This is the Bible Book Club. And we're in the book of numbers. Welcome to the club.

Last episode, Chapter 21, was dramatic. And isn't it so much fun to be back to this epic narrative

where we have a rolling story of our hero, Moses. I'm certainly

enjoying it. It was the story of Israel's obedient rise to success followed by a rebellious fall

that was fatal. They had their first victory against Arad and immediately began complaining

about food and water, insinuating that they would have been better off in Egypt, just like their parents complained. So God gave them a taste of Egypt with the plague of snakes.

The anti-venom was interesting and quite out of character for God. Then, with another rebellion

and another recovery behind them, the Israelites hit the road again on the way to Moab.

And on the way, they conquer a few enemies and sing some songs about that.

Nanny, nanny, boo, boo, oh, that's better than yours since.

They're funny.

Chapter 22 and 23 is what we're going to cover in this episode. And for the third time on Israel's journey from Egypt

to Canaan, the people camp for a lengthy period. Remember the first time was at Mount Sinai

when we were in Exodus. The second at Kadesh. And this is the third major camp out. And it is

at Moab. Where is Moab and who are the Moabites?

Moab was located east of the southern half of the Dead Sea.

The Moabites descended from Moab, the son of Lot.

Who was Abraham's nephew?

Yeah, Lot was Abraham's nephew.

And Lot had a son with his oldest daughter.

It was a really sad story. Go back and listen to Genesis 19, season one of Bible Book Club. And he has a daughter with his, he has a son with his daughter and he names a Moab. And these are the Moabites. Okay. Our first story camped at Moab is not even really about the Israelites, which is kind of fun. It's the story of how God used people outside of Israel on behalf of Israel. It's the story

of Balak, the king of Moab, and Balam, a Mesopotamian, diviner, or seer.

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