It is often suggested—sometimes even by Christians—that many of the most well-known events of the Old Testament aren’t to be taken literally. They are, we are told, merely stories intended to convey a message. The events of the first eleven chapters of Genesis are particularly questioned in this regard. How should we interpret Old Testament events? The simplest answer to that question is to ask another question: how did the Saviour interpret Old Testament events? The answer is clear. During His earthly ministry, Christ went on record as interpreting literally all the controversial OT accounts:
• The creation of Adam and Eve (Mt. 19:4f)
• The murder of Abel (Lk. 11:51)
• The existence and activity of Satan (Lk. 10:18)
• Noah, the ark, and the flood (Mt. 24:37)
• The destruction of Sodom, the salvation of Lot, and the loss of Lot’s wife (Lk. 17:29,32)
• The calling of Moses (Mk. 12:26)
• The Ten Commandments (Mt. 19:18)
• Manna from heaven (Jn. 6:31-51)
• The brazen serpent (Jn. 3:14)
• David eating the showbread (Mt. 12:3)
• The Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon to see his wisdom & glory (Mt. 12:42; 6:29)
• Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (Lk. 4:26)
• The future role of Elijah (Mk. 9:12)
• Elisha and Naaman the leper (Lk. 4:27)
• Jonah in the great fish and the repentance of Ninevah (Mt. 12:40-41)
• The wickedness and judgment of Tyre and Sidon (Mt. 11:21)
• The prophecy of Daniel (Mt. 24:15)
• The death of Zechariah between the altar and the sanctuary (Lk. 11:51)
The Master has spoken. For His followers, this settles the matter.