Genocide as Metaphor

Eliminate what doesn't serve you.

Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means.. Let's see where this takes us! 

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Numbers 31

Of all the goings-on in Numbers 31, I was most curious about killing Balaam. Balaam had previously refused to curse Israel, but then it was reported that the Israelites killed him with the sword. 

But Balaam was a prophet-for-pay, and apparently masterminded the seduction of Israel at Peor, although that wasn't mentioned at the time.

The genocide of the Midianites included all the males and all the women who may have been involved in the seduction of the Israelites. All except the virgins.

So, wipe out whoever poses a threat (males) and whoever isn't "pure," (non-virgin women, i.e., girls).

Morally, this is indefensible.

Symbolically, this illustrates the ruthlessness of the LORD as the "higher self." Going all the way back to Sarah's dismissal of Hagar and Ishmael, the theme is to eliminate the foreign or base influences represented first as descendants of Ham (Canaan, Egypt) and now, apparently, devotees of Baal and other idol-worshippers. Just wipe them out.

It's akin to how we should think and feel. Eliminate - exterminate - thoughts that don't "serve" you (that is, your essential or higher, divine Selt). Don't let yourself be tempted or preoccupied with external conditions and the plans or opinions of others. Don't be a slave to your body, but let it serve you.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)