DAWN
Daily Arts Web Nucleus
Discover the Arts! Each day a different image from the Literary, Performing, or Visual Arts representing a portion of Scripture plus an explanation with links and a discussion forum 2014 March 1
Storm Worship / The Storm Twins (c. 1999)
John Jude Palencar (b. 1957)
Eclectic Blend of Realism, Surrealism, and Symbolism Styles
Private Collection?
Image Source: JohnJudePalencar.com
Explanation: I have chosen the painting above because it represents the inward insight of the prophet via two different means -- eyes open (on the left, telescopically, indicating a vision of far-off things) and eyes shut (indicating insight beyond the senses). This duality is also reflected in verse 3, below, where Balaam refers to himself as having his eyes "open" (shatham) and uncovered (galah) in verse 4. But the marginal reading says "shut" (satham). In either case, however, the result is inward understanding and insight.
Numbers 24 contains the last two of Balaam's oracles -- the third and the fourth -- the first two being in the previous chapter. In his third oracle Balaam, seeing that the LORD was determined to bless Israel, did not seek to use enchantments, as before; instead, he looked toward the wilderness and saw Israel dwelling in their tents, and the Spirit of God came upon him (1-2). He called their tents "goodly" (or "lovely"); and he prophesied blessing and success against their enemies; and he said that those who blessed them would be blessed, and those who cursed them would be cursed. In the case of the Amalekites, represented by their king, whose title was "Agag" (v. 7), this prophecy was fulfilled in three stages -- first, by Saul, who devastated them (1 Samuel 15), then by David (1 Samuel 27:1-12 and chapter 30), and finally by Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:43) who destroyed the last of them (3-9). This prophecy angered Balak so much that he told Balaam to flee to his place, saying that the LORD had held him back from honor. But Balaam reminded him that he had told him from the start that he could only speak what the LORD told him to speak; and he invited him to hear what would happen to him and his people in the latter days (10-14). Balaam then took up his fourth oracle, which consisted of two parts -- the first part was directed toward Moab and its neighbors; the second part was directed toward Amalek and its neighbors. He predicted a "Star out of Jacob" and a "Scepter out of Israel" (David and his dynasty, including Jesus Christ) which would smite Moab and the children of Sheth, as well as Edom or Seir (fulfilled by John Hyrcanus in 129 B.C.). Concerning Amalek and its neighbors, Balaam said that Amalek would perish, that the Kenites, though they dwelt in a stronghold, would be taken captive by Asshur (i.e., the Assyrians) -- (probably fulfilled in the Babylonian Captivity); an that Asshur would be afflicted by Chittim (the Greeks and the Romans) who would also afflict Eber, meaning the Jews (15-24). Having said these things, Balaam then left (25).
Numbers 24
1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
12 And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?
14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.
20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.
21 And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
23 And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
24 And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.
25 And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.
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