Israel’s Numbers

Adam’s Aftermath

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We are still discussing the polytheistic background of “the sons of the gods” in Gen 6:2, on a long detour through this verse, in the third-to-last chapter of the Torah, from the Song of Moses:

^{Deut 32:8} When the Most High gave nations their homes

         And set the divisions of man,

         He fixed the boundaries of peoples

      In relation to Israel’s numbers.

The “Most High” is עליון Elyon, originally — and perhaps here too originally — the High God of the Canaanites. As you remember from last time, I suggested that Psalm 82 describes how the Israelite God, YHWH, was chosen by acclamation as the new High God, one who would do a better job than Elyon.

Other psalms (like Psalms 29 and 93) seem to think YHWH has always been the #1 God, but they nonetheless surround him with other gods to praise him, get coffee for him, and the like. Nowadays we call these lesser gods “angels,” but there is not a lot of difference between angels and minor-league gods, if you think about it.

Back in Deut 32:8, we see that “the Most High” has put every nation on earth where he wants them and drawn boundaries for them. No coloring outside the line, guys! However … what could that possibly have to do with “Israel’s numbers”?

There are traditionally two explanations: