Favorite “Q&A”

This is one of my favorite answers in the “Questions From Readers” column of the Watchtower:

Are Jehovah and Jesus the ones meant at Proverbs 30:4, which asks: “What is his name and what the name of his son?”

This verse makes it evident how limited man is compared to the Most High. Its rhetorical questions could be asked about any man, but these questions should lead a reasoning person to the Creator.

The writer Agur asked: “Who has ascended to heaven that he may descend? Who has gathered the wind in the hollow of both hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in a mantle? Who has made all the ends of the earth to rise? What is his name and what the name of his son, in case you know?”—Proverbs 30:1, 4.

No imperfect human has gone up to heaven and come back omniscient; nor has any human the ability to control the wind, the seas, or the geological forces shaping the earth. In effect, then, Agur asked: ‘Do you know the name or family line of any man who has done these things?’ We must answer no.—Compare Job 38:1–42:3; Isaiah 40:12-14; Jeremiah 23:18; 1 Corinthians 2:16.

Thus, we have to look outside the human sphere to find one who has the superhuman power to control natural forces. We are not, though, limited to learning about him by observing his accomplishments. (Romans 1:20) This is because he has, as it were, descended with information about himself and his dealings. He has provided specific information. He did this, for example, when he ‘descended’ to give the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 19:20; Hebrews 2:2) He has also helped his servants to appreciate his meaningful name, Jehovah. (Exodus 3:13, 14; 6:3) Later, he identified his Son, who was named Jesus and who literally descended from heaven with additional information about the Creator.—John 1:1-3, 14, 18.

This should help all of us to reach certain conclusions: Like Agur, we cannot from our own resources gain true wisdom. (Proverbs 30:2, 3) And we cannot name any human who has superlative powers or knowledge. Hence, we should humbly look to the One who is able to provide the wisdom we need. This is the Most Holy One, whose name we can know and whose Son has died so that we might be ransomed and gain everlasting life.—Matthew 20:28.

(July 15, 1987 issue)

Related blog entry:

• A Trinitarian Take on Jehovah
  jimspace3000.blogspot.com/2016/05/a-trinitarian-take-on-jehovah.html

Similar to a Satyr?

We should be alert to the quality of our ministry and teachings. One comparison I’m seeing more frequently now from fellow believers is causing me a measure of consternation. Now, I used to find this comparison insightful, even though I never incorporated it: how the Greek satyr Marsyas was tied to a tree trunk with his hands above his head (and feet tied standing on the ground) to be flayed. This has been used to corroborate the no-crossbeam teaching in Jesus’ death.

Upon first glance, the way this satyr is positioned on the tree may look corroborative; but upon closer inspection, some inconsistencies arise:

1. Jesus was not suspended for flaying. It would be unwise to quickly dismiss this distinction—for his feet were nailed, not standing.
2. The condemned (or someone else pressed into service) had to carry the torture stake.—Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26; John 19:17.

Thus, it could not have been something like a telephone pole which is impossible for a person to carry. What Marsyas is suspended from fits that category of being too heavy for anyone to carry, much-less a flogged and weakened person—but it also is strong enough to support a suspended person.

The problem with using this statue then is that it could look like a case of confirmation bias and selective use of history and archeology. Therefore, it would be wiser to stick to the Bible and not use this suspended satyr.

As a statue of this Greek satyr Marsyas is on display in the world-famous Louvre Museum in France, it has been mentioned in our publications—but only three times: in a 1969 and a 1978 Awake, and once in a 1987 Watchtower. The 1978 Awake said he was “flayed on a torture stake;” however this is Greek, not Roman—thus technically not a torture stake but a tree for flaying. The last reference merely depicted the statue for comparison.

Fortunately, and wisely, this has not been repeated since 1987—and we should follow this example and cease using this satyr too. Being tied by the wrists to a heavy tree with standing tied feet (for flaying!) is not what the Romans did to Jesus. It really is not that all comparable, and is really more of a liability than a support.

Thank you for listening.


Related blog entries:

• Impale in the NWT
  jimspace3000.blogspot.com/2018/11/impale-in-nwt.html
• A Word of Advice
  jimspace3000.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-word-of-advice.html
• What’s at stake
  jimspace3000.blogspot.com/2017/04/whats-at-stake.html

Credits:

• Ancient History Encyclopedia. “A marble statue of Marsyas, he who, in Greek mythology, challenged Apollo to a music contest and was flayed alive for his audacity. Found in Rome, early Roman imperial age copy of a 2nd century BCE Greek original.” (Capitoline Museums, Rome) https://www.ancient.eu/image/4483/marsyas/
• Encyclopedia Britannica: “Marsyas” https://www.britannica.com/topic/Marsyas-Greek-mythology. “Marsyas about to be flayed, antique sculpture; in the collection of the Capitoline Museums, Rome.” Isolating his feet bound together, not to the tree.