These verses employ a particular figure of speech, expressing numbers in a poetic way to indicate that full consideration has been given to the subject at hand. There are three very wonderful things—in fact, there are four! Israel has transgressed three times—in fact, four times! There are six things the Lord hates—in fact, there are seven! When the enemy comes, seven mighty shepherds will resist him—in fact, eight leaders will join them. These figurative phrases are not saying that Israel had only committed four sins or that only eight warriors will arise. The point is that, after careful examination, a response of absolute clarity and strength is coming next.

All these passages are worthy of study in their own contexts. But, as a category, this type of literary expression illustrates another proverbial saying: “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter” (Prov. 25:2). Certain divine subjects are indeed hidden beyond our view; yet often we are lazy learners when we should be passionate students. Have we given full consideration to the subjects of the Bible? Can we make statements about them with clarity and strength? Since the Scriptures are God’s divine messages, let us eagerly search out the threes and the fours, the sevens and the eights—yes, all the glorious matters of the Word of God.