I have always wondered about 'The camel and the eye of the needle' metaphor in Matthew 19:24, Mark 10:25, Luke 18:25. I mean, why a camel? Why not something bigger to really drive the point home, like an elephant? Even a mosquito might have a tough time getting through the eye of a needle, for that matter. Anyway, I heard a possible explanation today that I thought I would share here.
From Wikipedia:
Quote:"Another common explanation of the figure, is that Jesus was referring to a certain gate in Jerusalem called Needle's Eye. This entry-point was built like the eye of a needle and so low that a camel could pass only if it entered kneeling and unencumbered with baggage. The lesson would then be that an eternal inheritance awaits those who unburden themselves of sin, and in particular, the things of this world. Also, kneeling represents submission and humility, which are required by most religions to enter into heaven. Although there is no historical evidence that such a gate ever existed, through frequent repetition the idea has attained the status of virtual dogma in some circles."
From another web site:
Quote:"For the last two centuries it has been common teaching in Sunday School that there is a gate in Jerusalem called the eye of the needle through which a camel could not pass unless it stooped and first had all its baggage first removed. After dark, when the main gates were shut, travellers or merchants would have to use this smaller gate, through which the camel could only enter unencumbered and crawling on its knees! Great sermon material, with the parallels of coming to God on our knees without all our baggage. A lovely story and an excellent parable for preaching but unfortunately unfounded! From at least the 15th century, and possibly as early as the 9th but not earlier, this story has been put forth, however, there is no evidence for such a gate, nor record of reprimand of the architect who may have forgotten to make a gate big enough for the camel and rider to pass through unhindered."
From another web site:
Quote:"If you've never heard of it, I should explain. In Mark 10:25, Jesus said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
This, it had been explained to me countless times, was a reference to the smallest of the gates in the walls of Jerusalem. This passage was less a gate than a single door, just large enough for a man to walk through, but too small to afford a breach to a hostile army.
The Eye of the Needle was too small for a camel to walk through -- particularly if that camel was laden with worldly goods. If the other gates were closed, however, it could be managed. First, everything had to be taken off of the camel. Then the beast would be made to kneel, almost to crawl, to duck through the tiny gate. And then, on the other side, it could again stand up and everything could be put back on the camel.
The key I think is the end of the story, after everything is taken off the camel's back and it is made to crawl through the legendary narrow gate. Then everything is put back on the camel."
One question I did have - where was Yahshua in Mattithyahu 19:24, Mark 10:25, and Luke 18:25? Was he in Jerusalem? I came across one passage that seem to suggest that He was on His way to Jerusalem, but I wondered if anyone here knew whether or not He was in Jerusalem at the time?
Edited by user Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:48:12 AM(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified
