Vampires in the Bible??

From http://el-paso.ucg.org/


"There Are Three Things...Yes, Four" (30:15-33)


Most of the numerical proverbs here list four items with the formula "three...yes, four." As noted in the Bible Reading Program comments on an earlier numerical proverb, 6:16-19, this kind of numerical progression enhances the poetry of a given saying, serves as a memory aid, builds to a climax and implies that there are numerous examples of the subject that could be given—the ones listed being only a representative few (compare also Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 2:1, 4, 6).



(6) The Bloodsucker's Two Daughters and Four Insatiable Things (30:15-16). "TYPE: NUMERICAL SAYING, RIDDLE....Verse 15a, although actually a separate numerical saying [using the number two] from vv. 15b-16 [listing four items with the formula "three...four"], is linked to it by the common theme of insatiability. Also the numerical pattern of the two sayings together is 2-3-4, and this also serves to hold the whole unit together" (NAC).



A leech ("horseleach" in the KJV) is literally a bloodsucking worm—though some, based on linguistics and Middle Eastern traditions, have thought that the word ‘alukah here could refer to a demonic ghoul or vampire. There are, of course, no real vampires as portrayed in folklore and horror stories. Yet there have been, and still are, demonically influenced people who act like vampires. On the other hand, the idea here could be one of using a popular myth to make a moral point (implying nothing about the reality of the mentioned creature).



For those who understand the word in question to mean the parasitic worm, the two "daughters"—either each named "Give" or each crying "Give!" (always wanting more)—are typically thought to be the leech's two suckers, one at each end. While "daughters" perhaps seems an odd figurative label for the mouths of a creature, we might consider this a reversed form of the modern metaphor of referring to children as mouths to feed. Accepting this interpretation, some see the verse as a simple observation about something in nature that is not satisfied—parallel to other items that follow.



Yet the word "leech" could probably refer figuratively to a type of person—just as it does today. Even if something like "vampire" is intended, the usage would still almost certainly be figurative in the same way the word leech could be—the reference in either case being to a "bloodsucking person," one who greedily abuses others in taking from them, or even a "bloodthirsty" person who would kill others. Indeed, note again the description in the previous verse of people "whose teeth are like swords, and whose fangs are like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men." These could be the vampires or leeches in mind in verse 15 (and this would be a thematic advancement from verse 14, similar to catchword advancements elsewhere in the chapter). In line with this interpretation, "daughters" could refer to the circumstances leechlike or bloodsucking people give birth to—others giving and giving still more (as the demand is never satisfied).



The New American Commentary says that "verses 15b-16 comprise a riddle. Although it is fairly easy to establish in what sense each of the four things is insatiable, the real question is what might be the reason this list is here at all.... The most reasonable solution [this commentary concludes] is that all serve as metaphors for the insatiably greedy or parasitic people" (note on verses 15-16). Some have noted in this regard that the images of the grave (similar to Proverbs 27:20) and devouring fire portray the parasitic people as menacing, while the barren womb and parched ground make them look desperate. On the other hand, the list of four things that are never satisfied here—death, barrenness, lack and fiery destruction—could conceivably be presented as ironic judgments on the never-satisfied, greedy people. Either way, note the A-B-B-A chiastic arrangement of these four items.