follow the customs of other religious nations (i.e. Moab).

In terms of Bible symbolism, Balaam is a religious leader. Contrary to what God wants regarding spiritual worship, he enables and encourages people to engage in religious activity on high places. Since that is exactly what religious leaders do, we can say reliably that Balaam is a type of religious leader.

Religious leaders will be surprised and offended to find themselves equated with the infamous Balaam. The primary argument for equating clergy with Balaam is the fact that he was a professional who did his prophetic work for pay. They are guilty of promoting the way, the error, and  the stumbling block of Balaam. They perpetuate the curse which is evident in every Tabernacle, Temple, Altars, and High Place where religion is practiced.

Most clergy will not refer to themselves as prophets because they do not presume to foretell the future. Nevertheless, clergy do clearly function in the Biblical office of prophet because they presume to be spokespersons for God and use the Bible instruct, comfort and encourage people and urge them to seek salvation through religious practices.  It must be said, however, that most people who assume the Biblical function of prophet, most are actually false prophets who, like Balaam, are enticed by material rewards for their work.

AUTHORS’ NOTE: See False Prophets for more about this topic.