TORAH SCROLL FRAGMENT MANUSCRIPT on VELLUM 19th century ANTIQUE NUMBERS 22-24

FRAGMENT of BOOK OF NUMBERS 22-24

Size 21 3/4 by 22"

c. late 19th century

 good condition with couple of spots, visible on the photo

Purchased in Poland
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The story of Balaam and Balak, found in Numbers 22-24 of the Bible, is a dramatic tale of a pagan prophet hired to curse the Israelites. Instead, bound by God's will, he was forced to bless them, delivering four prophetic messages, including a celebrated prediction of the Messiah.
As the Israelites traveled toward the Promised Land, they camped on the plains of Moab. Terrified by the sheer number of Israelites and their recent military victories, King Balak of Moab sought a way to weaken them. Balak sent messengers with riches to summon Balaam, a renowned Mesopotamian seer known for the effectiveness of his blessings and curses.
Initially, God instructed Balaam not to go, as the Israelites were a blessed people.
However, after Balak sent more distinguished officials with greater rewards, God allowed Balaam to go, but with a strict condition: he could only say exactly what God commanded him to say.
On the journey, God became angry that Balaam went with the intention of being persuaded. He sent an angel with a drawn sword to block the road.
Balaam could not see the angel, but his donkey could, and the animal swerved out of the path to avoid it. Angered, Balaam beat the donkey three times.
Miraculously, God gave the donkey the ability to speak, and the animal asked why Balaam was striking it. God then opened Balaam's eyes to see the menacing angel, who rebuked the prophet but permitted him to continue with the condition that he strictly obey God's voice.
When Balaam arrived in Moab, King Balak took him to three different high places overlooking the massive Israelite camp. At each location, they built altars and offered sacrifices, hoping to appease local deities and secure a curse.
However, every time Balaam opened his mouth, God intervened, replacing the curse with a powerful blessing.
Over the course of these attempts, Balaam:
Blessed Israel's Future:
He marveled at the beauty and resilience of the Israelite camps, declaring that those who blessed Israel would be blessed, and those who cursed them would be cursed.
Foretold the Messiah:
In his final and most famous prophecy, Balaam looked to the distant future and declared, "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.
"Blessed Israel's Enemies:
He also prophesied about the eventual destruction of Moab and other regional enemies.

King Balak was furious and sent Balaam away without the promised rewards.
Yet, despite his obedience during the prophetic encounters, Balaam harbored a sinister ambition.
According to Revelation 2:14, Balaam secretly advised King Balak to entice the Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality, hoping that if Israel brought a curse upon themselves through sin, God's protection would fall away.
This plot temporarily succeeded, bringing a plague upon Israel, and ultimately sealed Balaam's reputation as a symbol of greed and betrayal.
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