The Expression ûqsāmîm beyâdâm (Numbers 22:7) in Light of Divinatory Practices from Mari

The expression ûqsāmîm b^eyâdâm (Num 22:7) has been explained variously as "diviner's salary," "divinatory equipment," or "power of divination in their hands." None of these interpretations has been accepted universally. Parallels from newly published and republished Mari texts (Durand AEM I/1) suggest two new possibilities. The q^esāmîm may be substitutes for Israel upon which divination is to be performed. More likely, they are models of omens concerning Israel which are dispatched to Balaam for an expert, more advantageous opinion. The biblical q^esāmîm are functionally and semantically equivalent to the Mari têrētum which are baked and sent from one diviner to another for authoritative interpretation.