TIP OF THE DAY 87: Person to thing relationships

MJ. Smith

I am adding these posts to the previous tip list L/V 10 Tip of the Day ;

QUESTION: Where does one find the relationship of a person to things?

SOFTWARE: The primary source of information is Factbook > person entry > People, Places, and Things > Things. It provides the name of an object linked to its Factbook page, a count, a Bible reference, and an excerpt of the Bible passage.

QUESTION: What can be gleaned from the Biblical event navigator about the person-thing relationship?

ANSWER: It is easily over-interpreted. While there are people and things assigned to an event, they are tied together – anyone of the people could be associated with a thing.

QUESTION: What can be gleaned from the Factbook entry for the thing regarding the person-thing relationship?

SOFTWARE: Factbook > Biblical thing > Dig Deeper > variable heading. I know of no official list of values but of interest to us is:

Was used by

Factbook > Biblical thing > Dig Deeper > Related is a collection of Bible knowledgebase entities that must be scanned manually to find relevant entries.

Similarly, persons and things within a single label does not necessarily mean a person-thing relationship. It is usually an event-thing relationship that is shown.

QUESTION: Give an example of an object associated with a Biblical person provides productive material for study.

ANSWER: from Perplexity:

The teraphim (household idols) associated with both Jacob and David provide productive material for Biblical study. These objects serve as a linking device between two seemingly unrelated accounts, inviting readers to draw comparisons and contrasts. In both stories, fathers-in-law attempt to portray their sons-in-law as villains, while resourceful daughters protect their husbands from treachery. The biblical authors cleverly use teraphim, which were sometimes employed as idolatrous divination devices by pagans, to ironically unmask and expose the true manipulators in these accounts—the fathers.

This example demonstrates how objects in the Bible can:

Connect different narratives across Scripture

Reveal character traits and motivations

Highlight thematic parallels between stories

Provide ironic commentary on the actions of individuals

By paying attention to such objects and their associations with biblical characters, readers can gain deeper insights into the narrative structure, characterization, and theological themes present in the text.

A second example of an object associated with a Biblical person that provides productive material for study is Aaron's rod.

Aaron's rod is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, most notably in Numbers 17. This object serves as a powerful symbol and provides rich material for study in several ways:

Symbol of Authority: The rod represents Aaron's God-given authority as high priest. It demonstrates how God can use ordinary objects to convey extraordinary meaning.

Miraculous Nature: The rod famously budded, blossomed, and produced almonds overnight (Numbers 17:8), showcasing God's supernatural power and His ability to bring life from what appears dead.

Conflict Resolution: God used the rod to settle a dispute about priesthood leadership (Numbers 17:1-11), illustrating divine intervention in human conflicts.

Preservation and Memory: The rod was preserved in the Ark of the Covenant (Hebrews 9:4), serving as a lasting reminder of God's choices and miracles.

Typology: Some scholars see Aaron's rod as a type or foreshadowing of Christ, who brings life out of death.

Spiritual Lessons: The rod's transformation teaches about spiritual fruitfulness and God's ability to work through seemingly lifeless situations.

Studying this object provides insights into Israelite religious practices, leadership structures, God's methods of communication, and broader theological themes. It also offers opportunities for comparative analysis with other significant rods or staffs in the Bible, such as Moses' staff.

A third example of an object associated with a Biblical person that provides productive material for study is King David's harp (or lyre).

1. Musical and Poetic Significance: David's harp is closely tied to his identity as a skilled musician and the traditional author of many Psalms. It represents the important role of music in worship and emotional expression in ancient Israelite culture.

2. Therapeutic Use: In 1 Samuel 16:23, David uses his harp to soothe King Saul's troubled spirit, demonstrating the power of music for emotional and spiritual healing.

3. Divine Calling: David's musical ability with the harp was part of what initially brought him into Saul's court (1 Samuel 16:17-23), setting the stage for his eventual kingship. This shows how God can use a person's talents to fulfill His larger plans.

4. Symbolism in Prophecy: The restoration of David's fallen tent (or tabernacle) in Amos 9:11 is sometimes interpreted as referring to the restoration of worship and praise associated with David's harp.

5. Cultural Impact: David's harp became a symbol of Jewish identity, appearing on ancient coins and modern Israeli currency.

6. Contrast with Saul: The harp highlights the difference between David and Saul. While David uses music to connect with God and others, Saul becomes increasingly isolated and troubled.

7. Typological Interpretation: Some Christian interpreters see David's harp as a type of Christ, who brings harmony and peace to troubled souls.

Studying David's harp provides insights into ancient Israelite music, the role of the arts in spirituality, the character of David, and the broader themes of God's calling and the power of worship in the Bible. It also offers opportunities for exploring the connections between music, spirituality, and mental health in both ancient and modern contexts.