October 10: REPEAT AND ENLARGE
Now when [Manasseh] was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers… 2 Chronicles 33:12
Alert readers discover a marvelous teaching theme throughout the Bible. It is often called “repeat and enlarge.” The first example is the story of Creation. Genesis chapter 1 gives an overall outline of God’s creative activities. It is helpful to know that chapter-and-verse designations were added later. The first three verses of chapter 2 belong to chapter 1. However, from 2:4-25 we receive a “zoom-in” that includes details not mentioned in chapter 1. This helps us solidify God’s precepts in our memory, and then build upon them.
Another fascinating example of “repeat and enlarge” is the reign of Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, who became king when he was only twelve. 2 Kings 21 records his reign as the most wicked and despicable king in Judah and also records his death (v.18). 2 Chronicles 33 also records Manasseh’s reign, adding details of his affliction at the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians. Manasseh humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers… seeking forgiveness for his many sins. The LORD received Manasseh’s plea and restored him as King of Judah where he spent the rest of his days serving the LORD his God. What a joy to read of Manasseh’s restoration, revealing the readiness of our loving, gracious God to forgive, cleanse, and restore!
In Daniel’s book, chapter 2 outlines the history of four successive empires that bore (and still bear) a direct impact upon the people of God. This same outline, with added details, is repeated in chapter 7. Chapter 8 moves in closer on the last three empires, for at the time of this vision, the first empire, Babylon, was about to be destroyed, and thus become a symbol for apostate Christianity in the last days. The details in 8:9-27 leap ahead to the second phase (the papal phase) of the fourth empire, Rome. In chapter 11, again the last three empires are laid out, with an incredible level of detail regarding the fourth—and last—earthly empire of Rome as a counterfeit religious system that will attempt to forcefully insert itself between God and His people.
The four gospels contain many of the same stories, but with different details included. Skeptics will call these “contradictions.” The Holy Spirit of God leaves it up to every reader to discover the harmony of the gospels, and the harmony of the Bible as a whole. If someone is looking for an excuse to entertain doubts about God’s character, they are free to cite their perceived contradictions. This hardening of the heart happens all too easily when the Holy Spirit, the Author of Scripture, is ignored.
In the book of Revelation, the time period from the first-century Apostolic Church to the return of Christ is covered. The repeat and enlarge principle is found in the seven churches, the seven seals, and the seven trumpets, written to emphasize the ultimate victory of the Lamb – and how He is leading His people, helping them to navigate around every attempt of the dragon to weaken, deceive, and destroy the church. Nevertheless, many faithful individuals will be saved.
These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Revelation 14:4