Divine Riddles And God's Purpose

WHEN one does not know what it is, then it is something; but when one knows what it is,then it is nothing. What is it? A riddle.
In today's highly pragmatic society, people tend to view riddling as child's play, but in ancient times the riddle "was a test of wisdom," notes The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible. -Compare Proverbs 1:5, 6

Rather than stating his will or purpose plainly, at times Jehovah has intentionally obscured his prophetic sayings, using analogies, mystifying "dark sayings," or riddles that perplex. (Psalm 78:2; King James Version;Numbers 12:8, The Emphasized Bible) In fact, while the Hebrew word for riddle is used only 17 times in the Bible, the Scriptures are literally full of riddles and proverbs.

Biblical Riddles Around

King Solomon was reportedly able to solve even the most perplexing questions, or riddles, brought to him. (1Kings 10:1) This was certainly a result of God-given wisdom. If there is any truth in reports of ancient historians that Solomon once lost a riddling contest with King Hiram of Tyre, it likely happened after he lost Jehovah's spirit as a result of his apostasy. Judge Samson similarly showed a fondness for riddling. On one occasion, empowered by holy spirit, a riddle provided him with the opportunity to strike fear into the hearts of God's enemies. -Judges 14:12-19.

Many Biblical riddles, though, are directly involved with Jehovah's purposes. Consider, for example, Genesis 3:15. This prophecy, which lays the basis for the theme of the Bible, is in itself something of an enigma, a "sacred secret." (Romans 16:25, 26) Besides being given supernatural visions and revelations, the apostle Paul also saw certain aspects of God's purpose in "hazy outline," or literally, "obscure expression." (1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 12:1-4) And what about the endless speculation that has surrounded the mysterious number of the wild beast -"six hundred and sixty-six" -Introduced suddenly and without explanation at Revelation 13:18? Who is able to solve these divine riddles, and what purpose do they serve?

Next time: Unlocking Sacred Secrets

Watchtower, 1999