"The Purpose of Repetition"

Someone wrote and asked why does the Bible have so much repetition, especially in the Old Testament books. Let me see if I can give some helpful insight. When reading your Bible, things move along and then there seems to be chapter after chapter of the same thing restated. The repetitive nature of commands or instructions in a book serves great importance. We look at the beginning and find all sorts of teaching and instruction from God. From Genesis to about Exodus 19. There begins some commands given, slowing things down and then it seems to pick back up in about Exodus 32 but by chapter 35, things slow down again. By the time we reach Leviticus and a large portion of Numbers, it just seems so drawn out. The detailed commands are repeated time and time again. There are details in nineteen chapters in Exodus. The rules and regulations spoken in all twenty seven chapters of Leviticus and genealogies along with commands in a large portion in Numbers seem to drag on forever. Many view them as unimportant and a lack of interest, so for many, they skip much of it because they see no motivation in reading through it all.

But wait...they are of vital importance and great interest for several reasons. The Old Testament is strong on repetition as a method of teaching! The countless details about the Tabernacle are given not just for information purposes but to stress the centrality and importance of worship!! Let me give a quick illustration. In Exodus 32:2-4, we have three verses describing and the making of a golden calf. The tabernacle, where God showed His purpose and desire to dwell among His people, is described in thirteen chapters! The golden calf is nothing more than an impulsive passion and evil desire from the heart of God's people. Like Aaron said, "I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them tear it off.' So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf." (32:24) In the tabernacle, there is a loving relationship over the details by people moved by God and the joy of that relationship. It was God's place of residence among His people on earth. God was showing His presence made a great difference in the thinking, the working and walking with Him and He wanted them to know who He was in holiness and character. Worship was the central theme.

Repetition drives home a point of genuine spiritual insight! They are not words just to write words but are showing the adoration and the love of worship as the central part of their relationship with Him. The Almighty was their God, dwelling among them, loving them and would not share Himself with any created thing! Man needed and still needs to know that.

Take your time, read and re-read the repetition again and you will see that the heart of the relationship is worship because He is our God and the relationship is holy.