The Parable of the Unjust Steward

I must, for the moment, postpone my next chapter summary to give you a quote from one who is likely little known today. Cunningham Geikie was a scottish clergyman born in 1862. He pastored several churches in Canada becoming a recognized author in his time.I happened upon a commentary of his in my text regarding the interpretation of biblical parables.

Geikie is quoted to show an example of setting forth the scope and purpose of the parable of the unjust steward. This quote shed so much light upon the parable for me, that I wanted to share it here both for the reader who may happen upon it, but also for my benefit that the truth of Christ's words may burn into my heart.

The parable of Jesus is found in Luke 16:1-13. Here is Geikie's comment with regard to the scope and purpose of the parable:

"By becoming my disciples you have identified yourselves with the interest of another master than Mammon, the god of this world--whom you have hitherto served--and have before you another course and aim in life. You will be represented to your former master as no longer faithful to him, for my service is so utterly opposed to that of Mammon, that, if faithful to me, you cannot be faithful to him, and he will, in consequence, assuredly take your stewardship of this world's goods away from you--- that is, sink you in poverty, as I have often said.

I counsel you, therefore, so to use the goods of Mammon--the worldly means still at your command--that by a truly worthy distributor of them to your needy brethren---and my disciples are mostly poor--you may make friends for yourselves, who, if they die before you, will welcome you to everlasting habitations in heaven, when you pass thither, at death. Fit yourselves, by labours of love and deeds of true charity, as my followers, to become fellow citizens of the heavenly mansions with those wants you have relived while they were still in life.

If you be faithful thus, in the use of your possessions on earth, you will be deemed worthy by God to be entrusted with infinitely greater richers hereafter... Be assured that if you do not use your earthly riches faithfully for God, by dispensing them as I have told you, you will never enter my heavenly kingdom at all. You will have shown that you are servants of Mammon, and not the servants of God; for it is impossible for any man to serve two masters." -Geikie, Life of Christ, chap. liii

May the Lord by His Spirit breathe life into the words of Jesus Christ and make them to sink down into our minds and hearts, that we may rightly test ourselves to see if we be servants of Christ or Mammon. How freeing the Word of Christ is to the soul!

Fables, Riddles, and Enigmas

Some of the most prominent figures of speech used in Holy Scirpture are fables, riddles, enigmas, allegories, parables, proverbs, types, and symbols. Gaining an understanding of these special forms of thought is imporant to biblical interpretation. It would be improper to recognize, for example, the use of a fable in Scripture as a figure of speech and conclude that the Bible itself is a fable. It would also be an error of interpretation to fail to recognize the use of fable as a figure of speech and take it as literal. The basic character of the fable used in Holy Writ depicts something in nature, such as trees or animals, as if they possess intellect and speech. The objects are presented as acting contrary to the natural laws of their being.

This trope was used by Jotham in Judges 9:7-20 where trees are described as going forth and anointing a king as well as speaking to an olive tree. The olive tree is said to speak back. This is an obvious use of fable to give and vivid picture of the foolishness of accepting a worthless leader. The imagary is at once seen to be fanciful and imaginary. It would be an error in judgment to suggest that such fugures of speech have no place in Scripture and so cast doubt upon the Word of God. God has spoken to men in the realm of earthly life and human thought. Why should we suppose that He would not employ the common use of language and all its nuances to convey His eternal truths?

Riddles are another figure of speech used in Scripture. The purpose of such speech is to excite the mind to inquirey and the search for truth. In Psalm 49:4 we read, "I will incline mine war to a parable: I will open my dark saying (riddle) upon the harp." The purpose of the riddle is to hide the meaning. In contrast, an enigma serves both to conceal and enhance sacred thought. There is an enigmatic element to Jesus words spoken to Nicodemus in John 3:5 when He said, "Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This came as an anwer to Nicodemus' question as to who Jesus was. Jesus knew exactly what Nicodemus needed to hear because He knew what was in his heart. Jesus knew that Nicodemus was trying to understand who He was, but Nicodemus did not need new information but a new life. Nicodemus needed a new birth if he was to percieve the kingdom. Such engimatic speech perplexed him that both concealed the matter and enhance was Christ was communicating to him.

Chapter 11: Simile and Metaphor

Similes and metaphors are figures of thought found in the Bible. A simile occurs when two different things are compared. In Isaiah 55:10-11, rain and snow and their effect upon the earth in bearing fruit and bringing a blessing to mankind is compared to the Word of God. This vivid simile leaves a beautiful and lasting impression that is not easily forgotten. The Bible sometimes groups several similes together likely because of Hebrew parallelism. There is little difficulty in interpreting biblical similes. The main thought being conveyed is only enhanced by the imagery. The Bible also uses figures of speech related to similes, but contains elements of metaphor or parable. In 2 Timothy 2:3 the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. The exact simile is not drawn but expanded upon. It is assumed that both Timothy and the reader will make application to their own lives. Such figures of speech contain elements of both simile and metaphor.

Metaphors are common to all languages. A simile makes a comparison with regard to what something is like while a metaphor turns a word from its literal use and meaning to a new use. In Genesis 49:9 we read that Judah is a lion’s whelp. This is clearly a metaphor. The metaphors of the Old Testament are largely drawn from the natural landscape of Israel, their manners and customs, and practices related to the worship and rituals of the Hebrews. This is also carried into the New Testament Scriptures such as is found in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 where the Passover is used metaphorically until they make an allegory. Metaphors that are extended in this manner become allegories. Some metaphors may seem uncertain. In Psalm 45:1 the Hebrew literally reads, “My heart boils up with a goodly word” and is difficult to determine what the allusion is referring to. Nevertheless, the meaning is clear: the heart was overflowing with a pleasing theme, and the imagery is that of some liquid boiling or bubbling over. Even when the exact metaphorical object may be obscure, the meaning is not.

Chapter 10: Figures of Speech

There is not a language in the history of the world that has not employed the use of figures of speech. It is natural to the way we think to make comparisons and analogies. It should not surprise us that we find within the biblical text the frequent use of figurative language used convey, illustrate, and teach the truth of God. It has been suggested that there exists a divine harmony between the natural and spiritual world. Is it not reasonable to understand that He who created childbearing would draw upon His handiwork to explain the mystery of the new birth to Nicodemus? God, who orders all things according the counsel of His will, certainly took particular care in what has been made and is seen, to illustrate and excite our minds to such things as are not seen.

The primary sources for figurative language found in the Bible are the physical features of the land of Israel, the manners and customs of her people, and the worship of God by them. Nothing is dispensable. From mountains to valleys, animals and men, the text of Scripture makes use of all things seen to furnish the world with language in the explanation of that which is unseen. Because figurative language is readily recognizable, it is not necessary to lay strict rules for making a determination. An axiom of biblical interpretation is that words should be understood in their literal sense except when a literal interpretation results in contradiction or absurdity. The problem with this axiom is that it is highly subjective to the perception of the interpreter. In light of this, the same general principles in determining the grammatico-historical sense should be employed with the interpretation of figurative language. We should also begin with the understanding that God intends to communicate with us. And if done by metaphor, allegory, parables, and symbols, their use is not to obscure meaning but rather to illumine. It is possible to be careless in our interpretation of the Scriptures, but careful study and attention to the author’s context, scope, and plan will safeguard our understanding.

The figurative language of Holy Scripture can be divided into two camps: figures of words and figures of thought. Figures of words are confined to a single word. Figures of thought require several words or sentences. This chapter deals with figures of words.

Metaphors and metonymy are figures of words. Similes, allegories, and parables are figures of thought. An example of a metaphor can be found in Luke 13:32 where Jesus said, “..Go ye, and tell that fox…” A metonymy is a figure of speech whereby one entity is used to stand for an associated entity. A well-known example is “The pen is mightier than the sword” where writing is represented as military force. In Job 34:6 the KJV reads, “..my wound is incurable..” where the Hebrew gives arrow (chets) for what is translated wound. The word arrow is used to mean a wound caused by an arrow. In Luke 16:29 we see Moses and the prophets being used to stand for the writings which they authored. In Hosea 1:2 we read, “…the land hath committed great whoredom” where land is used in metonymy for the people living in the land. Metonymy may also be used to signify something. In Isaiah 22:22 “…the key of the house of David...” is used to signify control or authority over the house of David.

A synecdoche is classed with figures of words where a part stands for the whole, or an individual for a group. In Luke 2:1 we learn that Caesar Augustus sent out a decree to “tax all the world” where only the Roman Empire is meant. Personification and apostrophe are similar figures of words found frequently in Scripture. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:34 to “…take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for things of itself.” We can see in this example that “tomorrow” is being pictured as a living, thinking person. Personification is most frequently found in the poetic books of the Bible as might be expected. Apostrophe is similar, but differs in that the author directs speech to an imaginary or abstract idea. In 2 Samuel 28:33 we see King David in deep grief over the death of his son Absalom speaking to him in his lamentation.

Other forms of expression that ought to be recognized in Scripture are interrogatory forms, hyperbole, and irony. These all have their place in the Word of God being used to bring the force of truth upon the hearer and reader. Who is not deeply impressed by the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:33-34 where interrogating questions are brought to the mind, “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, and yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Hyperbole exaggerates an object or idea beyond reality. This ought not to be thought of in the negative. It is a style of speech used to engender strong emotion or leave an indelible impression. Consider John 21:25 where we read, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that event he world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” Finally, irony where a speaker or writer is saying the very opposite of what is being communicated, can leave a lasting impression. Elijah’s ironical mockery of the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:27 certainly left an impression upon on all who heard.