Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.

JOSHUA 13:22KJV
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Joshua 13:22 (KJV)

What does Joshua 13:22 mean?

Joshua 13:22 states that the Israelites killed Balaam, the son of Beor, who was known as a soothsayer, during their conquest of the land. This verse highlights that Balaam, despite his reputation as a spiritual figure, was put to death along with others who opposed Israel.

The verse is part of a summary listing those defeated by the Israelites as they took possession of Canaan. Balaam had previously appeared in the story as someone hired to curse Israel but ended up blessing them instead. Here, the text emphasizes that Balaam was not spared because of his mystical role; he was treated like any other enemy of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 13:22

  • "Soothsayer" (קָסָם, qāsam): This word means someone who practices divination or seeks to predict the future through supernatural means. The use of this term shows that Balaam was seen not just as a prophet, but as someone involved in forbidden spiritual practices.
  • "Slay" (הָרַג, hārag): This verb means to kill or put to death, often in the context of battle or judgment. Its use here makes clear that Balaam's death was intentional and part of the military campaign.
  • "Slain" (חָלָל, ḥālāl): This word refers to those killed, especially in battle. It places Balaam among the defeated enemies, not as a neutral or protected figure.

Why Joshua 13:22 matters

  • Joshua 13:22 clarifies that Balaam, despite his earlier interactions with God and Israel, ultimately sided with Israel’s enemies and faced the same fate as them.
  • The verse underlines the seriousness with which Israel dealt with those practicing forbidden spiritual arts, even if they had previously spoken true words about God.
  • This detail connects back to earlier stories in Numbers, showing the completion of judgment on those who opposed Israel’s entry into the land.

Where else these words appear

“Beor” Hebrew H1160 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 36:32 And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.
  • Numbers 24:15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
  • Joshua 24:9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

“soothsayer” Hebrew H7080 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
  • Isaiah 44:25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
  • Ezekiel 21:23 And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.

“them” Hebrew H413 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Exodus 8:25 And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land.
  • 1 Samuel 4:21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.

“Balaam” Hebrew H1109 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • Numbers 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
  • Numbers 23:28 And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.