Discovery BoxExodus 33:16
Context33:16 For how will it be known then that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not by your going with us, so that we will be distinguished, I and your people, from all the people who are on the face of the earth?” 1
Numbers 23:9
Context23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see them; 2
from the hills I watch them. 3
Indeed, a nation that lives alone,
and it will not be reckoned 4 among the nations.
Deuteronomy 33:28
Context33:28 Israel lives in safety,
the fountain of Jacob is quite secure, 5
in a land of grain and new wine;
indeed, its heavens 6 rain down dew. 7
John 17:16
Context17:16 They do not belong to the world 8 just as I do not belong to the world. 9
[33:16] 1 sn See W. Brueggemann, “The Crisis and Promise of Presence in Israel,” HBT 1 (1979): 47-86; and N. M. Waldman, “God’s Ways – A Comparative Note,” JQR 70 (1979): 67-70.
[23:9] 2 tn Heb “him,” but here it refers to the Israelites (Israel).
[23:9] 3 sn Balaam reports his observation of the nation of Israel spread out below him in the valley. Based on that vision, and the
[23:9] 4 tn The verb could also be taken as a reflexive – Israel does not consider itself as among the nations, meaning, they consider themselves to be unique.
[33:28] 5 tn Heb “all alone.” The idea is that such vital resources as water will some day no longer need protection because God will provide security.
[33:28] 6 tn Or “skies.” The Hebrew term שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) may be translated “heaven(s)” or “sky” depending on the context.
[33:28] 7 tn Or perhaps “drizzle, showers.” See note at Deut 32:2.
[17:16] 8 tn Grk “they are not of the world.” This is a repetition of the second half of v. 14. The only difference is in word order: Verse 14 has οὐκ εἰσὶν ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου (ouk eisin ek tou kosmou), while here the prepositional phrase is stated first: ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου οὐκ εἰσίν (ek tou kosmou ouk eisin). This gives additional emphasis to the idea of the prepositional phrase, i.e., origin, source, or affiliation.
