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.