OT vs NT Boys
Submitted by Ben on January 17 2002 21:14:21
In reply to A Study of Boys in Scripture - Final Take submitted by J on January 17 2002 03:16:10
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J - Congratulations on this comprehensive work. I haven't studied out the particular subject well enough to offer much editing of what you have already done. But I can try to offer some reasons why there is such a difference between the OT and NT treatment of boys: The Old Testament is dominated by stories and recounting of history. Many exceptions abound, particularly in some of David and Solomon's writings such as Proverbs, Psalms, Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. As it turns out, Proverbs talk quite a bit about children but more in the context of teaching and training them, not in recounting their stories. But the majority of the OT stories were about real historical events and obviously there were boys around from time to time, weaving into and out of the lives of Kings and prophets. The NT on the other hand, is dominated by letters written to churches with the exceptions of the gospels. There wouldn't be a context for boys in those writings except where the writings needed to give instructions on parenting (such as in Ephesians & Galatians). My guess would be that the observers who wrote the gospels were far too concerned with Jesus to notice boys (hard to believe I know!) except where Jesus had interaction with boys. With the huge crowds following Jesus and the seriousness of his mission, there probably were not very many every day happenings which would allow boys to enter the radar screen. Keep up this great work, brother. I can't wait to hear more from you. You are not alone. Love, Ben |
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