Post by Lee on Dec 5, 2014 1:54:57 GMT
Job 5:19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
W. C. S. writes:—Kindly explain the significance of the following phrase: “For three transgressions of (Damascus, or as the case may be), and for four.” The phrase occurs eight times, and is contained in the first and second chapters of Amos. I think there must be a reason for the style employed, otherwise why should not the wording be like this: “For four transgressions,” etc.?
ANSWER.—The expression in question, which finds such frequent illustration in the prophecy of Amos, is a Hebrew idiom, and imports that the cities and countries threatened with divine “punishment,” had fairly “filled up the measure” of their iniquity (compare Matt. 23:32). “Judah” and “Israel” are not exempted (Amos 2:4, 6); but complete and consummate the list of the prophetic denunciations. But in the end God will “raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen” (9:11); and even a “heathen remnant” shall survive, “all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord” (Acts 15:17). Some have supposed a kind of arithmetical summation to be implied in the idiom—as, three plus four, equalling seven; but this is inadmissible and fanciful. The rendering of the R.V. in these eight places is preferable to that of the A.V. thus:—“For three transgressions of, . . . yea, for four.” And doubtless the word of God would not have exaggerated had it been “yea, for forty and four”! The meaning is simply “for many.” “Sins as scarlet” (Isa. 1:18). Sins that “reach unto heaven” (Rev. 18:5). Similar idioms to that of Amos are, found in other places with a similar meaning. For instance, Job 5:19: “He shall deliver thee in six troubles, yea, in seven”—that is, altogether. Compare also the “seven times more” of Lev. 26:21; and the “seven ways” of Deut. 28:7, 25. “God worketh oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the pit” (Job 33:29). “Give a portion to seven, and also to eight” (Ecc. 11:2); that is, deal bountifully the bread of life while God gives opportunity. See the context. Other illustrations might be given, but our brother will doubtless meet them in the daily readings.
(1917). The Christadelphian, 54(electronic ed.), 17–18.
W. C. S. writes:—Kindly explain the significance of the following phrase: “For three transgressions of (Damascus, or as the case may be), and for four.” The phrase occurs eight times, and is contained in the first and second chapters of Amos. I think there must be a reason for the style employed, otherwise why should not the wording be like this: “For four transgressions,” etc.?
ANSWER.—The expression in question, which finds such frequent illustration in the prophecy of Amos, is a Hebrew idiom, and imports that the cities and countries threatened with divine “punishment,” had fairly “filled up the measure” of their iniquity (compare Matt. 23:32). “Judah” and “Israel” are not exempted (Amos 2:4, 6); but complete and consummate the list of the prophetic denunciations. But in the end God will “raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen” (9:11); and even a “heathen remnant” shall survive, “all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord” (Acts 15:17). Some have supposed a kind of arithmetical summation to be implied in the idiom—as, three plus four, equalling seven; but this is inadmissible and fanciful. The rendering of the R.V. in these eight places is preferable to that of the A.V. thus:—“For three transgressions of, . . . yea, for four.” And doubtless the word of God would not have exaggerated had it been “yea, for forty and four”! The meaning is simply “for many.” “Sins as scarlet” (Isa. 1:18). Sins that “reach unto heaven” (Rev. 18:5). Similar idioms to that of Amos are, found in other places with a similar meaning. For instance, Job 5:19: “He shall deliver thee in six troubles, yea, in seven”—that is, altogether. Compare also the “seven times more” of Lev. 26:21; and the “seven ways” of Deut. 28:7, 25. “God worketh oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the pit” (Job 33:29). “Give a portion to seven, and also to eight” (Ecc. 11:2); that is, deal bountifully the bread of life while God gives opportunity. See the context. Other illustrations might be given, but our brother will doubtless meet them in the daily readings.
(1917). The Christadelphian, 54(electronic ed.), 17–18.