Introduction
This study article has been inspired after watching a wonderful SHIUR (a Teaching on a Torah topic) by Brother Moreh Mark from Yeshiva India.
I would strongly recommend visitors to this blog page, to first view the complete 1 hour video teaching first, then proceed to read the study article as you will be able to connect to the spiritual gems more better.
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The Talking Donkey
Q: Can Donkeys in normal and natural situations talk?
There is no doubt that Balaam’s donkey spoke to him. The question that arises is whether the donkey was suddenly given the power of speech, which would also mean she was given the power to reason because she answered Balaam’s questions, asked some of her own, and carried on a rational conversation. While it is certainly possible that God granted human powers to the donkey, it’s more likely that He opened her mouth and spoke through her. The angel that barred his way is identified as the angel of the LORD (Yahweh) (Genesis 16:9-16; Exodus 3:1-6).
After the donkey “spoke” to Balaam, and Balaam’s eyes were opened, the angel proceeded to ask the identical questions that came from the mouth of the donkey, further evidence that God through his Angel, not the donkey, was actually speaking both times. This is reiterated by Peter, who identifies the donkey as “a beast without speech” and who “spoke with a man’s voice” (2 Peter 2:16). Whatever the method, the donkey was able to speak by a miraculous working of Elohim (God's) power.
Key Scriptures this Study Article is based upon are:
Revelation 2:6
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Revelation 2:15
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Revelation 2:13
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Please read full Chapter of Numbers 22:1-41 (Quoted here are only verses 28 to 30)
Numbers 22:28
And Yahweh opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
Numbers 22:29
And Balaam said unto the donkey, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
Numbers 22:30
And the donkey said unto Balaam, Am not I thine donkey, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
Below Video Topic about Doctrine of Nicolatians and Doctrine of Balaam:
For understanding in brief, the Keywords of, "Doctrine of Nicolatians", "Satan's Seat", Who was "Antipas"? the Martyr quoted by Yeshua (Jesus), and the "Doctrine of Balaam", please view the below complete video till the end.
Revelation 2:6 & 15: Nicolaitans (DOCTRINE OF NICOLAITANS)
The word "Nicolaitans" occurs only in this place, that is at Revelation 2:6 and in the Revelation 2:15 verse of this chapter.
Yeshua was proud of the assembly (church) of Ephesus for their “hatred” of the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which He also “hated.” The word “hate” is a strong word, so let’s see exactly what it means. It comes from the Greek word miseo, which means to hate, to abhor, or to find utterly repulsive.
It describes a person who has a deep-seated animosity, who is antagonistic to something he finds to be completely objectionable. He not only loathes that object, but rejects it entirely. This is not just a case of dislike; it is a case of actual hatred.
The thing Yeshua hated about them was their “deeds.” The word “deeds” is the Greek word erga, which means works. However, this word is so all-encompassing that it pictures all the deeds and behavior of the Nicolaitans — including their actions, beliefs, conduct, and everything else connected to them.
The name “Nicolaitans” is derived from the Greek word nikolaos, a compound of the words nikos and laos. The word nikos is the Greek word that means to conquer or to subdue. The word laos is the Greek word for the people. It is also where we get the word laity. When these two words are compounded into one, they form the name Nicolas, which literally means one who conquers and subdues the people. It seems to suggest that the Nicolaitans were somehow conquering and subduing the people.
Ireneus and Hippolytus, two leaders in the Early Church who recorded many of the events that occurred in the earliest recorded days of Church history, said the Nicolaitans were the spiritual descendants of Nicolas of Antioch, who had been ordained as a deacon in Acts 6:5. That verse says, “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.”
Nicanor
This unknown brother was found to be of good report, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Other than this, nothing is known of him. He is never mentioned again in the New Testament after Acts chapter 6. His name, Nicanor, means conqueror.
Nicolas
Acts 6:5 tells us that this Nicolas was “a proselyte of Antioch.” The fact that he was a proselyte tells us that he was not born a Jew but had converted from paganism to Judaism. Then he experienced a second conversion, this time turning from Judaism to Christianity.
From this information, we know these facts about Nicolas of Antioch:
He came from paganism and had deep pagan roots, very much unlike the other six deacons who came from a pure Hebrew line. Nicolas’ pagan background meant that he had previously been immersed in the activities of the occult.
He was not afraid of taking an opposing position, evidenced by his ability to change religions twice. Converting to Judaism would have estranged him from his pagan family and friends. It would seem to indicate that he was not impressed or concerned about the opinions of other people.
He was a free thinker and very open to embracing new ideas and concepts. Judaism was very different from the pagan and occult world in which he had been raised. For him to shift from paganism to Judaism reveals that he was very liberal in his thinking, for most pagans were offended by Judaism. He was obviously not afraid to entertain or embrace new ways of thinking.
When he converted to Christ (Messiah), it was at least the second time he had converted from one religion to another. We don’t know if, or how many times, he shifted from one form of paganism to another before he became a Jewish proselyte. His ability to easily change religious “hats” implies that he was not afraid to switch direction in midstream and go a totally different direction.
According to the writings of the Early Church leaders, Nicolas taught a doctrine of compromise, implying that total separation between Christianity and the practice of occult paganism was not essential. From Early Church records, it seems apparent that this Nicolas of Antioch was so immersed in occultism, Judaism, and Christianity that he had a stomach for all of it. He had no problem intermingling these belief systems in various concoctions and saw no reason why believers couldn’t continue to fellowship with those still immersed in the black magic of the Roman Empire and its countless mystery cults.
Occultism was a major force that warred against the Early Church. In Ephesus, the primary pagan religion was the worship of Diana (Artemis). There were many other forms of idolatry in Ephesus, but this was the primary object of occult worship in that city. In the city of Pergamos, there were numerous dark and sinister forms of occultism, causing Pergamos to be one of the most wicked cities in the history of the ancient world. In both of these cities, believers were lambasted and persecuted fiercely by adherents of pagan religions, forced to contend with paganism on a level far beyond all other cities.
It was very hard for believers to live separately from all the activities of paganism because paganism and its religions were the center of life in these cities. Slipping in and out of paganism would have been very easy for young or weak believers to do since most of their families and friends were still pagans. A converted Gentile would have found it very difficult to stay away from all pagan influence.
It is significant that the “deeds” and “doctrines” of the Nicolaitans are only mentioned in connection with the churches in these two occultist and pagan cities. It seems that the “doctrine” of the Nicolaitans was that it was all right to have one foot in both worlds and that one needn’t be so strict about separation from the world in order to be a Christian. This, in fact, was the “doctrine” of the Nicolaitans that Jesus “hated.” It led to a weak version of Faith in Yeshua, that was without power and without conviction — a defeated, worldly type of Christianity.
Nicolas’ deep roots in paganism may have produced in him a tolerance for occultism and paganism. Growing up in this perverted spiritual environment may have caused him to view these belief systems as not so damaging or dangerous. This wrong perception would have resulted in a very liberal viewpoint that encouraged people to stay connected to the world. This is what numerous Bible scholars believe about the Nicolaitans.
This kind of teaching would result in nothing but total defeat for its followers. When believers allow sin and compromise to be in their lives, it drains away the power in the work of the Yeshua's sacrifice and the power of the Spirit that is resident in a believer’s life. This is the reason the name Nicolas is so vital to this discussion. The evil fruit of Nicolas’ “doctrine” encouraged worldly participation, leading people to indulge in sin and a lowered godly standard. In this way he literally conquered the people.
Elohim wants to make sure we understand the doctrine the Nicolaitans taught, so Balaam’s actions are given as an example of their doctrine and actions. Revelation 2:14,15 says, “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balaam to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”
When Balaam could not successfully cure the people of God, he used another method to destroy them. He seduced them into unbridled, sensual living by dangling the prostitutes of Moab before the men of Israel. Numbers 25:1-3 tells us, “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they [the daughters of Moab] called the people [the men of Israel] unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people [the men of Israel] did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor….”
Just as the men of Israel compromised themselves with the world and false religions, now the “doctrine” of the Nicolaitans was encouraging compromise. As you are well aware, compromise with the world always results in a weakened and powerless form of Christianity. This was the reason Yahshua “hated” the “doctrine” and the “deeds” of the Nicolaitans.
Revelation 2:14 - What is the doctrine of Balaam?
In Revelation 2:14, the church of Pergamum is scolded for tolerating the “teaching of Balaam,” or the “doctrine of Balaam.” Balaam’s name is also invoked in 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11, both in warnings about the conduct and message of false teachers. All of these are references to the Old Testament character of Balaam, who tried unsuccessfully to prophesy against the people of Israel (Numbers 22). He eventually advised King Balak of Moab, the enemy of Israel, to pursue a campaign of seduction against them (Numbers 31:8). The doctrine of Balaam is not only a serious problem, but a devious one. When the frontal assault failed, Balaam took a back-door approach.
Balaam, a prophet from Mesopotamia, was willing to use his God-given talents for illicit purposes. Even though he knew Balak was God’s enemy, he tried to sell his prophetic gifts to help him. When that didn’t work, Balaam counseled Balak on the most effective way to weaken Israel. This was through seduction, using Moabite and Midianite women to tempt the Israelites into sexual relationships and into pagan rituals. The Israelites who participated brought God’s judgment upon themselves (Numbers 25:1–9).
According to 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam’s “way” is a choice to promote falsehood for financial reasons. According to Jude 1:11, Balaam’s “error” was his willingness to accommodate pagan beliefs out of greed. Jude 1:4 also refers to the sin of those “who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” One trait of false teachers in the church is that they attempt to turn Christian liberty into a “freedom” to be promiscuous (see Romans 14:1–5).
Putting these ideas together gives a clear view of the doctrine of Balaam. It is the attitude that one can be fully cooperative with the world and still serve God. The doctrine of Balaam teaches compromise, wanting Christians to forget they are called to be separate and holy (Leviticus 20:26; 1 Peter 1:2); the doctrine of Balaam makes believers indistinguishable from the unbelieving world (Matthew 5:13). The doctrine of Balaam is a belief that “a little sin” doesn’t hurt (Galatians 5:9), especially if there’s some financial or personal benefit involved (1 Timothy 6:5). A person following the doctrine of Balaam is willing to compromise his beliefs for the sake of economics. He acts to enable sinful behaviors for personal gain or even participate in them (Romans 1:32).
In practical terms, the teaching or doctrine of Balaam is the view that Christians can—or even should—compromise their convictions for the sake of popularity, money, sexual gratification, or personal gain. It’s the attitude that treats sin as “no big deal.” Christians can’t—and shouldn’t—totally shun the presence of sinners or unbelievers (Luke 7:34; 1 Corinthians 5:9–13), but we are obligated to stand up for truth (Ephesians 4:25), righteousness (Proverbs 23:20; Romans 14:22), and goodness (2 Peter 1:5, Matthew 5:16), whether it’s what others want to hear or not (John 4:16–18; 8:11; Acts 24:24–25).
Source of above wonderful article titled, "What is the doctrine of Balaam?"credits:
https://www.gotquestions.org/doctrine-of-Balaam.html
Is Elohim Yahweh a forgetful El or is he confused?
FIRST TIME: Elohim commands and tells Balaam NOT TO GO.
Numbers 22:20
And Elohim came unto Balaam at night, and said unto 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.
SECOND TIME: This time, Elohim commands and tells Balaam TO RISE AND GO.
Numbers 22:21
And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.
Numbers 22:22
And Elohim's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of Yahweh stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
WHEN BALAAM GETS UP AND GOES: This time, Elohim not only gets ANGRY, but also uses an Angel to prevent Balaam and his Donkey to reach their approved destination.
First NO. Then GO. Then ANGRY. Then prevents going by an ANGEL. This sequence in scripture in English Translations appear as though Elohim is either confused or cannot make up his mind or the verses are contradicting each other.
Always answers are to be found either in the surrounding Context or Mistranslation of Hebrew Scripture to English language or in Misinterpretation.
In the above case, answer to the seeming confusion appears to have crept into English language due to "Translation Troubles".
English Verse 12: "Do not go with them"
Hebrew Verse 12: "Do not go IMAHEM" (Hebrew word)
English Verse 20: "Go with them."
Hebrew Verse 20: "Go ITAM" (Hebrew word)
When translating from Hebrew to English, majority of the translators used the same two words of WITH THEM at verse 12 and at verse 20. But in the original Hebrew language they are two different words with a tiny different shade of meaning.
Verse 12: "Do not go" or Do not IMAHEM means both, don't go physically and mentally.
Verse 20: "Go with them." or Go ITAM means only go physically and NOT mentally.
Not to go mentally meaning:
Due to the the repeated pleadings of Balaam, Elohim sees his perseverance in wanting to go, So Elohim gives his permission but with a condition. Go physically and not mentally. Meaning, go and be present as you promised. But don't do anything. Don't curse Israel.
Numbers 22:21
And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.
Then why does Verse 22 say that Elohim got VERY ANGRY when Balaam rose up and went. Now did not Elohim allow him to go PHYSICALLY only?
Again the confusion is clear from going BACK TO HEBREW WORDS.
The answer is in HOW Balaam WENT. In verse 21 and went in Hebrew has a lot of shades of meaning lost in translation in English.
Just as we all understand that in any language, the meaning or outcome a something changes with the TONE OF DELIVERY of the words. Similarly we all do know that there is something called BODY LANGUAGE.
In-fact Social Scientists say that humans communicate over 80% of their messages silently via non verbal communications that is their shape, style, walk, facial expressions, body movements. In other words it is called as BODY LANGUAGE.
Now our Creator Elohim Yahweh, can easily read through our expressions, movements and body language. Hence the way, on the next day, Balaam rose up AND WENT.......
AND WENT
The Hebrew word for AND WENT is HALAKH.
Generally translated into English as TO LIVE or TO GO
But the LITERAL MEANING of the Hebrew word Halakh is TO WALK.
Please note that we are talking of Biblical times when modern day means of vehicle transportation was not existing. Most of the travels were done by Walking or Riding animals or Boarding a ship.
In Balaam's case, as we can see from the story, he was walking or sitting on his donkey.
So what does Hebrew word, HALAKH that is TO WALK really throw light on?
In ancient Biblical times, how you WALK was equivalent = to how you LIVE.
Even today in 21st Century we have phrases such as:
- Walk the Talk
- We walk by faith and not by sight.
- Our faith in Yeshua is an individual WALK.
- How we WALK (Actions) speaks louder than TALK (words).
There is even a song by the title, "Walk like an Egyptian" meaning from the way a person walks, one can decipher the culture or the country that person is originating from.
So from the way Balaam started his WALK or the way he started his day, from his body language our Creator Elohim immediately realized that Balaam was going to DISOBEY him on reaching his destination. Balaam's bodily movements and expressions GAVE HIM AWAY and Elohim immediately realized that he is going to go physically and mentally too. Meaning that Elohim saw through Balaam that his INTENTIONS were wrong and he was trying to fool Elohim and finally was going to disobey Yahweh and go ahead and curse Israel.
Hence in Verse Numbers 22:22, Elohim Yahweh intervenes and interrupts his journey by sending an Angel with a Sword to stop Balaam from reaching his destination as he WENT WITH ULTERIOR MOTIVES.
This same above textual explanation is wonderfully explained by BRAD GRAY in his Video teaching below:
BEFORE I CONCLUDE THIS STUDY ARTICLE:
So what is the purpose of this study? Is it only for reading pleasure, enhancing knowledge and gaining deep insight into the peerless word of Elohim?
The main and major purpose of this study, besides the above mentioned points is personal LIFE APPLICATION.
If any Follower of Yeshua, does not do Life Application of newly learnt truths about Yahweh and Yeshua, then such study articles are just one of the below:
- Raw Data
- Interesting Information
- Special Knowledge
- Intelligent Enlightenment
- BUT NOT WISDOM
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Not terrifying fear, but reverential fear of Elohim Yahweh, to not break his commandments out of love, respect and deep gratitude.
How to Be Aware and Be Wary of adopting the doctrine of Balaam?
Avoid the major sins, that Yeshua told to avoid at Revelation 2
Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Revelation 2:15
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
In Points.......
- Avoid eating things sacrificed unto idols.
- Avoid committing Fornication.
- Avoid the Doctrine of Balaam.
- Avoid the Doctrine of Nicolaitans.
CONNECTION AND CO-RELATION WITH FIRST APOSTLES COUNCIL IN ACTS
Acts 15:28
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Acts 15:29
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
In Points.......
- Avoid meats offered to idols.
- Avoid eating of blood.
- Avoid strangled animals for meat consumption.
- Avoid Fornication.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Recommendations of Yeshua at Revelation 2:14 & 15 and Acts 15:28 & 29 is totally the same Requirements as suggested by the First Apostles Council of Acts in the first century.
To Rephrase both the requirements together with brief explanation are:
- Avoid eating things or meats sacrificed unto idols. (This would involve NOT going to such pagan places at all. Lest temptation or trials befall you)
- Avoid committing Fornication. (This involves avoiding all types of Sexual Immorality) (Also by not going to Pagan Temple areas, it is easy to avoid temptations towards temple prostitution)
- Avoid the Doctrine of Balaam. (Don't speak against Israel and always Support Israel by blessings, prayers, praises, preaching, and gifts too)
- Avoid the Doctrine of Nicolaitans. (Avoid the Doctrine of Compromise, which means to having a compromising attitude in our faith in Yeshua)
- Avoid eating of blood. (Animal blood is consumed directly via cooked food in many Cultures and Cuisines. EXAMPLE: Roman Catholic Goans in India have the customary habit of adding full animal blood in some of their meat dishes, mostly at major festival times)
- Avoid strangled animals for meat consumption. (All Frozen, Factory packed and processed animals are NOT CUT AND BLED TO DEATH according to Torah Laws. EXAMPLE: Broiler full chicken is suffocated to death by dipping them live in hot boiling water or by freezing them in extreme cold temperatures. This ensures immediate death without blood letting out and the feathers easily drop off)
