Balaam: the difference between a "false prophet" who can "divinate" the word of God, but who is motivated for self, versus a true prophet. Balak appeals to Balaam, the gentile "prophet", to curse the Israelites, but Balaam is constrained to "speak the word of God". New Testament 1 Corinthians 1:20-31 makes clear God's plan for redemption: 22 " For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Messiah (Christ) crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Messiah (Christ) the power of God and the wisdom of God". ...30 He (God) is the source of your life in Christ jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord".