Indicators of riddle
A pericope that "screams riddle" in Scripture is one that breaks the narrative expectation, includes unnecessary or awkward details, or uses poetic or symbolic language—especially when the surface meaning is strange, inconsistent, or incomplete.
Here are some telltale signs that a pericope is a riddle:
🔄 Repetition or Patterns That Don't Advance the Plot
When details are repeated without clear narrative reason, it often signals symbolic layering.
Example: Genesis 37, Joseph's dreams are told twice with similar themes (sheaves, sun/moon/stars). It's a prophetic riddle about Christ's humiliation and later exaltation, not just about Joseph.
🔍 Unnecessary or Awkward Details
If something seems oddly specific or out of place, it’s likely meant to draw attention.
Example: Judges 3:21–22, the fat closing over the dagger in Ehud’s assassination. Why this level of detail? It signals a riddle: the Word (dagger) pulled from the left with the right hand indicates God's will being accomplished in the flesh.
🧩 Narrative Impossibilities or Contradictions
When the literal reading feels off or problematic, it’s begging to be read symbolically.
Example: Numbers 22, Balaam’s donkey speaks. This isn’t just a miracle—it’s a riddle about the prophet being rebuked by another prophet (donkey). Deeper yet, it is parallel to the wedding of Cana. Can you see how?
👁 Symbolic Vision or Wordplay
If it uses clear symbolic elements like dreams, names, or wordplay—it’s a riddle.
Example: Genesis 4:7, "If you do well, will you not be accepted [שְׂאֵת]?" That word also means “lifted up”—a riddle about the cross embedded in the Cain story.
🐍 Talking Animals or Trees
Talking snakes, donkeys, or trees—these aren’t just fairy tales; they’re riddles.
Example: Genesis 3, the serpent tempts Eve—symbolic of temptation from within, not a biological reptile.
📖 Narrative Fragments
A story that seems like it doesn’t belong, or is overly short and lacks resolution.
Example: Genesis 38, Judah and Tamar interrupts Joseph’s story. It's a riddle about the prostitute bride being made righteous through union with the promised seed (Tamar becomes the line of Christ).
Would you like me to compile a short list of “top 10” pericopes that scream “I am a riddle,” using this logic?
