Studies In Theology - 12/04/2006 (Lion And Lioness - Metamorphosis, Curses, Blessings And God Being The King Of Israel?)

STUDIES IN THEOLOGY;

Popular Christianity 12/04/2006

Study Notes And Journal Entries,

An Observation

By

David A. Archer

02/15/1968

(r.f.p.p.s.h.)

12/04/2006

As chapter 23 begins, again is the number 7 in a prominent use; To build seven altars, seven young bulls and seven young rams. ~

It is then stated that the two of them (bulls and rams) are sacrificed one each per altar as burnt offerings. ~

Another oddity appears in 23:03 with it being stated that Balaam goes to a hill and is met by the Lord where Balaam states: I have prepared seven altars..... ~

This is odd in that he bade the King to prepare the altars. ~

He then returns with the message which is blessing instead of curse on Israel - referring to Israel as Jacob even - in 23:07 - which at least suggests a deeper relationship than is topically discernible given the length of time (presumably) since the reference to Jacob as Israel initially. ~

From another point of perspective - this might be more as result of that continuity illusion within the most common chronological perceptions of this work - meaning that perhaps somehow this occurrence is more in the time period nearer Jacobs generation than presently suggested? ~

It at least suggests a presence of information and knowledge far greater than is depicted given such a reference through Balaam - presumably somewhat of a stranger to the Israelites but obviously familiar with their concept of god. ~

As a note pertaining to this interesting relation - in chapter 20, verse 15 - it states that the Israelites had ancestors that went down to Egypt and were then enslaved. This of course was before (is in reference to) they were enslaved in Egypt for some 500+(?) years - if immediate memory serves. ~

Given that Balaam is obviously not Israelite and more especially that he is in residence somewhere North of Egypt - and then given the reference to a similar form of worship as is the single point of focus, then further that Moses (having been raised as an Egyptian) then returned from banishment/exile/escape(?) from a presumed northerly direction - as well as the familial history of Joseph - it then eludes to deeper relationships beyond the Israelites, with the Israelites being a sort of figure head within this rather popular work. ~

It is widely known of a cousin sort of relationship with Christianity and other mid-East faiths - but that is not this line of thought.

This is more in exploring the suggested extension which this tends to depict the Israelites as. ~

Why then out of all of the people presumably of a form of single entity religious structure - were the Israelites said to be a special sort? The newer version, to say the least - of a larger type of worship. Unique most definitely (to my knowledge) within that nomadic aspect (as well as other particulars; commerce, liberal bents) - but how nomadic was it in having had rules for trade (in business) and rules pertaining to agriculture?

Does the presence of such indicate that serogate aspect mentioned previously? ~

Perhaps, in considering this - it could be seen that the nomadic aspect coupled with the various dictation, could have been in the interest of a naturalization aspect, itself? An effort toward familiarization and conditioning to standards of those other - obvious - single entity civilizations? ~

The king then asks that they go to another place and look upon the Israelites (presumably being quite numerous at this point - a horde no less, I could imagine) and perhaps curse at least as many as could be seen - then again, seven more altars and similar sacrifice (which is depicted very much in that repetition form) - and again Balaam meets the Lord - Returning, the King actually asks; What did the 'Lord' say? Which further indicates a previous familiarity with such a form of worship - substantiated with King Balak actually having known that Balaam would say only the message that god puts in his mouth. ~

In every respect, Balak seems to have known of this religious structure. ~

Again, there is a reference to the Israelites as Jacob with the blessing that Balaam delivers (23:21) - while simultaneously referring to Israel as well - then stating that god has been proclaimed their KING (which very much substantiates previous explorations) - it seems to suggest an inverted use of such a proclamation as well, in that anyone proclaimed (proclaiming) to be King of Israel - is then likened to god for what ever purpose.

This gains interest in regard to Christ being mocked as King of the Jews (at a later point) - which then adds more interest into the symbolism(s) and transference of previously explored relations as per Jacob, Israel, Christ. ~

In another thought pertaining to Jacob/Israel and the nomadic tendency described, as well as that which befell them - using similar lines of reasoning within the idea of transference - those years could be likened to the discomposure process in having been compared (as a body of people) to the person known as Jacob/Israel. ~

I happen upon that rather abstract perspective in considering 23:23. 'No curse can touch Jacob, no magic has any power against Israel.' ~

"Of course no curse can touch Jacob" was my thought - "at this point, he (personally) was long dead."

I then considered the obvious relation implied within those two lines and realized that perhaps such a relation in transference as a metaphor, extended farther? ~

In 23:24, it is eluded to that Israel is like a lioness and a lion - which now actually refers to Israel in a feminine sense, though coupled with the masculine of the same - perhaps suggesting a duality within the meaning of the presented body as it were?

Then even stating that within that state, they even drink the blood of the slaughtered! ~

(While this is rather foreboding in the propaganda sense, it is notable that such is actually a direct violation against the decree of Moses, Aaron and God in forbidding the consumption of blood)

Could the symbolic, ceremony consistencies actually have acted to produce a result through the tendencies of people - which then preceded them in myth as and with such prowess? ~

The consistencies within the ceremonies of worship and offerings, had much to do with the use of blood as is readily observable - even in anointing their priest. ~

Again in 23:29, it is that seven more altars are built, and the same sacrifice took place. ~

After this sacrifice, it is said that Balaam realized the Lord was determined to bless Israel, so he did not resort to divination as before. ~

It is then said that the spirit of god came upon him and he again delivers a blessing - again referring to Jacob and Israel, this example even complimenting their tents and homes, respectively. ~

In reviewing the tribes at this point, it is rather intriguing that the reference to lion and lioness is used - given that in Genesis 49:09, Judah is referred to in a similar manner, though as a lion he crouches down after eating its prey. ~

Most definitely a familiarity beyond some topical relationship here. Perhaps even depicting a metamorphosis of sorts, in a symbolic sense. From one version of existence, to another.

Something else I find now in review of Genesis 49, is in Jacob cursing Simeon and Levi for murderous and malicious leanings - 'to be scattered among the descendants of Jacob' (speaking of himself presumably in third person). ~

As it results thus far in the Bible, Simeons tribe of descendants is listed second in the census and leads the procession in travel - while the Levites have gained (have been appointed) a rather trusted and important post as is obvious - even extended a secret sort of status in being left out of the census, though empowered to some degree - even as dealers of justice. ~

Strange results thus far for a curse from Jacob. ~

The curse suggests that Jacob was wanting of a peaceful and productive Nation, where the result thus far has been in not regarding that curse, but perhaps utilizing the perceived tendencies in both the most forward position in travel, and as a sort of security for the Tabernacle. ~

24:17 suggests perhaps a prediction of Christ - but further may suggest a more in depth plan of sorts pertaining to the descendants of Jacob - known as the tribes of Israel. ~

It is hard to believe that a traveling horde comprised of several divisions, would be those which could put forward such potential designs - which then suggests further the serogate aspect - but more in depth perhaps with something in mind beyond immediate perception. ~

As it stands in the modern day, even these early depictions of a newer version of a religious structure, can be seen echoing in several different layers and effect. Even some rather transparent emulations seemingly in some effort to gain acceptance within some of the larger extremes of the more consistent continuance, otherwise. ~