generally very vivid in their representations: and the authors of the
and for days, and years" (Gen. 1:14); "—a city and a mother in Israel" (2 Sam. 20:19); "—of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question" (Acts 23:6).
d. Direct discourse is often found, where indirect discourse would be expected. Examples may be found in the following places: 2 Sam. 13:32; Isa. 3:6; Jer. 3:16; Ps. 2:3; Matt. 1:20, 23; 2:3, 5. (For some indication of the simplicity of the Greek of the New Testament, cf. under 5, below.)
2. THE LIVELINESS OF THE STYLE OF SCRIPTURE. Orientals are generally very vivid in their representations: and the authors of the Bible do not run counter to their character in this respect. In several ways they lend color to the revelation of God that was mediated by them.
a. They reveal a decided tendency to represent abstract truths in concrete forms. Spiritual qualities are often described under the figure of those parts of the body by which they are symbolized. Thus, the might and anger of God are represented under the image of His arm and nose, respectively; and the expression of His benevolence or displeasure is associated with the lifting up or the hiding of His countenance. Cf. Ps. 89:13; 18:8; 4:6; 44:24. Probably sin is occasionally represented as personified in the sinner.
b. They see nature round about them as instinct with life, and consequently personify it repeatedly. All inanimate things are represented as either male or female, the particular gender depending on the qualities revealed. Intellect and will, emotions and desires, are ascribed to the whole creation. Examples of such an animated description of nature are found in Ps. 19:2, 3; 96:12; 98:8; Isa. 55:12; and Rom. 8:19–22.
c. The historians of the Bible do not simply narrate, but picture history. They let the facts pass before the eyes of the readers as in a panorama. Hence the frequent use of the word "behold!" In all