[VRWC_minion]

I agree with it all. However, it still leaves room to appreciate a passage on two levels. It need not be an either/or approach. Heck, even the names God chose for people were dual purpose. They forshadowed the charachter and they were their name.

We often get too tied up in the literal and we underestimate God's ability of expression in his scripture. What a masterfull God we have that can express both literal meanings for the child listening and metaphors for the adult listening.

[Southflanknorthpawsis]

What a masterfull God we have that can express both literal meanings for the child listening and metaphors for the adult listening.

Now, that is about the most convoluted explanation I've seen yet. Are you saying that a verse can be interpreted figuratively or literally, depending on the reader?

Metaphors are clearly indicated in the Bible....period!!!! If not otherwise indicated, God's word is to be taken literally. That's the way it works, no matter who the reader may be.

You may feel better by finding ways to explain that which is difficult or impossible for us to understand, but you are second guessing God. Not a good idea, IMO.