Transitive Analogies and the Meaning of Balaam’s Origin: A Literary Analysis

Abstract

A set of parallels between the Balaam pericope and the encounter with Edom in Num. 20.14-21 form a literary allusion to the latter, which also draws on elements in the Jacob cycle – especially in Genesis 27. I suggest that these parallels encourage us to associate Balaam with Edom – as do Gen. 36.31-32 and other previously discovered evidence. A key to understanding these literary connections is the sword motif in Num. 20.14-21 and Num. 22.21-35, which points back to “you shall live by your sword” in Gen. 27.40. The allusion seems to present Esau’s sword blessing and Balaam’s intended curse as futile against the divine will. Another layer of meaning of the Balaam-Edom connection becomes clear when we consider the biblical motif of Edom as a symbol of the “nations” (Israel’s enemies), as well as Frisch’s recent proposal that Balaam’s jenny is a symbol of Israel.