Apocryphal language
appears in books like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Hosea, Zechariah and
Revelation. The language is fantastic,
describing strange locust attacks, dragons, colorful horses and fire-breathing
men. It describes horrible devastations
to the earth and the universe, wiping out the sun, moon and stars. Is it meant to be taken literally?
Apocryphal language uses
a number of techniques to elicit a desired response.
·
It wants to paint a very
dire picture of judgment. "It's
bad!"
·
It wants to cause people
to repent. "You could die!"
·
It wants people to
understand the seriousness of sin.
"Repent!"
·
It wants readers to
respect the power of God.
"Kneel!"
·
It wants to give
encouragement that God is judging the evil doers. "Justice!"
·
It wants people to know
that God knows what is happening.
"He sees!"
·
It wants readers to know
that no matter how bad things get, God can rescue us. "He will save you!"
By using exaggeration
and hyperbole, apocryphal language makes the reader feel the tension and
desperation, then elicits a cathartic sigh of relief that God will save us.