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Questions from Our Readers

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Questions from Our Readers

5 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

About Habbakuk 2:3, I usually hear the text “though it (He) tarry, wait for it …” being used as a comfort for God’s people or for those standing from afar that the Lord will come (in His mercy). However, when I read it recently, it seemed more like a promise that He will come with His judgments over His enemies. Is it not wrong to use a text like this out of context?

Rev. H. Hofman, Kalamazoo, MI

The question about text and context is a very interesting one. I always appreciate it when people come with questions about the meaning of a text or the significance of the context. Why? Because sometimes random and undue criticism is given about sermons which is not founded upon the exegesis of the text. Often such comments come from ears which are dull of hearing or have become itchy because of the truth expounded in the text. A servant of God must know that he has dug deeply into the depth of the meaning of the text. I do not say that he always reaches the bottom, but he certainly must aim for this. A text is not a kind of peg on which one hangs the coat of the sermon. The text is the message, and now it needs explanation and application. The minister must be balanced in the choice of texts on which to preach. If there is to be constructive criticism, let it be about the explanation and application of the text. I wish the very simple and instructive book of Rev. A. Moerkerken Zin en Mening (Den Hertog, Netherlands, 2010) would be available for our English readers. There are rules for what is permitted and not permitted in the explanation and use of a text, both in context and out of context. See also L. Berkhof’s Principles of Biblical Interpretation for a more in-depth study of this matter.

Regarding the use of texts out of context, it is interesting to note that there are some examples in Scripture which show that the Old Testament is quoted in the New Testament out of the context (but certainly not out of place). Actually, it is better to state that such passages are used in a sense that may not be so apparent in the Old Testament. Scripture also in this way explains Scripture. Passages where this is the case often concern typology, antitype, or even allegory. See examples of this in Romans 3:10-18 and Galatians 4. Let us remember, though, that whenever this takes place, the author does so as inspired by the infallible Holy Spirit, so what Paul as secondary author does, we may not just randomly or at our leisure copy.

Regarding the question at hand, the answer is not so complicated because when we look at the context of the text, we see that the prophecy of Habakkuk opens with a need which is first and foremost on the prophet’s mind. Trouble, plundering, strife, violence, contention, the law is powerless, justice is missing, the wicked surround the righteous, and as waves, overtake the people. The wicked in his pride does persecute the poor. Their mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud. Worst of all, the Lord does not seem to hear. There seems to be no hearing ear from heaven and no saving help for the Lord’s anointed. Perhaps there is a reader who understands the complaint: “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? why art Thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but Thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent” (Psalm 22:1&2). From God’s first reply (Habakkuk 1:5-11) it appears that this will get worse before it will get better, but in Chapter 2 we meet the prophet upon his watchtower, and the Lord speaks to him there. The vision of the destruction of the enemy is, at the same time, an encouragement to wait for it. Though the night has been long and the day dark, it is not in vain to wait for the Lord. The long-awaited judgment of the Lord on His enemies will be the day of vengeance for the Church of God. It actually is the proclamation of the acceptable year of the Lord to comfort all that mourn in Zion. So yes, it is comfort for an afflicted people even though the destruction of the enemy is involved. The enemy will not have the last word. Psalm 9:6 says, “O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end” (meaning: finished forever).

In closing, I wish to point out another thought related to the question. Personally, I always appreciate it when people, especially God’s people, speak biblically, that is, a scriptural language. This is still distinct from the “language of Canaan” per se, which refers more to the language of faith, the language of a child of God as taught by the Lord. What I mean is this: there are many texts in the Bible which lend themselves for use in daily life. Let me illustrate what I mean. If I meet someone who thinks very highly of himself and is constantly speaking about himself, I could say: “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth.” This is a biblical comment from the book of Proverbs. If someone does not know what to do or how things will go or turn out in his life, I could say: “See whether the arrows fall on this side or beyond.” It is an encouraging sign if the person you speak to knows what is meant. Then even though the text may be used somewhat out of context, it will be a very fitting way to state or explain a sensitive or difficult matter.

Please send your questions to Rev. H. Hofman, 112 Pratt Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, or hofman@premieronline.net.

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Bekijk de hele uitgave van donderdag 1 maart 2018

The Banner of Truth | 24 Pagina's

Questions from Our Readers

Bekijk de hele uitgave van donderdag 1 maart 2018

The Banner of Truth | 24 Pagina's