Numbers Part 2 – Discussion Questions

Questions for Discussion:

This week’s discussion focuses on the latter half of the book of Numbers (especially chapters 22-25).

Step One: Before opening your Bible or watching the video reflect on the following:

• What do you remember about Numbers based on last week’s discussion? What questions do you still have about this book?
• When you hear the word “zealot,” what comes to mind?

Step Two: Read through the second half of the book of Numbers, focusing on chapters 22-25. When you’re done, consider the following the questions:

• What stood out to you in what you just read? Was there anything that seemed unusual, surprising or bothersome in what you just read?
• Who are the main characters? Where are they from? How are they described?
• Does the text characterize Israelites vs non-Israelites differently? How?

Step Three: Watch this week’s video and then discuss the following:

• What did you learn? Did this discussion change your reading of this text in any way(s)? If so, how?
• Do you think it is significant that Balaam was a “foreign,” non-Israelite prophet? Why or why not?
• Given that the book of Numbers expresses hostility toward non-Israelites, why do you think it features a non-Israelite protagonist? What rhetorical purpose might this choice have served?
• What is a religious “zealot?” What inspires zealotry? Can religious zeal ever be positive? At what point does religious zeal become dangerous?
• Toward the end of the video [14:30], Dr. Collins points out that a kind of religious zeal similar to Phinehas’ “can be found in all religions.” Reflect on this idea. Do you agree? If yes, why do you think that is?