Balaam is an interesting character. We have all heard about how his donkey talked to him. His account is found in Numbers 22–24. The Bible does not paint him in a positive light. Peter refers to his madness and says that he “loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Pet 2:15-16). Moses says that Balaam’s advice to an enemy of Israel resulted in the deaths of many of God’s people (Num 31:16). God disciplined Balaam by taking his life (Num 31:8). 

But I find it amazing that God was so gracious toward this man who had such terrible motives and caused so much damage. The Spirit of God came upon Balaam and revealed wonderful spiritual truths to him (Num 24:2). Balaam admits that the Spirit has opened his eyes to things he formerly did not know. He was able to hear the words of the Lord (Num 24:3-4). 

Through the Spirit of God, Balaam saw the coming kingdom of God and the coming Messiah. The Messiah would be like a lion. Balaam knew about the promise God had made to Abraham—that those who bless Israel would be blessed and those who curse Israel would be cursed (Gen 12:1-3; Num 24:9). Balaam acknowledged that the “Most High” had given him the words he needed to say. The Lord had caused him to see visions of spiritual realities, which made him fall down in humility, his spiritual eyes being opened. It is clear that Balaam saw the coming of Christ—a Star who would “come out of Jacob,” and a Scepter who would “rise out of Israel” (Num 24:15-17; Merrill, “Numbers,” Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 244). 

After receiving these visions from God, Balaam returned to his home in the east. Centuries later, the prophet Daniel would arrive in the east and provide further information about the coming Christ (Dan 9:24-25). Five centuries after Daniel, those from that area who watched the stars came to Jerusalem looking for the Messiah—the Star about whom Balaam had prophesied. These magi had seen His star (Matt 2:2).  

Balaam was given a great deal of spiritual truth. He knew about the promises God gave Abraham. This was part of the revelation that Abraham believed when he was declared righteous by God. Balaam knew that a King would come out of Israel—a King who would defeat Israel’s enemies and establish His rule on this earth. 

I can’t help but wonder about something. Even though no verse says that Balaam believed in Israel’s coming Messiah, it is certainly a possibility. His eyes were opened to the truth. God revealed that truth to him. We might see him in the kingdom. Like the rest of us, he would be a magnificent display of God’s grace.  

But whether he ever believed or not, Balaam shows the love God has for the entire world (John 3:16). He wants all men and women to believe in His Son for eternal life. The Lord reaches out to all, even someone like Balaam. Balaam’s story is a story of grace.