The Bible contains many riddles and puzzling sayings that challenge readers to go deeper in understanding their meaning. Here is an overview of some of the notable riddles found in Scripture:
Samson’s Riddle – Judges 14
Samson proposed a riddle to the Philistines related to his slaying of a lion. The riddle goes: “Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.” (Judges 14:14 ESV). This riddle refers to when Samson discovered bees and honey inside the carcass of the lion he killed. The Philistines were unable to solve the riddle on their own, so they threatened Samson’s wife to reveal the answer.
Queen of Sheba Tests Solomon’s Wisdom – 1 Kings 10
When the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, she tested his wisdom by posing difficult riddles and questions to him. We are not told precisely what riddles she asked, but we know that “Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her” (1 Kings 10:3 ESV). This shows how Solomon’s God-given wisdom allowed him to solve complex riddles.
Ezekiel’s Ridde of the Great Eagle – Ezekiel 17
Through Ezekiel, God put forth a riddle involving two eagles, a vine, and branches to represent King Nebuchadnezzar taking King Jehoiachin into exile. It concludes by asking if the vine will prosper or be uprooted (Ezekiel 17:9-10). This riddle illustrates how God used parables and symbolic language to convey deeper truths.
Jesus Speaks in Riddles and Parables
Jesus frequently taught spiritual truths through riddles and parables. Examples include:
– Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) – represents how people respond differently to the Gospel.
– Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) – depicts God’s abundant love and forgiveness.
– Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) – illustrates what it means to love your neighbor.
– Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) – encourages being prepared and vigilant for Christ’s return.
Jesus used these vivid word pictures to encapsulate profound spiritual truths in memorable forms. Only those with “ears to hear” would decipher their deeper meanings (Matthew 13:9-16).
Proverbs Contain Riddles and Puzzling Sayings
Proverbs are filled with short, pithy sayings that often require deeper reflection to grasp their full meaning. For example:
– “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” (Proverbs 25:2)
– “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” (Proverbs 26:4-5)
These examples show how Proverbs contain riddles and paradoxes that provoke greater insight into God’s truth.
The Riddle of the Resurrection – John 2:19-22
After Jesus drove money-changers out of the temple courts, the Jews demanded a sign to prove His authority. Jesus responded, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19). This statement confused those listening, but John notes, “He was speaking about the temple of his body.” (John 2:21). This riddle pointed to Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Unlock Revelation’s Riddles and Imagery
The book of Revelation contains apocalyptic visions filled with vivid imagery and symbolism that act like riddles to be decoded. For example:
– 24 Elders on thrones (Revelation 4:4)
– Four horsemen (Revelation 6:1-8)
– The mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16-18)
– Babylon the prostitute (Revelation 17:1-6)
These prophetic visions do not have one simple meaning but rather contain multiple layers of significance that paint a sweeping backdrop of Christ’s triumph and coming kingdom.
The Riddles of Jesus’ Second Coming
Jesus taught several parables regarding His second coming and the end times that contain riddles and paradoxes:
– Coming like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-44)
– Ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13)
– Servants entrusted with talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
– Sheep and goats judgment (Matthew 25:31-46)
These parables encourage watchfulness, wisdom, and good stewardship while warning against complacency and unpreparedness. We must continually seek discernment to unravel their lessons regarding Christ’s return and God’s final judgment.
The Beatitudes as Divine Riddles
The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 present a series of statements that seem to turn conventional wisdom upside down. They declare blessings like:
– Blessed are the poor in spirit.
– Blessed are those who mourn.
– Blessed are the meek.
– Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
At first glance, these appear to contradict typical notions of blessing and happiness. However, upon further reflection, we uncover deep spiritual truths about the kingdom of heaven. The Beatitudes serve as profound riddles that reveal divine paradoxes.
Paul’s Riddle Regarding Israel’s Salvation – Romans 11:25-26
Romans 11 contains Paul’s teachings about salvation coming to both Jews and Gentiles. In the process, he notes this riddle:
“A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved.” (Romans 11:25-26a ESV)
Paul suggests there is mystery in the broad sweep of salvation history that will result in mercy for all of Israel, despite a period of spiritual hardness. This “riddle” stimulates examination of God’s redemptive plan.
The Riddling Lyrics of Psalms and Proverbs
The Psalms and Proverbs are filled with poetic verses that often have enigmatic or perplexing meanings. For example:
– “Your neck is like the tower of David” (Song of Solomon 4:4 ESV).
– “The Lord sets the prisoners free” (Psalm 146:7 ESV).
– “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1 ESV).
These lyrical lines require metaphorical interpretation and reflection to fully grasp their significance. Like riddles, they use imagery and creativity to point to deeper truths.
Riddle of Seven Women and One Man – Isaiah 4:1
Isaiah 4:1 contains a perplexing riddle about a time when seven women will take hold of one man saying “let us be called by your name, take away our reproach.” This bizarre picture likely represents desperate times when the female population far outnumbers the males. The prophet used this vivid riddle to convey social breakdown and hardship.
Samson’s Riddle Foreshadows Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Samson’s riddle in Judges 14 carries additional significance when viewed typologically. The honey coming from the slain lion foreshadows how Jesus’ death would bring life and sweetness. Just as Samson later was resurrected after his sacrifice, so too Jesus burst from the grave. The riddle contains a veiled prophecy of Christ’s victory over death.
Proverbs 30 – Rhetorical Riddles of Agur
Proverbs 30 records the “sayings of Agur” which contain rhetorical riddles like:
– Who has ascended to heaven and come down? (vs. 4)
– Can you find out the deep things of God? (vs. 5)
– Who has gathered the wind in his fists? (vs. 4)
These unanswered questions prompt the reader to ponder man’s limited understanding of the mysteries of God. They highlight how we cannot fully comprehend the Almighty.
Riddle of the Unjust Steward – Luke 16:1-9
In the Parable of the Unjust Steward, a manager is commended for shrewdly reducing debts owed to his master to ingratiate debtors to himself. On the surface, this appears contrary to morality. However, the passage contains a deeper riddle about using one’s resources strategically for eternal purposes. Jesus used the puzzle to teach divine economics.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the Bible contains a treasure trove of riddles posed by prophets, Jesus, Paul, and others. Like proverbial diamonds buried beneath the text, they sparkle with glimpses of God’s wisdom and truth when extracted through careful study and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Wrestling with scriptural riddles exercises our minds and deepens our insight into God’s marvelous plans and ways.