Because the bible has so much to reveal what Paul's thorn is, we will work together. What we will do is give key words to help you look up the scriptures given to you. This is what real bible study is about.
1. notice in 2 Sam. 23:6 both words are used. thorn and Belial. Now read 2 N.T. passages. Paul still speaks like a Jew. A. 2 Cor. 6:15 Belial is a infidel. B. 2 Cor. 12:7 the messenger of Satan is a thorn in his flesh. Remember he is preaching the word and pleasing God. This would be enough but there is more.
2. 3 passages--- Num. 33:55 Joshua 23:13 Judges 2:3 in these 3 the thorns is always relating to being people.
3. Ps. 118:10-12 the nations are a bunch of thorns , In David's time they were against Israel. They also are like bees. ( fig. of speech).
Prov. 22:5 thorns here relate to snares.
4. Isa. 10:17-18 God who is light, shall now be a fire. and shall burn his thorns and briers. v.18. you can see soul and body are his forest not a literal forest. 185,000 died in one day.
5. Ezekiel 2:6 reveals a lot. Their words are the thorns. They are a rebellious house. each person was spiritually called a house. Jesus called himself a temple he would restore in 3 days. Jn.2.
6. Nahum 1:10 first they are drunkards then they are thorns. see Num. 33:55 pricks in eyes and thorns in sides. who are they? the people of the land they are to drive out.
You will always see the Hebrews using pictures in their speech. Ancient Hebrew was always written in pictures. parables are pictures. food for thought. It appears that the thorn idea comes from the curse in the garden. In my words bad people are like a curse of thorns from their mouth. Their words are like piercing. Even as sharp as swords. death and life are in the power of the tongue. Prov. 18:21 Chap. 18 is full of wisdom.
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