The Open Scroll - Architectural Structure / Chaism

Architectural Structure / Chaism

By Bob Schlenker  (Prints about 8 pages)




If the Holy Scriptures are given by divine means and are a reflection of the Creator's perfection, then it stands to reason that there must be some internal evidence, something intrinsic and specific to this body of writing that uniquely identifies it and sets it apart from all the writings of men. I present these pages as a witness thereof, a testimony about the divine inspiration of what is called the Holy Bible.

Psalm 119:18By means of various methods of encryption, the signature of a Divine Author has been subtly woven into the complex fabric of these ancient texts. These characteristic features of the biblical text speak loudly to us in these uncertain days about the authenticity of these texts, assuring us of their integrity and trustworthiness. This presentation sets forth for your consideration and inspiration one such feature, indelibly stamped upon both the Hebrew and Greek language based texts, a most wonderful sign of our Creator's love and provision for us!

Although some might consider this such, I wouldn't call this any more "proof" of God's existence than the mere fact of your existence, or of anything else's existence for that matter. All creation has made plain what may be known about God, and there is no excuse for mankind to offer, no plea of ignorance to be heard by the judge of all.
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.  Romans 1:17-20
This signature, code, or, perhaps more accurately; cryptogram I call "architectural structure" is based upon the organization of the language elements like as the ELS codes or Acrostic codes, but instead of existing on the level of the letter or word it is found on the level of the motif, the thematic pattern emerging from the phrases and sentences. This thematic organization is reminiscent of poetry's linguistic patterns, the rhythm of music, or, portrayed graphically, like artwork that displays the qualities of symmetry and balance. It is therefore able to transcend the boundaries of language, enduring through the process of translation and emerging on the other side intact!  Recognizing these thematic patterns in scripture challenges your ability to recognize and follow the flow of thought. I believe these patterns may be observed by any person with an honest curiosity and a willingness to search deeply. However, as certain as I am that there are cryptographic thematic patterns which can be observed in the Scriptures, I am equally convinced that there is no understanding that may be had on any level beyond what the one who opens the eyes to see and the ears to hear allows. Therefore, before I proceed to present this material for your consideration, I must take this opportunity to make a special request.

To the extent of the human ability to understand and according to your hearts desire to know and to humble yourself before the Author of the Holy Scriptures, I pray that this Author, whom I know to be HaShem, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, would grant the student of the scriptures reading these words right now insight into this matter of the authenticity of the Holy Bible, which has, at great cost, been delivered to us intact. In the name of Y'shua HaMashiach.


All four examples that follow are from a popular English version - the NIV. The first three are from the Hebrew; two brief segments from the Torah (Bereshith or, Genesis) and the third, a complex example from the Tehillim. (the Psalms) The last is from the "New Testament." (Several other examples from the New Testament are available located on various pages at this web site.) You can check the text of each example below with your Bible or an online Bible to verify that I haven't misrepresented it. I've left the verse numbers in place for your convenience. In these structural studies, you'll find that there's not one word that's been added, left out or moved out of place. Each passage has simply been subdivided into its basic thematic units. I've applied a system of labeling, indenting and coloring in an attempt to make it easier to identify the similar and matching elements.

The different levels of structure required to display these passages have been labeled according to the following convention:
Level 1)   single letter - upper case  [e.g. A) ]
Level 2)   single letter - lower case  [e.g. a) ]
Level 3)   double letter - upper case [e.g. AA) ]
Level 4)   double letter - lower case [e.g. aa) ]
Level 5)   triple letter - upper case   [e.g. AAA) ]
etc.

Distinctions between repeating blocks of elements within the same level have been indicated by subscripting. The first appearance is subscripted one, (e.g. AA1)the second appearance is subscripted two, (e.g. AA2) etc.

For each example, the passage under study is first displayed as it appears in scripture to exhibit something of the beauty of its architecture. Then, you'll find a summary of the passage's themes followed by what I call a proximity comparison. In the proximity comparison, each element has been placed in close proximity with the other elements that match so they may be more easily compared. When you have studied these sufficiently and are able to acknowledge that the elements I’ve identified as matching do indeed match, review the passage once again as it is displayed with its elements appearing in their proper sequence. You should be able to perceive how the Author of the scriptures has wondrously determined the organization of the themes. He chose particular patterns to suit His purposes. The architecture of holy scripture is a reflection of his perfection - the imprint of His signature upon His handiwork! When searching for the Author's purpose in some particular passage's structural design, as a rule, any departure from the local structural norm attracts our attention and begs special attention. You may find it helpful to study this page in your browser's "full screen" view setting. Enjoy!

Genesis 1:14-18:

Commentary on the type of structure: The second block of thematic elements is merely a repetition of the first block in the same order. A Structural Study of Genesis 1:14-18 A General Thematic Summary of Genesis 1:14-18 Proximity Comparison: Genesis 1:14-18

Genesis 45:4-9a  Commentary on the type of structure: The second block of thematic elements is a repetition of the first, but is inverted. I have noted in my studies that an inversion sets the focus upon the inner or pivotal pair. The Architectural Structure of Genesis 45:4-9a Proximity Comparison of Genesis 45:4-9a
>A Structural Study: Psalm 49 General Thematic Summary: Psalm 49

Proximity Comparison: Psalm 49


A Structural Study: II Peter 3
General Thematic Summary: II Peter 3
Proximity Comparison: II Peter 3Proximity Comparison: II Peter 3
II Peter 3 - introversion of verses 3-9 II Peter 3 - Introversion of verses 2-10

If you expend the effort to make sense of all this, I believe you will be greatly rewarded with an increase in knowledge and wisdom. This presentation of the signature of the Divine brings no surprise to those of you who have become familiar with the codes evident in the Hebrew text, but now you must consider how a body of writing recorded Greek bears a marking of divine authorship seen in the Torah and Tanukh. The Creator's fingerprints are all over it! All of it! Based upon this evidence, which can be viewed as a significant means of validation of the authority of the biblical text considered such according to "Christian" canon, the matters of the way of salvation and the identity of Israel's Messiah should be settled. Baruch haba b'shem Adonai! Y'shua HaMashiach!