THE SECOND ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE YAHWEH (NUMBERS 23:13). Numbers 23:13 ‘And Balak said to him, “Come, I pray you, with me to another place, from where you may see them. You shall see but the utmost part of them, and shall not see them all. And curse me them from there.” ' It is interesting to note... [ Continue Reading ]
Numbers 23:18 (18a-24) ‘And he took up his incantation (parable),' Once again Balaam gave out his incantation. Note even here the chiastic construction. Numbers 23:18 (18b-24) “Rise up, Balak, and hear; Listen to me, you son of Zippor, A God is not a man, that he should lie, A Nor the son of... [ Continue Reading ]
THE THIRD ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE YAHWEH (NUMBERS 23:27 TO NUMBERS 24:13). The previous two attempts at enchantment having failed Balak decided that he must try again, this time with Baal-peor. Some may wondered at Balak's persistence, but both he and Balaam probably thought that the next seven offeri... [ Continue Reading ]