There are some fundamentalists who take every word of the Bible as literally true. This view denies the richness of hyperbole, which was part of literature and customs of the ancients, as well as communicate in highly figurative ways. I thought this thread could collect some of our favorites. I'll start with Judges 20:16 (NSRV) Everyone could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.
It's funny to think this could be tested. The NSRC Cultural Bible Study note refers to its own note @ 1 Samuel 17:40, which states sling stones could reach speeds of 100-150 mph. (No wonder it killed Goliath). Still, the hyperbole of Judges 20:16 is great literature. Very funny to visualize.
It's funny to think this could be tested. The NSRC Cultural Bible Study note refers to its own note @ 1 Samuel 17:40, which states sling stones could reach speeds of 100-150 mph. (No wonder it killed Goliath). Still, the hyperbole of Judges 20:16 is great literature. Very funny to visualize.
