Repetition Principle

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Repetition Principle

            This is where God continually repeats certain words or phrases in order to gain our attention or to emphasis something.  At these times the Bible student should listen carefully.

        “Cursed”:  There are twelve curses found in Deuteronomy 27:15-26, and again seven times in Deuteronomy 28:15-19.  The first are the curses on disobedience and the later are the curses of disobedience.

            1.  Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image...

            2.  Cursed be he that sitteth light by his father or mother...

            3.  Cursed be he that removeth his neighbor's landmark...

            4.  Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way...

            5.  Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow...

            6.  Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife...

            7.  Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beasts...

            8.  Cursed be he that lieth with his sister...

            9.  Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law...

            10.  Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor secretly...

            11.  Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person...

            12.  Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them...

           

  There are six blessings in Deuteronomy 28:2-6.  These blessings are immediately after the above curses.

1.      “Blessed shalt thou be in the city...”

2.      “...and blessed shalt thou be in the field.”

3.      “Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body...”

4.      “Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.”

5.      “Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in...”

6.      “...and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.” 

            “The Lord shall:” The statement of “The Lord shall” is repeated six times in Deuteronomy 28:7-13 and again nine times in Deuteronomy 28:20-36.  The first series are the blessings of obedience.  The second are the consequences of disobedience.

1.      “The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten...”

2.      “The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses...”

3.      “The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself...”

4.      “And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods...”

5.      “The Lord shall open unto thee is good treasure...”

6.      “And the Lord shall make thee the head and not the tail...” 

            “Cursed:” Again, in 28:16-19, we have a series six of “cursed” statements.  This is the second round after twelve that we had in 27:16-26.  These are the curses of disobedience.

1.      “Cursed shalt thou be in the city...”

2.      “...and cursed shalt thou be in the field.”

3.      “Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.”

4.      “Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body...”

5.      “Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in...

6.      “...and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.”

            “The Lord shall:” In Deuteronomy 28: 20-68 we have a series of twelve “The Lord shall.”

1.      “The Lord shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke...”

2.      “The Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee...”

3.      “The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew...”

4.      “The Lord shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust...”

5.      “The Lord shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies...”

6.      “The Lord will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst be healed.”

7.      “The Lord shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart.”

8.      “The Lord shall smite thee in the knees and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.”

9.      “The Lord shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known...”

10.  “The Lord shall bring a nation against thee from far...”

11.  “The Lord shall scatter thee among all people...”

12.  “The Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again...”

            “Thou shalt:” The phrase “thou shall” is repeated thirteen times in Deuteronomy 28:30-41.

1.      Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her...”

2.      “...thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein...”

3.      thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.”

4.      “...thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed always.”

5.      “...thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.”

6.      “...thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword...”

7.      “Thou shalt carry much seed into the field, and shalt gather but little in...”

8.      “Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine...”

9.      “Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them...”

10.  “...and thou shalt come down very low.”

11.  “He shall lead lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him...”

12.  “...he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.”

13.  “...thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body...”

            “Blessed:” There are twenty-two beatitudes in the book of Psalms.

            1. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (Psalm 1:1).”

            2. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (Psalm 32:1).”

            3. “Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no guile (Psalm 32:2).”

       4. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance (Psalm 33:12).”

            5. “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him (Psalm 34:8).”

            6. “Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respected not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies (Psalm 40: 4).”

            7. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor:  the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble (Psalm 41:1).”

            8. “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting.  Amen and amen (Psalm 41:13).”

          9. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation (Psalm 68:19).”

            10. “Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).”

            11. “And blessed be his glorious name for ever:  and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen and Amen (Psalm 72:19).”

       12. “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house:  they will be still praising thee (Psalm 84:4).”

            13. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them (Psalm 84:5).”

            14. “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound:  they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance (Psalm 89:15).”

            15. “Blessed is the man whom thou chasteneth, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; (Psalm 94:12).”

            16. “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times (Psalm 106:3).”

            17.  Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting… (Psalm 106:48).

       18. “Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore (Psalm 113:2).”

            19. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD (Psalm 119:1).”

            20. “Blessed are they that keep is testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart (Psalm 119:2).”

            21. “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways (Psalm 128:1).”

            22. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight (Psalm 144:1).”          “Vanity:” This word is used thirty-six times in the book of Ecclesiastes.

            “Vanity and vexation of spirit:” This phrase is used seven times in the book of Ecclesiastes.

             The Six Woe’s:  The six woes found in Isaiah 5:8-32 speak on the judgment on Israel for its wickedness.

             1.  Selfish greed- v. 8-10: “Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there is no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!”

            2.  Drunken conduct- v. 11-17: “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them….”

3.  Mockery at God’s power to judge their sin- v. 18-19: “Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope….”

4.  Distortion of God’s moral standards- v. 20: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

            5. Arrogance and pride- v. 21: “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eye’s and prudent in their own sight!”

6.  Perversion of justice- v. 22-23: “Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

             “Verily, verily:” This phrase is used seven times by John in his Gospel; 5:24, 25; 6:26,32, 47, 53; 8:34.

             “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches:” This phrase is repeated six times in Revelation 2 and 3.  Four times in the second chapter; 2:7, 11,17,29 and twice in chapter three; 3:6, 13.

            “Fulfilled:” This word is used frequently in the book of Matthew.

            “Kingdom:” This word is used fifty times in the book of Matthew.

            “Kingdom of Heaven:” This phrase is used thirty times in the book of Matthew.

            “Salvation:” This word is used twenty-eight times in the book of Isaiah.

            “Return:” This is used forty-seven times in the book of Jeremiah.

             “They shall know that I am God:” This phrase is used seventy times in the book of Ezekiel.

            “Son of man:” This phrase is used ninety times in the book of Ezekiel.

            “The word of the LORD came to me:” This phrase is used forty-nine times in the book f Ezekiel.

            “Glory of Israel” or “The glory of the LORD:” This phrase is used eleven times in the first eleven chapters of the book of Ezekiel.

            “I shall be sanctified through you:” This phrase is used six times in the book of Ezekiel.

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

www.hospiceministryvolunteer.blogspot.com

www.atseminary.com

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Prophecy Principle

  Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Prophecy Principle

             Much of the Bible is prophecy, about a third of it is prophetic.  Basically, prophecy is history written in advance by God, through men.  It is important to know where this prophecy is located and how to interpret them.  Prophets serve a duel role.  They speak the Word of God to people or organizations.  They also speak the Word of God about the future to warn men about their sin and coming judgments.  In Biblical Hermeneutics it is the later that we need to be concerned about.

            Prophecy can be broken down into many different ways.  Here is how I see it in Scripture and how it should be studied.  The three major categories are the prophies of his Current Time, Jesus Christ, and the End Times.  These three categories can have many subcategories, but I will not get into those in this writing.

            Biblical prophecy is also conditional and unconditional.  Conditional prophecies are fulfilled only if Israel fulfills certain conditions laid out in the prophecy.  Unconditional prophecies will be fulfilled by God without conditions.

            With a third of the Bible as prophecy entire books can and has been written about it.  The subject is much too large to properly deal with here, so I will just give the major categories as I see it.

            Prophecy about the Current Times.  This is not our current time, but the current times of the prophet declaring his prophecy.

            Prophecy about Jesus Christ.  There are many prophetic utterances in the Old Testament about the first and second visitation of Jesus Christ.  The New Testament has many utterances of the second visitation of Jesus Christ.

            Prophecy about the End Times.  Information about the End Times is becoming more and more important.

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

www.hospiceministryvolunteer.blogspot.com

www.atseminary.com

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Progressive Mention Principle

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Progressive -Mention Principle

             This is where the revelation of any given truth is increasingly clear as the Word of God proceeds to the end.  The Word of God is a progression, and every progressive mention adds more details to a particular truth.  The progressive mentions of different truths can be lengthy so I will just give one example.

            The Coming Messiah:  Little by little from the very beginning we see clues given by God of a coming Messiah.

              Genesis 3:15: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

When Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, God immediately gave a promise that the Seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent.  At first a very small and vague clue. 

            Genesis 22: 18: “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.”

When Isaac is born to an aging Abraham, God gives another clue.  The promised Seed will be in Isaac's family linage.  At first it was a promise to Eve, the mother of all humanity.  Not it is narrowed down to a descendant of Isaac.

Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why hast thy forsaken me...they pierced my hands and my feet…They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture…”

Another clue was given to the king and prophet David in the psalm of the cross! This whole psalm is about the cross!  He will be forsaken, he will be crucified and they shall gamble for his garments!

Psalm 34:20: “He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”

Another clue again was given to the king and prophet David that his bones would not be broken!

Isaiah 53:4-5: “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Another clue was given to the prophet Isaiah about the killing of the Messiah and why he died!

            Daniel 9:25: “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince…”

            Another clue was given to the prophet Daniel.  The Israelites would come out of Babylon and return to Jerusalem to build it up for the coming Messiah.

            Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto the: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

            Another clue was given to the prophet Zechariah about the Triumphant Entry of the Messiah into Jerusalem.

            Zechariah 11:12: “And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me thy price; and if not, forebear, So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.”

            Another clue was given again to the prophet Zechariah about the price on the Messiah’s head!  Thirty pieces of silver!

            Malachi 3:1: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare thy way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.”

            Another clue was given to the prophet Malachi that a messenger would come just before the appearance of the Messiah.

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

www.hospiceministryvolunteer.blogspot.com

www.atseminary.com

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Patriarch Principle

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Patriarch Principle

             The head of a family or a community will act as the leader or Patriarch to accomplish a personal or community task   Having an understanding of a person’s status is important to the story and its interpretation.

            The Lord entrusted the garden of Eden to Adam, because God recognized him as the Patriarch of the Garden and his future family.  Likewise, Adam was held responsible for the sin of eating the forbidden fruit.

            God commanded Noah to build the ark, because God recognized Noah as the Patriarch of his family.

            God spoke to Abraham and gave him the promised land, because God recognized him as the family patriarch, the leader of his family.

            As far as biblical principles are compared this is a small one.  But it is something to keep in mind.  Family structure was very important back in those days.  Today it is not as important, but we need to keep it in mind that it was everything back in those days.

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

www.hospiceministryvolunteer.blogspot.com

www.atseminary.com

Roop-Crappell Ministries

            

Parable Principle

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Parable Principle

             In the New Testament instances of the word, it is used of a story with a hidden meaning, without pressing, in every detail, the idea of a comparison.[1]

             I know of twenty-three parables in the Old Testament and forty-three in the New Testament.  Because this book is not about parables, but only just this one chapter, I will only discuss two here.  One parable in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament.

             This likeness is generally only in some special point.  One person may be like another in appearance, but not in character, and vice versa; so that when the resemblance or likeness is affirmed it is not to be concluded that the likeness may be pressed in all points, or extended to all particulars.[2]

             For example, a lion is used as a resemblance of Christ, on account of his strength and prowess.  The Devil is likened to “a lion” because of his violence and cruelty.  Christ is compared to a thief, on account of his coming, being unexpected; not on account of dishonesty.[3]

            The resemblance is to be sought for in the scope of the context, and in the one great truth which is presented, and the one important lesson which is taught:  and not in all the minute details with which these happen to be associated.[4]

       The interpretation of the parable be must further distinguished from any application which may be made of it.  For example:  in the Parable of the “Ten Virgins” (Matthew 25:1-12), the interpretation belongs to some special point of time immediately preceding the return of the Lord to the earth.  This is indicated by the word “Then,” with which it commences, and by its place in relation to the context.  Any lesson for ourselves, as to watchfulness on our part, must come as an application of it to present circumstances.[5]

            Bad Vineyard.  Isaiah 5:1-7:  In this parable God, through the prophet Isaiah, is telling the people of Israel that He had carefully planted them in good soil and cared for them.  But they have been a bad vine and did not produce any good fruit and God is planning on pulling them up. God gave this prophetic parable just before the Babylonian captivity.

            The proceeding chapter, chapter four, is about restoring Jerusalem.  After this great hope then God explains His future judgment of Israel.  The first half of the fifth chapter is the parable in discussion.  The second half of the fifth chapter is about the evil that men do.  In chapter seven we have the calling in prophecy of the Messiah.  So, God gives the Jews great hope before and after this parable of judgment.

       “Now will I sing to my well beloved   a song of my beloved touching his vineyard.  My well beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:”

             And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a wine press therein:  and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.

             And now, o inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

       What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?  Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard:  I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and brake down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:

             And I will lay it waste:  it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns:  I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

       For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant:  and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

             The Two Sons- Matthew 21:28-32:  This parable is spoken by Jesus inside the Temple in Jerusalem to the chief priests and the elders.  Jesus reserved His harshest words for the self-righteous religious people who thought they had no need for mercy!

            But what think ye?  A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, son, go work today in my vineyard.

            He answered and said, I will not:  but afterward he repented, and went.

            And he came to the second, and said likewise.  And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

            Whether of them twain did the will of his father?  They say unto him, the first.  Jesus saith unto them, verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

            For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not:  but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

1.      [1] E. W. Bullinger.  Figures of Speech used in the Bible.  Baker Book House.  Grand Rapids, MI.  1968, p. 751.

2.      [2] ibed.

3.      [3] ibed, 751-2.

4.      [4]ibed.

5.      [5] ibed.

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

www.hospiceministryvolunteer.blogspot.com

www.atseminary.com

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Literary Structure Principle

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Literary Structure Principle

            This is a principle where God, through His Bible writers, structures Scripture in an organized way to make a certain point, or communicate additional information.  Literary structure is common in literature and especially in poetry.  Books have been written about this subject, so I will just give a few examples of Alternation and Introverted Parallelism.

Examples of Alternation:

Joshua- 4:1-9:  An alternation pattern in describing a building of a memorial to God.

A. Twelve men.

            B.  Twelve stones.

                        C. The place.

A.  Twelve men.

            B.  Twelve stones.

                        C.  The memorial.

A.  Twelve men.

            B.  Twelve stones.

                        C.  The place.

The Book of Jonah:  The book of Jonah is a very organized writing done in an alternation fashion.

A.  Calling. 

B. Disobedience.

                        C.  Consequences.

                                    D.  Prayer.

                                                E.  Deliverance.

A.  Calling.

            B.  Obedience.

                        C. Consequences.

                                    D. Prayer.

                                                E. Correction.

            Proverb 31:  This proverb is written in an alternation fashion after a short introduction.

A.  Her husband.

            B.  Her occupation.

                        C. Her Character.

                                    D. Her household.

                                                E. Herself.

A. Her husband.

            B. Her occupation.

                        C. Her character.

                                    D. Her household.

                                                E. Herself.

2 Thessalonians:  The Apostle Paul used alternation in forming his thoughts in his second letter to the Thessalian church.  This is a very long example of alternation, so I will not write it out here, but it can be found in 2 Thessalonians 1:3-3:15.

A few other examples can be found in John 3:20-21; Matthew 23:16,17; Acts 2: 14-36; Ezekiel 36: 26,27; Jeremiah 17: 5-8; 1 Corinthians 3:6,7; Psalms 1; Isaiah 55:8-9.

Examples of Introverted Parallelism:

Isaiah 6:10:  Here is a small version of introverted Parallelism.

A.  Heart.

B. Ears.

            C. Eyes.

            C. Eyes.

B. Ears.

A. Heart

            Luke 1:68-79:  Here is a larger one given to us by the Apostle Luke.

A. Visitation.

            B. Salvation.

                        C. Prophets.

                                    D. Enemies.

                                                E. Covenant.

                                                E. Oath.

                                    D. Enemies.

                        C. Prophet.

            B. Salvation.

A. Visitation.

Other examples of Introverted Parallelism being used are in Genesis 3:19; Exodus 9:31; Numbers 15: 35,36; Deuteronomy 32:16; 1 Samuel 1:2; 2 Samuel 3:1; 1 Kings 16:22; 2 Chronicles 32:7; Psalm 8; Psalm 23; Psalm 76:1;  Psalm 117; Psalm 105: 4-8; Psalm 135:15-18; Psalm 150; Proverbs 1:26,27; Proverbs 3:16; Isaiah 5:7; Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 50:1; Isaiah 51: 8-9; Isaiah 60:1-3; Daniel 5:19; Matthew 6:24; Matthew 7:6; Romans 9: 21-23; 1 Corinthians 1:24,25; 2 Corinthians.

Okay, why is literary structure important in Biblical Hermeneutics you might ask?  Well, by seeing the literary structure of a book or a letter, or even a chapter, we can see a “birds’ eye” view of the text.  By seeing the “big picture” of a given text we can see the context more clearly.  We can observe the thought process of the author as he organized his work.  This is also very helpful in understanding the context of the writing.

           

Metaphor Principle

            Metaphor is comparison by direct assertion, in which the speaker or writer describes one thing in terms of something else.  Most metaphors are designed; IE., the author intends to make a direct comparison.  These can usually be identified from the metaphors are metaphors presumed to be unintentional.[1]

             The Bible is filled with metaphors.  It is probably the most common figure of speech used in the Bible.  God used them, Jesus used them, the apostles used them.  Locating metaphors and understanding how and for what they are being used is critical in the proper understanding and interpretation of the Bible.

             A metaphor should not be confused with a Simile.  The difference can be slight.  While the Simile says “All flesh is AS grass” (1 Peter 1:24), the metaphor carries the figure across at once, and says “All flesh IS grass” (Isaiah 60:6).  This is the distinction between the two.[2]

            The Simile says “All we like sheep,” while the Metaphor declares that “we are the sheep of His pasture.”[3]

            Let it then be clearly understood that a Metaphor is confined to a distinct affirmation that one thing, IS another thing, owing to some association or connection in the uses or effects of anything expressed or understood.[4]

             For example, “All flesh IS grass.” Here “flesh” is to be taken literally as the subject spoken of, and “grass” is to be taken equally literally as that which represents “flesh.”[5]

       Psalm 23- The Lord is my Shepherd:  Here, we have a Metaphor; and in it a great and blessed truth is set forth by the representation of Jehovah as a Shepherd.  It is He who tends his People, and does more for them than any earthly shepherd does for his sheep.  All his titles and attributes are so bound up with this care that in this Psalm we have the illustration of all the Jehovah-titles:

             In verse 1.  “I shall not want,” because He is JEHOVAH-JIREH (Genesis 22:14), an will provide.

            In verse 2.  “He loadeth me beside the waters of quietness, because He is JEHOVAH-SHALOM (Judges 6:24), and will give peace.

            In verse 3.  “He restoreth my soul,” for He is JEHOVAH-ROPHECHA (Exodus 15:26), and will graciously heal.

             In verse 3.  He guides me “in the paths of righteousness,” for He is JEHOVAH-TZIDKENU (Jeremiah 23:6), and is Himself my righteousness, and I am righteous in Him (Jeremiah 33:16).

            In verse 4.  In death’s dark valley “Thou art with me,” for thou art JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH (Ezekiel 48:35), and the LORD is there.

             In verse 5.  “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies,” for Thou art JEHOVAH-NISSI (Exodus 17:15), my banner, and will fight for me, while I feast.

            In verse 5.  “Thou anointest my head with oil,” for Thou art JEHOVAH-MEKADDESCHEM (Exodus 31:13, etc.), the LORD that sanctifieth me.

             In verse 6.  “Surely” all these blessings are mine for time and eternity, for He is JEHOVAH-ROHI (Psalm 23:1), Jehovah my Shepherd, pledged to raise me up from the dead, and to preserve and bring me “through” the valley of death into His glorious kingdom (John 6:39).[6]

        Salt- Matthew 5:13: “Ye are the salt of the earth” : I.e.., ye are (or represent) with regard to the earth what salt is to the other things, preserving it from total destruction; just as the few righteous in Sodom would have preserved that city.

            Body- Matthew 26:26: “This is my body.”  Few passages have been more perverted than this simple metaphor.  They offering at the Last Supper of bread and wine is not the body of Christ, it is just a metaphor.

             Bread of life- John 6:35: “I am the bread of life:  I.e., what bread does in supporting natural life is a representation of what Christ does in supporting and nourishing the new, Divine, spiritual life.[7] 

            Light of the world- John 8:12: “I am the light of the world.”  This is a beautiful metaphor.  He is not a natural light but a spiritual light.

            Door- John 10:9: “I am the door”:  I.e., I am what a door is.  I am the entrance to the sheepfold, and to the Father.  Yes, a door, and not a flight of steps.  A door, through which we pass in one movement from one side to the other.[8]

            Vine- John 15:5: “I am the true vine.”  Jesus Christ is not a vine, this is just a metaphor.

             Galatians 4:24: “Which things are an allegory:  for these are the two covenants.”

[1] A. Berkeley Mickelson. Interpreting the Bible.  Wm. B. Eermans Publishing House.  Grand Rapids, MI, p. 183.  1963.

[2] E. W. Bullinger.  Figures of Speech used in the Bible.  Baker Book House.  Grand Rapids, MI. 1968, p. 735.

[3] ibed.

[4] ibed.

[5] ibed, p. 736.

[6] ibed, p. 737-8.

[7] ibed, p. 743.

[8] ibed.

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

www.hospiceministryvolunteer.blogspot.com

www.atseminary.com

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Illustrative Mention Principle

Illustrative Mention Principle

             This is where God shows His anger at certain kind of sins by judgment.   By doing this God highlights His displeasure of those sins, but sin in general.

            Disobedience: Genesis 3:14-19:  Adam and Eve disobeyed the Word of God and so God had to judge them to show His displeasure and for an example to the future generations.  The judgment was separation from God and the loss of security of the Garden.

            Corruption and violence:  Genesis 6-8:  The whole world was corrupt and violent, 6:11-13.  This highlighted sin was judged in Genesis 7-8.  The judgment was a world- wide flood that wiped out the earth so that God could start over.

            Pride:  Genesis 11:  Man had built a tower to walk into heaven, without an invite.  Man desired to “make a name” for himself, Genesis 11:4.  God judged man with their greatest fear at the time.  To be “scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.  Genesis 11:4.

           Homosexuality:  Genesis 18:16- 19:29:  This was by far the overwhelming sin of Sodom and Gomorrah.  We can see this in Genesis 19: 4-5.  The judgment for this sin was death and hell fire in the form of molten sulfur.  This area today has the second largest deposits of sulfur in the world!

            Lack of Faith:  Genesis 22:  Because of Abraham's lack of faith in Chapter twenty with Abimelech, God decides to judge Abraham and to prove his faith and obedience with the sacrifice of his only son.  The judgment was a severe test for Abraham to prove his faith.

            Blasphemy:  Leviticus 10:  Nadab and Abihu, the son's of Aaron offered strange fire before the Lord.  The Lord immediately judged them by a righteous fire, killing both of them!  This was done as an example to illustrate the importance of service before the alter.  Here, also, God shows that he will punish blasphemy most severely!

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

www.hospiceministryvolunteer.blogspot.com

www.atseminary.com