# Balaam's Wish explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter reflects on Balaam's desire to die the death of the righteous, yet his life was marked by insincerity and love of gain. It warns that true blessedness in death comes from living a righteous life, not merely wishing for a happy end.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Vanity of Worldly Things

Balaam's love for unrighteous gain and his attempt to serve both God and Mammon illustrate the emptiness of worldly pursuits.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The righteous possess a solid hope in death, which is a gift of grace, not earned by human merit.

## Character check-ins

### Balaam

Wished to die the death of the righteous but his heart was insincere and he loved unrighteous gain.

### The Narrator

Addresses friends and readers, urging them to learn from Balaam's example and choose the life of the righteous.

## Key lines

> How bless'd the righteous are When they resign their breath!

How blessed are the righteous when they die!

_The chapter opens with a reflection on the blessedness of the righteous in death._

> But Balaam's wish was vain, His heart was insincere;

But Balaam's wish was futile because his heart was not genuine.

_The poem emphasizes that Balaam's desire for a righteous death was not backed by a righteous life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/20-balaam-s-wish
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters