Articles
“The Bible’s Unwritten History”
What was Noah’s wife’s name (Gen. 7:13)? Did Noah and his wife have any other children besides the three sons we read about in Genesis? Why do we not read about Adam and Eve’s other children (Gen. 5:4)? Why are we only told of incidents happening to Moses as a baby, at age 40, and then we only know the most details about Moses’ life starting at age 80? Why are we not told about Jesus’ youth? Why do we not know about Jesus as a baby, or what Jesus did in Nazareth from age 12 through age 30?
Many other unanswered questions might be added to our list above, but the point is made with these few questions. Why is it that we are not told the answers to these and other similar questions? It seems that the answers to these questions might satisfy curious minds. The only satisfactory answer I can think of, however, is that information pertaining to the above (and countless other) questions do not pertain to the subject and theme of the Bible, namely, the redemption of man! When I come across questions such as these, I am reminded of Moses’ words, “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29).
When we read the Scriptures, we must be impressed with the fact that God condensed some 4000+ years of history into a mere 66 books! Several of these books have only one chapter, and the longest of the books can be read in 3 hours (on average). Thirty-three books can be read in an hour or less (on average). Is this not amazing? When we read and study the Scriptures, we see that the writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit (II Pet. 1:20-21), had a specific theme or purpose in mind. These people wrote about those things which pertained to man’s salvation, and how God went about to bring His plan of salvation into reality through Christ (Gal. 4:4).
When we understand this fact, we can understand why God has chosen to leave various facts out of the Bible record. Put simply, it is because such things as who Noah’s wife was, the particulars of Adam and Eve’s other children, Moses’ life history before age 80, etc., do not pertain to His purpose for writing this Book!
The next time folks try to “stump” us, asking why are possums not mentioned in the Bible, or asking why it is that we are not told about each of the Patriarch’s children, or any of a myriad of other curiosities, remember this article and let folks know that the Bible is not intended to be the “unabridged history of the world”! The Bible is a true book (Jn. 17:17) whose purpose or theme is to reveal God’s plan for salvation.
Then, tell them what God’s plan of salvation is (Mk. 16:15-16; II Tim. 2:2, 3:16-17)! We have been given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). Therefore, let us be active in using the Bible for its intended purpose. Let us show folks God’s plan for salvation, and lead them to Christ before it is too late (II Cor. 6:2).
