[Seven_0]

Thank you for your post.

Since you changed from the pearl to the treasure, I assume that you think that they have the same meaning. I do not. It is difficult for me to argue this point because I too, think that Christ is a valuable treasure and I don’t deny the merit of your point of view.

Here is my point of view, discern if you think there is merit. The fact that the treasure comes out of the earth and the pearl comes out of the sea suggests that the treasure is Israel and the pearl is the church. The order is also significant. (treasure, then pearl) I am sure that you have heard many of the arguments on this subject so I won’t take time to go into more details now. I have many questions, but this interpretation addresses the question of who will pay. The field is the world and Christ bought it. He paid it all.

Seven

[hosepipe]

[.. Here is my point of view, discern if you think there is merit. The fact that the treasure comes out of the earth and the pearl comes out of the sea suggests that the treasure is Israel and the pearl is the church. ..]

Don't lose sight of what the metaphors(parables) are.. Word images are worth a thousand words or more.. I agree with the above statement.. Metaphors transcend language culture and even dialect.. thats what they are for.. Metaphors speak of something other than what the words say.. You are on the right track.. I say go for it.. The image may not be the same for everybody.. Thats the genius of them..

A parable when you are 20 years old may be a certain image but when you are fifty the image then revisted may be more "robust".. filled in or even different.. Little wonder Jesus spoke mostly in metaphorical persona.. i.e. timeless words..

[.30Carbine]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I had never considered stretching the parable as far - it is enough for me that Christ is the Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price. FReegards, 7_0, from .30 (;