Command 20: Beware of False Prophets
Study Question
Q: The King of Moab hired Balaam to curse the nation of Israel as they came out of Egypt. Instead of cursing them, Balaam blessed them as the Lord instructed. Why then, are false prophets said to “follow the ways of Balaam” in three books of the New Testament? (See II Peter 2:15–16, Jude 11, and Revelation 2:14.)
A: In Numbers 22, we read of a time when Balaam received messengers from Balak, King of Moab, who asked him to curse the nation of Israel. Balaam refused to curse Israel because God forbid him to do so. When the King sent a second group of more distinguished messengers promising rich rewards for his cooperation, Balaam again refused but invited them to spend the night while he inquired again of the Lord.
During the night, God told him, “… If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do” (Numbers 22:20). In the morning, instead of waiting to be called as the Lord had told him, Balaam saddled his donkey and rode off with the men. The Lord’s anger was kindled against him for this disobedience.
Balaam’s disobedience was merely a symptom of his greedy heart. False prophets are said to follow the ways of Balaam when they act out of greed. “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward” (Jude 11). Money is a significant motivator for those who are pretenders of the faith. In fact, a good evidence of sincerity is a spokesman for the Lord who is willing to give to the needs of others at the expense of great personal sacrifice.
The Word of God describes other characteristics of false prophets that we can learn to recognize. Identifying and rejecting false teaching is crucial, because when lies are allowed to creep into our hearts, they distort our view of God and the truth of His Word.
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This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 3, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.