JEK@NIHCU (James Kiefer) (01/17/90)
Kurt: Commenting on your characterization of prophecy as described in the Bible. The Bible seems to describe more than one kind of prophetic experience. See, for example, 2 Kings 3:13-17, where Elisha calls on a harpist to put him in a prophetic mood, or Numbers 23 and 24, where Balaam seems (though this could be challenged) to deliver his speeches involuntarily (see especially Numbers 24:15-16) or in a kind of trance or possession, rather than in obedience. The incident with the ass seems calculated to remind Balaam (and us) that God can make a mouthpiece of anyone, and that prophecy is no achievement for which Balaam can take credit. See also 1 Samuel 10:19, or better, 1 Samuel 19:18-24, where the prophesying is clearly involuntary. This is meant to be a supplement to rather than a contradiction of your posting, for which posting I thank you. Yours, James Kiefer