Numbers 30-31 & Acts 23

Well if in Numbers 27 we see how some women find liberation in God's teachings, at least found in hereditary laws, Numbers 30 seems to be a little bit, or a big bit, of a step backwards. The chapter opens with a description of vows that a man would take and that the man must uphold his vows. Ok fair enough. However, when it comes to women, the vows only seem to be valid of the man under whose house they are living supports those vows or at least does not take a position against the vows. The man however can change or nullify the vows if they disapprove of them upon hearing about the vows. In a small victory, if the man does not express any disapproval then he will be held accountable if he encourages the woman to break those vows.

Following these last chapters which get sidetracked in offerings and others traditions, Numbers 31 picks up the story again. God now plans to lead Israel against the Midians to seek revenge for Midians "treachery" in leading the Israelites astray from God. Phinehas, whose actions against the Midians stemmed the plague, now holds a leadership position as the Israelite army takes up the call. This is a holy war in which "all" are to be slaughtered.

When the army returns with captives, they are reminded that all were to be killed, and sure enough, just young girls, virgins, are spared. Even boys are put to the sword.

The close of the Numbers 31 speaks of the spoils and how they are divided amongst Israel.

Acts 23

The trial for Paul begins, a begins with some fireworks. After being struck, Paul then verbally attacks the high priest comparing him to a crumbling white wall that Ezekiel used as a metaphor for priests and leaders who are more concerned with appearances than faith. Perhaps the next exchange, where Paul acts as if he did not know Ananias was the chief priest, expresses Paul's true contempt for the religious leaders.

Eventually, Paul decides to divide and conquer and references the Resurrection, which while at the core of what Paul is preaching, also splits the council because the Pharisees believe in the resurrection as a concept while the Sadducees do not. The trial then turns to chaos as the two sides argue amongst themselves regarding the resurrection.

Some of the Jews sense that Paul will be beyond their reach, perhaps they realize the trial will not work or perhaps they are concerned that the Romans will not deal with it appropriately. Whatever the case, they take vows to kill Paul. When Paul gets wind of it, he sends word to the tribune who decides that it is best to move Paul to Ceasarea, which is the Roman seat of power in the region. It will now be up to the governor, Felix, to decide the case.