Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 13

The questioning is not over.  Interrogating Mom and Dad did not satisfy the Pharisees.  They did not receive any conflicting testimony that would justify their dismissing this miracle or continuing to hate Jesus.  Truth is irritating that way sometimes, isn’t it?

So they “summon” the man born blind.  Again.  And they put him under oath.  They preface this second round of examination by saying, “Give glory to God by telling the truth.”  It appears they are saying, “You certainly have been lying up to this point.  We now officially and formally put you under oath!”  One can’t help but think of the awful incident in Joshua 7 when Achan stole some “devoted things” and kept silent about his sin.  God had Joshua ferret out the offender and Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” (v. 19).

As a result of telling the truth, Achan is executed.  We read in Joshua 7:  ²⁴ Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. ²⁵ Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today.”

Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. ²⁶ Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since.”  Wow.  It seems the Pharisees might have wanted to stone the man born blind, his parents, and Jesus!

But who was really “giving glory to God” in this circumstance?  (to be continued)