Numbers 22:8 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

Who this Balaam was, or how he had acquired the outward knowledge of the GOD of Israel, is not said. Peter calls him a prophet, 2 Peter 2:16. Perhaps similar to Simon Magus, mentioned in the gospel account. Acts 8:10. There can be no question but that he was a bad man, and longed to hire himself out to work iniquity for gain. But in the midst of this had so much knowledge of the true GOD, as in the moment he did wrong he knew what was right. Devils believe, (we art told) and tremble. James 2:19. And there is very little doubt, but that the devils with respect to head knowledge, in consequence of their intellectual faculties, have a clearer and better knowledge of the doctrines of JESUS than his best informed people. But here is the line of distinction between them and the LORD'S inheritance; they knew nothing of the LORD JESUS by the influence of his HOLY SPIRIT. They are and ever must be eternal strangers to the love of JESUS. I conclude that Balaam's knowledge of the LORD was of the kind I have mentioned; and his use of sorcery seems to confirm it.