Balaam: Numbers 22-24

Two Asses (2005) (18" x 15")

collage and acrylic on canvas

The Old Testament contains another story in which money and religious power come together. In this case, the prophet Balaam who already has supposed religious gifts, as opposed to the story of Simon Magus.  The enemies of Israel approach Balaam to pray to God against that nation, but Balaam is compelled to bless them instead.  Again, the moral is that God's favor cannot be purchased.