Talking from your ass

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means.. Let's see where this takes us! 

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Numbers 22-24

This is part of my thesis that this story is about Shem (spirit) subduing Ham (the body).

In Exodus 23:23, the LORD promises to "blot out" six nations, all of them descended from Canaan or other sons of Ham. 

The Moabites, however, are descended from Lot, and the Midianites are descended from Abrahan. That means both are descended from Shem. My understanding is that the LORD hadn't spoken of their destruction. 

But, Moab and Midian are fearful of the sheer numbers of Israel. They call in an apparently famed and effective oracle named Balaam and ask him to curse Israel. Balaam receives a message from the LORD and refuses to do so. But then he's persuaded to visit the King of Moab, although he doesn't promise anything. 

In Numbers 22 the donkey he's riding encounters an angel with a sword and refuses to budge. After Balaam struggles with him for a bit, the donkey speaks. Balaam seems unperturbed and argues with it. 

I personally don't find this shocking. Animal psychics are real (or are as real as any other psychic) so it's not surprising a diviner of Balaam's reputation would hear the donkey. Balaam's eyes are opened and he sees the angel. 

What I surmise from the incident is that if Balaam had considered going "off-script" and cursing Israel in exchange for silver and gold, he was no longer tempted. He would be obedient to the LORD's message. In the end, he disappoints the King three times by refusing to curse Israel.

Instead, Balaam prophesies against Shemite cousins of Israel: Moab, Edom, Amalek, Asshur, and Eber (along with some other tribes of unknown origin).

If descendants of Shem turn against one of their own, they'll face the consequences. Just because you are from Shem, that doesn't mean you gave the spirit of the LORD.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)