Driving a Wedge between Russia and Iran Will Be Difficult, But Beneficial to U.S. Interests
It can be done only through American strength.
February 8, 2017
Or a reference to a unique section of the Bible?
According to a talmudic discussion of the authorship of the various books of the Hebrew Bible, Moses composed not only the Pentateuch but also the book of Job and “the portion of Balaam” (parashat Bilam). The identity of the last item has puzzled scholars for centuries: if it refers to Numbers 22-24, which describe the attempt by King Balak of Moab to hire the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, and the divine blessings that Balaam utter instead, why does the Talmud distinguish between this passage and the rest of the Pentateuch? And if it refers to something other than this passage in Numbers, does it refer to a book no longer extant? Shlomo Zuckier discusses the possible explanations floated by rabbinic commentators throughout the ages:
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Login or SubscribeIt can be done only through American strength.
An anti-Israel and anti-American movement that should be combated.
The man who knew too much.
Communion with God in Kabbalah.
Or a reference to a unique section of the Bible?