Faith without religion.
Divine Dialogue: Exploring Plural Pronouns in Scripture
In our recent gathering, we delved into the intriguing question of who God was addressing when He used the plural pronouns “us” and “our” in the Old Testament. This exploration took us through various passages, including Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:22, Genesis 11:7, and Isaiah 6:8. We examined the grammatical structure and context of these verses, considering several theories about the identity of those God was speaking to.
One theory suggests that God was speaking to Himself, akin to a person deliberating internally. However, the Hebrew language indicates that God was addressing someone other than Himself. Another theory posits the use of the “Majestic Plural,” a form of speech used to denote greatness, but this explanation falls short given the limited instances of plural pronouns. A third theory considers the possibility of God speaking prophetically of Jesus, present from the foundation of the world, yet this lacks substantial biblical support.
Our discussion led us to consider the role of angels. The grammar of the passages suggests that God was addressing angels, who were present at creation and shared certain attributes with God, such as moral, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional qualities. This interpretation aligns with the Jewish understanding and is supported by biblical accounts of God consulting with angels, as seen in 1 Kings 22:19-23.
In the latter part of our session, we returned to 1st Peter 4:12-13, where Peter encourages believers not to be surprised by trials but to rejoice in them as partakers of Christ’s sufferings. This perspective offers hope and joy, reminding us that enduring trials aligns us with the experiences of Christ and promises exceeding joy when His glory is revealed.
As we continue to explore these profound topics, we are reminded of the depth and richness of scripture, encouraging us to seek understanding and find joy in our spiritual journey.
