Alleged Discrepancies of the BibleLesson 2

“The Origin of Discrepancies”

Introductory MattersRationale: the desired outcome of this lesson is to familiarize the student with the reality and origin of Biblical discrepancies, and that a response to such is achievable.

There are two certain realities that Christians must come to grips with:1. Embrace the Obvious •Dr Charles Hodge states: “It would require not a volume, but volumes, to discuss all the cases of alleged discrepancies.” 2. Maintain the proper perspective•The importance of defending the integrity of the Bible cannot be overstated.

•The need of patient and impartial examination of alleged falsehoods and contradictions must ensue.•This must take place on both a corporate and individual level.

What is meant by origin of discrepancies? •From what sources do these alleged discrepancies arise? What is the nature of these alleged discrepancies? Where do they come from?

1. Differences of dates or times of “individual passages”.

•The critic seeks to make the Bible contradict itself by taking a description, or statement on a certain matter or topic that is true at one time, but ignoring that at a later time; with a change in circumstances the opposite is said. For example consider Genesis 1:31 and 6:6:

Genesis 1:31God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Genesis 6:6 The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

This is what is referred to as a “Straw Man” fallacy. This is when a person or group misrepresents his opponent’s position and then proceeds to attack that very misrepresentation (i.e., the “straw man”) rather than what his opponent actually claims. There are many examples of “Straw Men” fallacies that purport alleged discrepancies.

•Thus we see that differences of time and circumstances may perfectly explain apparent discrepancies and remove every trace of contradiction. The Bible student must be aware of this tactic.

2.Differences of Standpoint•The Biblical critic seeks to present the Bible as contradictory by ignoring differences of standpoint, for example, critics often seek to allege a contradiction between Paul and James in terms of their teaching on faith:

Romans 3:27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. (Paul)Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Paul)

James 2:14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?(James) James 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (James)

3. Different Methods of Arrangement •Many apparent discrepancies of a historical character are a result of several authors employing different methods of arrangement.• One writer follows a strict Chronological order; another arranges his material according to the principle of association of ideas. One writes history minutely and consecutively; another omits, condenses, or expands to suit his purpose.

•For example consider:Luke 1:1-4 (NASB) 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us,2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,3

it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4

so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

Matthew 1:1 1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Mark 1:1-3 (NASB) 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; 3 THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'"

John 1:1-5 (NASB) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

•We should let each author follow his own method of arrangement, and give his historical account according to his own method.

4. Different Methods of Computation•Other alleged contradictions arise from the use of different methods of computation, particularly in terms of time. Many ancient and several modern nations have two kinds of year in use, the civil and the sacred. The Jews employed both reckonings. The sacred reckoning was employed at the Exodus, which was the first month of Abib; by the civil reckoning the first month was the seventh. The interval between the two beginnings was exactly a half year.

•It necessarily follows that when two ancient writers fail to agree as to the month and day of a given event, we must inquire whether or not they employ the same method of time computation. If not, their disagreement does not prove that either is wrong. Each writer according to his own method of computation may be perfectly correct.

•The forgoing considerations are not only plausible, but they bring to light the foolishness of hasty decisions and accusations in regard to Biblical chronology. When the sacred writers disagree as to numbers and dates, unless there is evidence that they intended to reckon from the same point and by the same method, the conclusion must be that no discrepancy has been proven.

5.Oriental IdiomsHebrew idioms are another source of alleged discrepancies. Hebrew idioms which present hyperboles and metaphors are purported as overlapping and contradicting. For example take King David, as he writes he employs oriental idioms as he writes of God in the Psalms:

•3:1 God is a shield•5:1 God is a judge•18:1 God is a rock•19:14 God is a redeemer•23:1 God is a shepherd•36:7 God is referred to as one that can give refuge in the Lovingkindness of His wings•68:5 God is the father of the fatherless.

•What are we to make of these alleged inconsistencies of God’s character? The people of the east are zealous and fervent in their modes of expression; they often think and speak in poetry. Bold metaphors and startling metaphors are common in their writing and conversation.

6.Plurality of Names or SynonymsOther alleged discrepancies in scripture are attributed to the Eastern custom of applying a plurality of names to the same person or object. In the matter of everyday life, this custom is widely prevalent.

•The usage in respect to proper names is quite similar. Thus we find Jacob and Israel, Edom and Esau, Gideon and Jerubbaal. With the Apostle Peter we see him referred to as Simon, Simon Barjona, Simon son of John, Cephas, and Peter.

7.Errors in the manuscriptAn error is deviation from accuracy or correctness; a mistake. Such errors do occur in the manuscripts. The most prominent errors occur in numerical discrepancies in the Historical books. For example:

2 Samuel 10:18 (NASB) 18  But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed 700 charioteers of the Arameans and 40,000 horsemen and struck down Shobach the commander of their army, and he died there. •In this account the sacred writer informs us that David killed 700 charioteers, now consider the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 19:18 1 Chronicles 19:18 (NASB) 18 The Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed of the Arameans 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death Shophach the commander of the army.

•Here we are faced with the same account, for the Bible specifically mentions the Arameans (Syria) and the Bible specifically mention Shophach, also Shobach (recall the Oriental practice of plurality or synonymous names) the Syrian commander as being put to death. So this is speaking of the same account. The alleged discrepancy in the texts involves what amounts to a decimal point, one account informs us of 700 charioteers and one account informs us of 7000.

There is nothing in these two texts that prove that this discrepancy existed in the original autographs. Errors of this kind are found in various passages of the Old Testament, mostly due to the fact that of the difficulty of making out numerals when copying from worn out or smudged manuscripts produced by much earlier scribes.

•However, do the errors in 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 constitute a factual error as such? The numbers of chariots are peripheral subject matter and do not constitute a factual error as it relates to the main historical point that God wanted to, and did make. Consider:

1. The Arameans did flee before Israel – Historical fact not affected by the numerical error.

2. David killed the Arameans; charioteers and foot soldiers – Historical fact not affected by the numerical error.

3. David put to death Shophach (Shobach) the Aramean commander- Historical fact not affected by the numerical error.

4. God’s main point to His readers was achieved:

2 Samuel 10:12 (NASB) 12 "Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight." 1 Chronicles 19:13 (NASB) 13 "Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight."