2. The Scope of a Passage May Be Best Discovered by It's Structure

The "Law of Correspondence" in Scripture (also known as "Parallel Lines") is almost an unknown topic among Bible students today but the concept of metres in the Hebrew texts goes back to Josephus, Origgen, Jerome, and others.

The more modern concept of correspondence or parallel lines dates back as far as 1513, and has been developed by scholars such as Abravanel, Lowth, (Thomas) Boys, and Bullinger. How to Enjoy the Bible details the history of this subject and provides ample evidence and examples.

For the purposes of this study, we will commence at once with examples, and trust the student will investigate this deeply interesting subject on his or her own, of which Bullinger says:

... no more powerful weapon has yet been placed in our hands outside that Word, which is "the Spirit's sword." It affords a wondrous proof of Inspiration; it gives us a clearer and more comprehensive view of the scope of the Scriptures, than the most learned and elaborate commentaries can ever hope to do; and it is capable of even turning the scale in doubtful, doctrinal, and critical questions.

By its means the student is led to views and truths, and reflections which, without it, would never have occurred to him. And it is not too much to say that until the Correspondences of the Biblical Structure are duly recognized we shall never get a correct translation or a true interpretation of many passages which are to this day dark and confused in both our Versions, the RV as well as in the AV.

Example of "Alternation"

Simple Alternation occurs where two subjects are repeated on alternate lines.

Psalm 19

    A. The Heavens. Verses 1 to 4.
        B. In them. "The Sun". Verses 4, 6.
    A. The Scriptures. Verses 7 to 10.
        B. In them. "Thy Servant". Verses 11 to 14.
    

Example of "Introversion"

This is where the subjects are repeated, not in alternation, but in introversion; i.e. from opposite ends. In this case there will be as many subjects as there are pairs of introverted members. Suppose we have an example of four subjects. This will give us eight members, in which the 1st will correspond with the 8th; the 2nd with the 7th; the 3rd with the 6th; and the 4th with the 5th. Thus:—

    A. ---
        B. --- 
            C. ---
                D. ---
                D. ---
            C. ---
        B. ---
    A. ---
    

Luke 1:68-79; Zacharias

    A. 68. Visitation.
        B. 69. Salvation.
            C. 70. Prophets.
                D. 71. Enemies.
                    E. 72. The Covenant.
                    E. 73. The Oath.
                D. 74, 75. Enemies.
            C. 76. Prophets.
        B. 77. Salvation.
    A. 78, 79 Visitation.
    

Conclusion

This article can only scratch the surface of this deep and interesting subject; there is also extended alternation and combinations of introversion and alternation.