Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Title: Parallelisms
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Host Speaker: R.C. Sproul
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Introduction to Wisdom Literature
[00:00] Nathan W. Bingham:
The episode begins with Nathan W. Bingham posing a foundational question: “How should we interpret wisdom literature in the Bible?” This sets the stage for a deep dive into understanding the various literary forms within Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and correctly interpreting different genres to apply Biblical truths effectively.
Understanding Wisdom Literature
[00:03] R.C. Sproul:
R.C. Sproul responds by highlighting that wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, offers practical wisdom and principles applicable to everyday life struggles. He cautions against misinterpreting Proverbs as moral absolutes, clarifying that unlike the Ten Commandments, Proverbs were not intended to be read with the same strictness.
Quote:
"But don't confuse the Proverbs with moral absolutes. They were never intended to be read that way." — R.C. Sproul [00:03]
The Diversity of Biblical Literature
[00:27] Nathan W. Bingham:
Bingham elaborates on the Bible's diversity, mentioning various literary forms like historical narratives, poetry, and didactic teachings. He underscores the importance of identifying the category of each biblical book to comprehend and apply its message accurately.
Exploring Parallelism in Hebrew Literature
[01:06] R.C. Sproul:
Sproul delves into a specific Hebrew literary form called parallelism, which is prevalent in ancient Israelite writings. He illustrates this by referencing Isaiah 45:7, where God declares, “I form the light and create darkness. I make peace and create evil.” Sproul explains that recognizing parallelism is crucial to avoiding misinterpretations, such as misconstruing God as the creator of evil.
Quote:
"What we have here is an example of a particular kind of parallelism... But once we recognize this as the parallelism, even if we don't know a word in Hebrew, we can see that there's something wrong here in our understanding." — R.C. Sproul [01:06]
Types of Parallelism
1. Synonymous Parallelism
Sproul defines synonymous parallelism as two lines conveying the same idea differently. Using Proverbs 19:5 as an example:
Proverbs 19:5:
"A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape."
Both lines express the same concept using varied language, reinforcing the message without introducing new information.
Quote:
"Synonymous parallelism says exactly the same thing with the slight alteration of language." — R.C. Sproul [08:15]
2. Antithetical Parallelism
Antithetical parallelism presents contrasting ideas in parallel lines. Sproul cites Proverbs 13:10:
Proverbs 13:10:
"Only by pride comes contention. But with the well advised is wisdom."
Here, pride is contrasted with humility, illustrating the outcomes of each trait.
Quote:
"You have the contrast between good and evil set in parallel forms, in a balanced form." — R.C. Sproul [12:45]
3. Synthetic Parallelism
This form involves a build-up of ideas, where statements accumulate to enhance the overall message. Sproul references Psalm 92:9 and Matthew 7:7 to demonstrate how each successive line builds upon the previous one, either escalating consequences or expanding upon an initial directive.
Quote:
"Synthetic parallelism, where statements build upon one another... it's almost a kind of synonymous parallelism." — R.C. Sproul [16:30]
Application: Interpreting Isaiah 45:7
Sproul revisits Isaiah 45:7 to illustrate the proper interpretation of parallelism. He explains that the original Hebrew encompassed various types of "evil," not limited to moral corruption. The verse should be understood as God declaring His sovereignty over both blessings and judgments, rather than attributing moral evil to Him.
Quote:
"God is saying... I bring blessing, I bring curse, I lift up nations, I bring down nations... That is not the same thing as saying that God creates evil in an ultimate sense." — R.C. Sproul [20:10]
Distinguishing Biblical Laws and Principles
Sproul emphasizes the necessity of differentiating between various Biblical laws to interpret them correctly. He outlines three primary types:
-
Casuistic Law: Case-based laws using "if... then..." scenarios, providing guidelines for specific situations.
Example:
“If your ox tramples down your neighbor's roses, then you must pay indemnity.” -
Apodictic Law: Moral absolutes using direct commands, such as the Ten Commandments.
Example:
“Thou shalt not steal.” -
Proverb: Practical wisdom sayings that offer insights without the binding nature of laws.
Example:
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.” (Proverbs 26:4)
Reconciling Contradictory Proverbs
Sproul addresses the apparent contradiction in Proverbs 26:4-5, where one verse advises against answering a fool, while the next suggests doing so to prevent the fool's conceit. He likens this to familiar English proverbs that can seem conflicting, such as “Look before you leap” versus “He who hesitates is lost.”
Personal Illustration:
Sproul shares a personal anecdote from his youth to illustrate the practical application of these conflicting proverbs. Faced with the immediate threat of police pursuit, he had to choose between cautious deliberation and decisive action, ultimately opting for the latter to evade capture.
Quote:
"As you read the Proverbs, as you read the wisdom literature, look at it for what it is. Practical wisdom, principles that can serve you in your everyday struggles with life." — R.C. Sproul [23:50]
Conclusion: Embracing Biblical Parallelism and Wisdom
Sproul concludes by reiterating the importance of recognizing various literary forms within the Bible to avoid misinterpretations. Understanding parallelism enriches one's comprehension of Scripture, allowing for clearer application of its teachings to daily life.
Final Quote:
"They are so frequently found in Scriptures, and sometimes they really help us understand what the Bible is teaching once we recognize them." — R.C. Sproul [24:00]
Closing Remarks
[24:11] Nathan W. Bingham:
The episode wraps up with an invitation to listeners to engage further with the "Knowing Scripture" series and upcoming events, emphasizing the ongoing journey of deepening one's understanding of God's Word.
Notable Takeaways:
- Parallelism is a key literary device in Hebrew Scriptures, essential for accurate interpretation.
- Recognizing the type of parallelism (synonymous, antithetical, synthetic) aids in understanding the intended message.
- Wisdom literature offers practical insights but should not be mistaken for absolute moral laws.
- Differentiating between casuistic, apodictic, and proverbial laws is crucial for proper Biblical application.
- Contextual understanding prevents theological misunderstandings, such as attributing moral evil to God.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their scriptural knowledge and apply Biblical wisdom effectively in their lives.