The date of the book’s composition in the Persian period does not preclude the possibility that earlier material is found within it. The writers of the book seem to have incorporated some traditional material, especially poetic fragments. How ancient these are is difficult to ascertain in most cases. To the writers of Numbers, they probably appeared ancient. Two good examples of texts with earlier histories are the story of Balaam (Num. 22–24) and the priestly blessing (6:22–27). The oracles of Balaam