Biblical Hebrew Forum

[c stirling bartholomew <cc.constantine AT worldnet.att.net>]

on 6/7/03 4:27 AM, Soren Holst wrote:

> Nope, the whole passage is on the Biblical theme of God rather than military
> strenghth being determinate for the victory of his people.

Well Fitzmeyer agrees on the "Nope" part. His discussion is kind of hard to
follow. 

> 
> The fact that a verse which is otherwise used as a messianic proof text is
> brought in, doesn't necessitate a messianic understanding.

I know this is hard to believe but I just stumbled into this issue
completely unaware that this Balaam oracle (Num 24:17-19) was a
controversial subject. E.Fox (Five Books of Moses) notes that some
Rabbinical tradition holds this as a messianic text. The targums read MLK
for KWKB.

> 
> I'd say the mention of "your anointed ones" actually speaks against a
> messianic reading, since these anointed ones are obviously not Messiahs
> bringing about victory or peace, but are explicitly identified as "seers"
> telling the people that the one who brings about victory or peace is God
> himself.

Yes, I can see this.

 Thought I was asking a simple question and have uncovered something of a
mares nest. Need to read JJ Collins, J Allegro ... to get the whole picture.

Thanks, Soren.

greetings, Clay

--  
Clayton Stirling Bartholomew
Three Tree Point
P.O. Box 255 Seahurst WA 98062