FRAME OF MIND, in which the author wrote his work, are
as Solomon, in Prov. 1:2–4; Luke, in 1:1–4; John, in John 20:31, and Rev. 1:1; Peter, in 1 Pet. 5:12. In still others the knowledge of the original readers and the circumstances in which they lived together with the occasion that led to the composition of a book will aid in the discovery of its purpose, as I Corinthians, I Thessalonians, and Hebrews. But there are also instances in which only the repeated reading of a book will help one to detect its object. Certain recurring expressions or remarks will often betray it. The tenfold eleh toledoth (these are the generations) in Genesis (cf. 2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:19; 36:1; 37:2) points to it as the book of births or beginnings. The repeated references in the Gospel of John to the way in which the disciples were led to believe in Christ, and to the unbelief of others, points to the object of the Gospel (cf. 2:11; 6:64, 68; 7:38; 12:16; 14:1; 16:31; 17:8; 20:29). Similarly the judgment that is passed on the kings of Israel and Judah at their death, points to the fact that the books of Kings were written to bring out how little the political leaders of the people, and consequently also the people themselves, measured up to the divine standard.
3. THE TIME OF LIFE, THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND FRAME OF MIND, in which the author wrote his work, are important considerations. While we should guard against the extreme of some irreverent Rationalists who claim that John evidently wrote his first Epistle, when he was too old to think clearly and logically, we should bear in mind that the Spirit of God employed the sacred writers in an organic way, and did not cause a young man to write like one who had lived to a ripe old age, nor an old man, like one in the prime of life. It is but natural that the literary productions of those who have not yet crossed the meridian of life, should be characterized by originality and virility; and the writings of those who have passed on to their declining years, by a serious outlook on life and practical wisdom. Compare Galatians with 2 Timothy, and Peter's speeches in the Acts of the Apostles with his Second Epistle. Study also the farewell discourse of Moses (Deut. 31, 32) and the last words of David (2 Sam. 23:1–7).