{"def":{"lit":"perhaps","short":"Balaam, a Mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher)","long":["The prophet Balaam"]},"deriv":"of Hebrew origin (H1109)","pronun":{"ipa":"βɑ.lɑˈɑm","ipa_mod":"vɑ.lɑˈɑm","sbl":"balaam","dic":"va-la-AM","dic_mod":"va-la-AM"},"see":["H1109"],"comment":"Balaam was native of Pethor a city in Mesopotamia and endued by Jehovah with prophetic power. He was hired by Balak to curse the Israelites; and influenced by the love of reward, he wished to gratify Balak; but he was compelled by Jehovah's power to bless them. Hence later the Jews saw him as a most abandoned deceiver. See Numbers 22 and following."}