Anthropomorphisms: Miscellaneous Acts and States of Mind Attributed to Amazement
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In the study of biblical literature, anthropomorphisms are a literary device where human traits, emotions, or intentions are attributed to God. This is done to make the divine more relatable and understandable to human readers. One such anthropomorphic expression is the attribution of amazement or astonishment to God, which serves to emphasize His engagement with human affairs and His responsive nature.

Amazement in Scripture

While God is omniscient and nothing is beyond His knowledge or understanding, the Bible occasionally uses language that suggests God experiences amazement. This is not to imply a literal lack of knowledge or surprise but rather to communicate the gravity or significance of certain human actions in a way that resonates with human experience.

Examples of Amazement

1. Isaiah 59:16 : "He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede; so His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him." In this passage, God's amazement is expressed in response to the absence of justice and intercession among His people. The anthropomorphic language underscores the seriousness of the situation and God's active role in bringing about salvation.

2. Mark 6:6 : "And He was amazed at their unbelief. Then He went around to the villages in a circuit, teaching." Here, Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, is described as being amazed at the unbelief of the people in His hometown. This expression highlights the profound disconnect between the revelation of God in Christ and the people's failure to recognize and respond to it.

Theological Implications

The use of anthropomorphisms, such as amazement, serves several theological purposes:

· Relational Understanding: By attributing human emotions to God, Scripture fosters a relational understanding of the divine. It portrays God as deeply involved in the human account, responsive to human actions, and invested in the moral and spiritual state of His creation.

· Moral Emphasis: The expression of amazement often accompanies situations of moral or spiritual significance. It draws attention to the gravity of human actions, whether they be acts of faithlessness or the absence of justice, and underscores the need for divine intervention.

· Didactic Purpose: These expressions serve a didactic purpose, teaching readers about the character of God and the seriousness with which He regards human behavior. They invite reflection on the human condition and the appropriate response to God's revelation.

Conclusion

While God is beyond human comprehension, the use of anthropomorphisms like amazement in the Bible provides a means for believers to grasp the depth of God's engagement with the world. These expressions are not literal but serve to communicate profound truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. Through them, Scripture invites believers to consider the weight of their actions and the reality of God's active presence in their lives.
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Isaiah 59:16
And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
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Isaiah 63:5
And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore my own arm brought salvation to me; and my fury, it upheld me.
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Mark 6:6
And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
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Resources
What is an anthropomorphism? | GotQuestions.org

Is God male or female? | GotQuestions.org

The Character of God ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Anthropomorphism: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Anthropomorphisms: Attributed to Deity: Will
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