The inspired writers often couched their words in language relating to their own culture, background and experience. This does not detract in any way from the inspiration of that language. Jesus himself adopted this method of teaching as he often spoke words by way of parables and similes. In such a way, it appeals to our imagination, makes us think, and causes us to "delight in the law of the Lord" (Psa. 1:2). What are some of these metaphorical representations, or similitudes of the word of God?

First, there are similitudes from kings, legislators, or judges. This is seen in that God's word is often represented as a law (2 Kgs. 10:31 ; 1 Chron. 16:40 ; 22:12 ). James calls it a "royal law" (2:8). These are but a few scriptures that so describe the word of God. Often, we read of God's statutes (Gen. 26:5; Psa. 19:8; et al). Or, it may be his testimonies (Deut. 4:45 ; Neh. 9:34 ). That word is sometimes referred to as God's judgments (Lev. 18:4-5; Psa. 10:5). Such passages show us a code of enactments for the regulation of the heart and life of man. It may be God's counsels (Pro. 22:20 ; Isa. 25:1), or God's wisdom (1 Kgs. 3:28 ; Pro. 2:6). These latter two are given by a teacher to the unlearned, that they may know God's will. And so we can see these terms as they stress the legal aspect of God's word.

Next, there are similitudes from earthly treasures. Hence, God's word is called precious (1 Sam. 3:1), or as the NKJ has it, "rare." The word here is one meaning "brightness, clear, costly, excellent..." This shows its value; it is above silver or gold (Psa. 19: 10 ; 119:72). In this we see the unalloyed character of God's word. God's word is seen as great spoil (Psa. 119:162, or "treasure" (NKJ). In the scriptures are treasures of light, comfort, peace, joy and glory. These are treasures that cannot be stolen or corrupted, and they enrich man in time and eternity.

Then there are similitudes from the works of nature. God's word is thus referred to as a light; a lamp (Psa. 119:105, 130). Here is its purity; it is radiant as light. It is thus adapted to the mental and moral vision of man. In this realm, we also find God's word represented as a fire (Jer. 23:29 ), thus showing the penetrating nature of it. It warms the cold and chilly bones of man! Moses wrote that God's words were as beautiful and plenteous as dew (Deut. 32:2). Here is its refreshing aspect; its essentiality, even as the rain, fertilizing the streams and land (Isa. 55:10). That word is also described as thunder, and this would show its great power; its potency (1 Sam. 2:10 ; 7:10 ; Job 26:14; 37:5).

Next, God's word is represented by similes from the necessaries of human life. Divine truth is depicted as precious seed (Lk. 8:11 ; Isa. 55:10-11). Here is the sustaining power; the life giving power, of the word of God. Sometimes it is referred to as bread (Isa. 55: 10-11 ; Jer. 15:16 ), and so we have food for the spiritual man. Or, it may be water or milk (Isa. 55:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:2; John 4:10 , 13-14). Its sweetness is demonstrated as it is referred to as honey (Psa. 19:9-10; 119:103, and it is also looked upon as strength (Psa. 103:20; 119:28).

Finally, there are similitudes from weapons of war, or other useful instruments. One of the best known of these metaphors pictures God's word as a sword (Eph. 6:17 ). Here is the means by which the Christian both defends himself and defeats the enemy. The term arrows is used to describe how God's enemies are destroyed (Psa. 45:5). Jeremiah said that God's word was a hammer, and with it the stony hearts of men are broken. As God's word guides the lives of men, it may be a rod (Psa. 23:4; 110:2). James refers to it as a mirror (1:23), by which man can see himself as he really is as he stands before that mirror, as it were, and views himself as he truly is before God.

How versatile then is the word of God! That word will be useful in any arena of life that man may find himself in. And so in these metaphorical terms, we can see the many ways that God's revelation is shown to us, covering a wise spectrum of situations in the lives of men. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

Is there a Solomon in the house? I thought we were going to need one in a congregation where I was holding a meeting once. Seems that a young fellow, some 13 or 14 years of age, had obeyed the gospel, for which everyone rejoiced... until his father threw the proverbial "'monkey wrench" in the works of the teaching program. Had the old idea that's been around for years, that "my boy is now a Christian, and so there is no way he can be taught by a woman."

Another good brother spoke up and . opined that such an idea was on the ridiculous side, then turned and asked me what I thought about the situation (that's a real good feeling - caught smack dab in the middle of a local church squabble)! Then a wiser head intervened and said the problem was easy to solve - since the boy's father felt the way he did, best thing was to put a man teacher in the class. Whereupon the fellow who thought the woman teacher was alright objected to a man teaching! See, his view was that young people of the age of the new convert should be taught by women!

We got through the meeting without any major disruptions, and then it was time for this writer to go home. But I have often wondered how this tremendous problem was solved? One man's mountain is another's molehill - that's all I can think of. - Bill Moseley