Internal Harmony And Candor

Imagine that a book began to be written during the time of the Roman Empire, continued down through the Middle Ages, and was completed in this 20th century, with many different writers contributing. What result would you anticipate if the writers were as diverse in their occupations as soldiers, kings, priests, fishermen, herdsmen and doctors? Would you expect the book to be harmonious and coherent? Hardly! you may say. Well, the Bible was written under these circumstances. Yet, it is harmonious in its entirety, not just in overall concepts but in minute details too.

The Bible is a collection of 66 written over a period of 1,600 years by some 40 different writers, beginning in 1513 B.C.E. and ending in 98 B.C.E. The writers came from different walks of life, and many had no contact with the others. Yet, the book that resulted follows a central, coherent theme throughout, as though produced by one mind. And contrary to the belief of some, the Bible is not a product of Western civilization, but it was written by Orientals.

While the majority of ancient writers reported only their successes and virtues, the Bible writers openly admitted their own mistakes, as well as the failings of their kings and leaders. Numbers 20:1-13 and Deuteronomy 32:50-52 record the failings of Moses, and he wrote those books. Jonah 1:1-3 and 4:1 list the failings of Jonah, who wrote those accounts. Matthew 17:18-20; 18:1-6; 20:20-28; and 26:56 record poor qualities shown by Jesus's disciples. Thus, the honesty and candor of the Bible writers give support to their claim of being inspired by God.


Continued - Next time: Its Most Distinctive Features