Balaam's Wish (How blest the righteous are)

“How Blest the Righteous Are,” often subtitled “Balaam’s Wish,” is a solemn and reflective hymn by Anne Steele that draws its theme from the story of Balaam in Numbers 23. Balaam, though not a true follower of God, uttered a profound desire to share in the blessed end of the righteous, saying, “Let me die the death of the righteous.” Steele takes this biblical text and turns it into a meditation on the peace and hope that characterize the believer’s death.

The hymn contrasts the calm departure of the faithful with the uncertainty of those who live without Christ. It celebrates the assurance that comes from faith, portraying death not as a terror but as a gateway to everlasting joy in the presence of God. The language is simple yet deeply devotional, reflecting Steele’s gift for expressing spiritual truths in a heartfelt way.

Sung to the tune MARTYRDOM, the hymn has been cherished in funeral services and solemn worship gatherings for centuries. Its message invites listeners to examine their spiritual state, encouraging them to live righteously so that their end may indeed be like that of the righteous.