this heading is, "Who is the speaker?" The Biblical authors often
priests, thoroughly acquainted with the temple ritual and mindful of the fact that Zion's past glory had departed.
2. WHO IS THE SPEAKER? Another question that comes up under this heading is, "Who is the speaker?" The Biblical authors often introduce others as speakers, and it is of the utmost importance that the expositor should carefully distinguish between the words of the author himself and those of the speaker or speakers that are introduced. In the historical books, the line of demarcation is generally so clear that it is not easily overlooked. Yet there are exceptions. For example, it is rather difficult to determine whether the words found in John 3:16–21 were spoken by Jesus to Nicodemus, or form an explanatory addition added by John. In the prophets, the sudden transitions from the human to the divine are, as a rule, easily recognized by the change from the third to the first person, in connection with the character of what is said. Cf. Hosea 9:9, 10; Zech. 12:8–10; 14:1–3. Sometimes a dialogue is found between the writer and a supposed opponent. Such cases require careful handling, for failure to distinguish correctly is very apt to result in serious mistakes. Cf. Mal. 3:13–16; Rom. 3:1–9. The following rule will prove to be of some value: "The writer of the book should be regarded as the speaker until some express evidence to the contrary appears." And when the interpreter knows who the speaker, as distinguished from the writer, is, he should make it a point to increase his knowledge of him with all the means at his command. Such persons as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Samuel, Job and his friends, and such classes of persons as the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Scribes, must be made the objects of special study. The better they are known, the better their words will be understood.
EXERCISE: Read the following Psalms in the light of David's character and experiences: Ps. 23, 24, 32, 51, 72, 132. How did Hosea's character and personal history determine the character of his prophecy? In what respect is the individuality of Paul, Peter, and James stamped on their respective writings? Who is the speaker in Isa. 53; Hosea 5 and 6; Hab. 2; Ps. 2, 22; and 40?