The proper interpretation of Scriptures
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That is an interesting thought. We have to watch out that we are not allegorizing the word of God. However, we must study to ensure we have the authorial intent. Three of the Four Gospel (synoptic) speak of this event of the Lord in the wilderness being tempted of the devil. We must look at all accounts of this event.
If we study them there are some very telling things, 1. He was fasting 2. He was led by the Spirt 3. He was in the wilderness 4. The devil came to tempt Him.
After looking at each Gospel account, we know that Jesus had been baptized literally. As we study, we do know He was in a Literal wilderness/desert. He was literally hungry.
The devil told Jesus to change stones to bread, to satisfy a need of the flesh not the spirit. The devil also tempted Jesus to test the word of God by perverting it. “Jump” “God will protect you” (paraphrase) this was a literal or physical thing he tempted Jesus to do. The last temptation the language of High Mountain is in Matthew but not Luke or Mark. Does that matter it has an important point I think.
Please let me say I could be wrong
. Matthew an Eyewitness of the Lord , Luke it is believed his information was from Paul, Peter and Barnabas. Mark it is also said he was Peter's Nephew and an eyewitness of the Lord. Do we have a dilemma? No. None of what is said in all Gospels take away from the Authorial Intent of what is being said. Which is - Jesus was fasting
- Jesus was in the Wilderness
- Jesus was tempted of the devil
- All was done literally
- Tempted in a geographical location which has mountains, cliff’s, caves etc..
Now is there application yes. Is there Descriptive and Normative? Yes. Changing a mountain in context to the text given in Matt & Luke weaken or hurt the interpretation? It could if we assume the whole account was or is metaphorical. “Shown the entire kingdom in a moment of Time” “fall down and worship me” does seem to be more of a spiritual insight that possibly; could not be seen just from looking off a high Mountain. But this should not be applied to each temptation account.
OK. So use it and give me answer to my question
The event took place after the 40days in the desert. Satan offered to Jesus all of his authority to worship him. Whether the event occurred on a literal mountain or a figurative mountain is open to how you wish to see the event. I do not think it much matters as the end result would not change.
If you really want to take off and run with this you can question while Satan offered Jesus all his worldly authority when Jesus gazed upon the world Jesus saw all of humanity out to the ends of eternity which Satan could not see. Hardly an enticement to take Satan up on his offer when Jesus could see the big picture.
For the cause of Christ
Roger
Your quotation has an important component missing:and the glory of them
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
There is absolutely no reason to interpret this non-literally. We know from Scripture that Satan is capable of doing things supernaturally -- signs, wonders, and miracles. So this would clearly be a supernatural viewing of all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them from the top of a very high mountain. As to how it was accomplished we are not told.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
There is absolutely no reason to interpret this non-literally. We know from Scripture that Satan is capable of doing things supernaturally -- signs, wonders, and miracles. So this would clearly be a supernatural viewing of all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them from the top of a very high mountain. As to how it was accomplished we are not told.
I like what Adam Clarke has to say in this commentary:
Verse 8
An exceeding high mountain, and showeth him - If the words, all the kingdoms of the world, be taken in a literal sense, then this must have been a visionary representation, as the highest mountain on the face of the globe could not suffice to make evident even one hemisphere of the earth, and the other must of necessity be in darkness.
But if we take the world to mean only the land of Judea, and some of the surrounding nations, as it appears sometimes to signify, (see on Luke 2:1; (note)), then the mountain described by the Abbe Mariti (Travels through Cyprus, etc). could have afforded the prospect in question. Speaking of it, he says, "Here we enjoyed the most beautiful prospect imaginable.
This part of the mountain overlooks the mountains of Arabia, the country of Gilead, the country of the Amorites, the plains of Moab, the plains of Jericho, the river Jordan, and the whole extent of the Dead Sea. It was here that the devil said to the Son of God, All these kingdoms will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me."
Probably St. Matthew, in the Hebrew original, wrote הארץ haarets, which signifies the world, the earth, and often the land of Judea only.
What renders this more probable is, that at this time Judea was divided into several kingdoms, or governments under the three sons of Herod the Great, viz. Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip; which are not only called ethnarchs and tetrarchs in the Gospels, but also βασιλεις, kings, and are said βασιλευειν, to reign, as Rosenmuller has properly remarked. See Matthew 2:22; Matthew 14:9.
Verse 8
An exceeding high mountain, and showeth him - If the words, all the kingdoms of the world, be taken in a literal sense, then this must have been a visionary representation, as the highest mountain on the face of the globe could not suffice to make evident even one hemisphere of the earth, and the other must of necessity be in darkness.
But if we take the world to mean only the land of Judea, and some of the surrounding nations, as it appears sometimes to signify, (see on Luke 2:1; (note)), then the mountain described by the Abbe Mariti (Travels through Cyprus, etc). could have afforded the prospect in question. Speaking of it, he says, "Here we enjoyed the most beautiful prospect imaginable.
This part of the mountain overlooks the mountains of Arabia, the country of Gilead, the country of the Amorites, the plains of Moab, the plains of Jericho, the river Jordan, and the whole extent of the Dead Sea. It was here that the devil said to the Son of God, All these kingdoms will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me."
Probably St. Matthew, in the Hebrew original, wrote הארץ haarets, which signifies the world, the earth, and often the land of Judea only.
What renders this more probable is, that at this time Judea was divided into several kingdoms, or governments under the three sons of Herod the Great, viz. Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip; which are not only called ethnarchs and tetrarchs in the Gospels, but also βασιλεις, kings, and are said βασιλευειν, to reign, as Rosenmuller has properly remarked. See Matthew 2:22; Matthew 14:9.
I guess proper Interpretation can not be offered for something like what the OP Is asking for since all we have to go on Is possibilities and since there Is no scripture for this then we can only speculate.
I believe scripture should be harmonized with another scripture and If It makes sense,I would go with that.
I believe scripture should be harmonized with another scripture and If It makes sense,I would go with that.
Actually it was NOT a small world since Babylonia, Media, Persia, India, China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome were all flourishing at that time, as was South America and Africa. The world was the world as we know it, and inhabited across the globe. So just because people cannot fathom a supernatural event with their human reasoning does not mean that it did not happen. Let's take it for what it says. This is just like the rationalists who refuse to believe that the Flood of Noah's day was a global flood. If the Bible says it was global, then it was global regardless of how it fits into our limited understanding.
Not really, with regards to scripture, Middle east, parts of Europe (Rome/Greece), North Africa was all there was, there are no records to show that other parts like south America were inhabited or even down in Africa or furthest parts of Europe. Remember when Jesus said " the message of this gospel shall be preached in all the Nations, then the end shall come.." All the nations meant only where disciples reached.
Are you basing your argument on Science?
Are you basing your argument on Science?
You do realize that Scripture focuses on the nations which had an impact on Palestine, the Jews, and Jerusalem? It mentions India in passing. It does not even touch upon the countries of the world that existed remotely, such as China. So just because these other kingdoms (actually empires) are not mentioned in the Bible does not that they were non-existent. The Olmec civilization (precursor to the Mayas and the Aztecs) existed in Mesoamerica between 1200 and 400 BC.
There was nothing like "..Olmec civilization (precursor to the Mayas and the Aztecs) existed in Mesoamerica between 1200 and 400 BC.." If there was, then Jesus failed in His prophesy of the gospel being preached in all the nations before the antichrist comes (end comes) and this has a very bad implication if anything this angel said was true:
Rev 14:13Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
This is how i know the bible is a time conscious document because it separates time. From that moment that John penned those words onward, people were to overcome the antichrist by the blood of the lamb- the people from Olmec if they existed had not heard anything about the gospel, so they were condemned for nothing. The gospel, i believe was preached by Paul and the others to the very ends of the nations because they were lead by the Holy spirit, they even were able to speak in new local languages for wherever they went so that the message was a witness to the people.
For 3.5 good years Paul and others spread the gospel as they were lead (This is why the antichrist had to be held for a while so that this job is completed- remember Paul asking Thessalonians if they knew what was holding the son of perdition?)
Then after they had completed the work, the antichrist persued and killed them so that he could start to reign here on earth in the last 3.5 years (figurative).
The stories about ancient empires are just stories backed by badly dated material. The empires existed but not in the proposed timelines.
Rev 14:13Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
This is how i know the bible is a time conscious document because it separates time. From that moment that John penned those words onward, people were to overcome the antichrist by the blood of the lamb- the people from Olmec if they existed had not heard anything about the gospel, so they were condemned for nothing. The gospel, i believe was preached by Paul and the others to the very ends of the nations because they were lead by the Holy spirit, they even were able to speak in new local languages for wherever they went so that the message was a witness to the people.
For 3.5 good years Paul and others spread the gospel as they were lead (This is why the antichrist had to be held for a while so that this job is completed- remember Paul asking Thessalonians if they knew what was holding the son of perdition?)
Then after they had completed the work, the antichrist persued and killed them so that he could start to reign here on earth in the last 3.5 years (figurative).
The stories about ancient empires are just stories backed by badly dated material. The empires existed but not in the proposed timelines.
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I believe "mountains" many times in the Bible is referring to religions, churches, etc.. satan has always hid behind and used some of God's Word and disguised itself as "Ministers of Righteousness" when deceiving as the story of Eve tells us. Jesus called the Pharisees satan's children. I believe the Spiritual intent of this scripture is satan showing Jesus all the great religions it created to trick people to, as it tricked Eve, into choosing to listen to it instead of God.
2 Kings 19:31 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.
Duet. 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:
Duet 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
Ps. 72:3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
Ps. 78:53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
54 And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.
Ps. 48:1 (A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.) Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
Is. 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Is. 22:5 For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.
Jer. 51:24 And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.
25 Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.
Lam. 5:17 For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim.
18 Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.
Anyway, I could go on and on, this "very High Mountain" could be a great religion as the Bible suggests.
Food for thought.
2 Kings 19:31 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.
Duet. 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:
Duet 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
Ps. 72:3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
Ps. 78:53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
54 And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.
Ps. 48:1 (A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.) Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
Is. 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Is. 22:5 For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.
Jer. 51:24 And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.
25 Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.
Lam. 5:17 For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim.
18 Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.
Anyway, I could go on and on, this "very High Mountain" could be a great religion as the Bible suggests.
Food for thought.
The scripture reads kingdoms of the world doesn't it? Not earthly kingdoms.
A few verses where 'Mountain/s' is used as symbolic of a kingdom or authority: Jeremiah 51: 24-25, Isaiah 2:2, Daniel 2:35 & 44-45, Psalm 2:6, Rev 17: 19-11. (this isn't even close to all of them, I'm not looking them all up!)
A few verses where 'Mountain/s' is used as symbolic of a kingdom or authority: Jeremiah 51: 24-25, Isaiah 2:2, Daniel 2:35 & 44-45, Psalm 2:6, Rev 17: 19-11. (this isn't even close to all of them, I'm not looking them all up!)
You seem to be rather confused. The Gospel had to be preached after Pentecost throughout the world (including Central and South America). Why does that preclude the existence of many empires and civilizations remote from the Middle East? You are claiming that the world was limited to the Middle East primarily, and this limited world shown by Satan to Christ. But the Bible says no such thing. We are to take all the kingdoms of the world as literally as possible.