Beor בְּעוֹר
Father of Balaam
Who is Beor in the Bible?
Beor was the father of Balaam, a pagan prophet from Pethor in Mesopotamia mentioned in Numbers 22:5 and other Old Testament accounts. While Beor himself appears only as a genealogical reference in Scripture, his son Balaam became a significant figure when King Balak of Moab hired him to curse the Israelites during their wilderness journey (Numbers 22-24). Though Balaam initially blessed Israel according to God's will, he later led the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality with the Midianites, for which he was killed during Israel's military campaign against Midian (Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:22). Beor's lineage is notable primarily because his son's story serves as a biblical warning against spiritual corruption and the misuse of divine gifts for personal gain, referenced in Deuteronomy 23:4-5, Joshua 24:9-10, and Micah 6:5.
Biography
Beor was the father of Balaam, a well-known prophet from Pethor in Mesopotamia (Num. 22:5). Balaam was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites as they approached the Promised Land (Num. 22-24). Despite Balak's intentions, God used Balaam to bless Israel instead of cursing them (Num. 23-24).
However, Balaam later played a role in leading the Israelites into sin by promoting idolatry and sexual immorality (Num. 31:8, 16). As a result, Balaam was killed by the Israelites when they defeated the Midianites (Num. 31:8; Josh. 13:22).
Balaam's story is referenced several times in the Bible as a warning against greed and the abuse of spiritual gifts (Deut. 23:4-5; Josh. 24:9-10; Mic. 6:5; 2 Pet. 2:15-16). Despite his initial obedience to God, Balaam's later actions demonstrate the dangers of compromising one's faith for personal gain.
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In Scripture
5 biblical books ; 4 with study contentNumbers 4 verses
- Numbers 22:5
"he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me."
- Numbers 24:3
"and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,"
- Numbers 24:15
"Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,"
- Numbers 31:8
"Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword."
Deuteronomy 1 verse
- Deuteronomy 23:4
"For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you."
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Joshua 2 verses
- Joshua 13:22
"The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword."
Study Joshua → - Joshua 24:9
"Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you,"
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Micah 1 verse
- Micah 6:5
"My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”"
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2 Peter 1 verse
- 2 Peter 2:15
"They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בְּעוֹר | Beor , the name of the father of an Edomitish king; also of that of Balaam |
| Greek | Greek | Βοσόρ, Βεώρ | — |