Who was Balac?

Balac (Greek: Βαλάκ, Balak), whose name means “devastator” or “waster,” was the king of Moab during Israel’s journey through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. His story is first recorded in the Old Testament in the Book of Numbers and later referenced in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation 2:14, where his actions are condemned as part of a warning to the church in Pergamum.

Balac was not an Israelite but a pagan king who feared the growing strength and numbers of the Israelites as they encamped near his territory. His response to this threat was to seek spiritual manipulation rather than military confrontation. He summoned the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, hoping that a supernatural pronouncement would weaken or defeat them. Balac’s involvement with Balaam and his role in seducing Israel into idolatry and immorality has left a lasting theological and moral lesson echoed throughout Scripture.

Biblical References

• Old Testament account: Numbers 22-24; Numbers 25; Numbers 31:8, 16

• New Testament reference: Revelation 2:14

• Related references: Deuteronomy 23:3-5; Joshua 24:9-10; Micah 6:5; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11

Balac in the Old Testament

Balac first appears in Numbers 22, when the Israelites camped in the plains of Moab, across the Jordan from Jericho. Alarmed by their presence, Balac sent messengers to a pagan prophet named Balaam, offering him riches in exchange for pronouncing a curse on Israel. God initially forbade Balaam from going, but after repeated requests and divine permission, Balaam went with Balac’s princes—though under strict instruction from God to speak only what He allowed.

Balac led Balaam to various high places to view Israel’s camp, hoping he would curse them. Instead, Balaam pronounced blessings over Israel three times (Numbers 23-24), much to Balac’s frustration. Balaam even prophesied Israel’s future triumph over Moab and others, declaring, “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17).

However, while Balaam could not curse Israel directly, he later advised Balac to entice Israel into sin by leading them into sexual immorality and idolatry with Moabite women (Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16). This led to God‘s judgment upon Israel, and thousands died in a plague. Thus, while Balac failed to defeat Israel by cursing, he succeeded in causing spiritual compromise.

Balac in the New Testament

In Revelation 2:14, Jesus rebukes the church in Pergamum for holding to “the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balac to entice the Israelites to sin.” This reference highlights the enduring lesson of Balac’s legacy—not merely his role in history, but the spiritual pattern he represents: the strategy of corrupting God’s people through compromise, seduction, and false alliances.

Jesus uses Balac’s collaboration with Balaam as a warning to the church not to tolerate false teachers who lead believers into sin under the guise of tolerance or spiritual freedom. This sin was not external persecution but internal corruption—a far more subtle and dangerous threat.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

Balac’s story is a timeless warning about the dangers of spiritual compromise and moral relativism. He represents the worldly powers that attempt to neutralize God’s people—not by open warfare, but by infiltration and seduction. His collaboration with Balaam reveals how Satan often works: not through direct attack, but through false teaching, enticement, and corruption from within.

Christians today must be alert to the influence of teachings and behaviors that distort God’s Word and tempt believers away from faithfulness. The story calls believers to discernment, holiness, and obedience, rejecting all forms of syncretism that blend biblical truth with worldly values.

How Balac’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Though Balac sought to curse God’s people, his plans were overruled by God’s sovereignty. Balaam’s prophetic words, intended to bring destruction, were turned into blessings and even Messianic prophecy: “A star will come out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17), a clear allusion to Christ, the promised King from Israel.

Jesus is the true and greater fulfillment of that prophecy. While Balac tried to undermine God’s plan, he ultimately became an unwilling witness to it. The failed curses of Balaam became proclamations of divine blessing, underscoring the truth that no enemy can thwart God’s redemptive purposes.

The gospel shines through this story as a testimony of God‘s unchanging faithfulness, the protection of His people, and His power to bring good from evil intentions. It reminds believers that Christ has overcome the schemes of the enemy and secures His church with truth and righteousness.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations

Despite Balac’s political power, he could not oppose the will of God. God’s sovereignty over kings, prophets, and events affirms His control over history.

2. The Danger of False Prophets

Balaam, manipulated by Balac, symbolizes those who claim spiritual authority but serve self-interest. The New Testament repeatedly warns against such figures.

3. Moral and Spiritual Compromise

The seduction of Israel into idolatry and immorality is a theme throughout Scripture. God calls His people to be holy, separate from pagan influences.

4. Blessing Instead of Curse

Even when enemies rise against God’s people, He can turn their schemes into blessing. This anticipates Romans 8:28 and God’s protective love through Christ.

5. Messianic Expectation

The prophecy in Numbers 24:17 was later interpreted as pointing to the coming Messiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of the scepter rising from Israel.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways might the modern church face threats similar to those introduced by Balac—namely, spiritual compromise and false teaching?

2. How does the story of Balac encourage you to trust in God’s sovereign protection over His people?

3. What does this account teach about the dangers of tolerating sin within the community of believers?

4. How can you remain spiritually discerning and faithful in a culture that encourages moral laxity?

5. In what ways does the prophecy of a star and scepter (Numbers 24:17) strengthen your confidence in Jesus as the promised King?

Balac’s name may fade from the pages of history, but his story continues to warn and instruct God‘s people in every generation: resist compromise, cling to truth, and trust in the One who blesses and protects His covenant people.