Proverbs 8:22

The Lord possessed me. The meaning of vs. 22 to 31 has been the cause of much discussion through the centuries. The LXX has the following introduction to the subject: “If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.”

There is an obvious parallel in this passage to the work of the second person of the Godhead (see PP 34). However, the passage is allegorical, and caution must be exercised not to press an allegory beyond what the original writer had in mind. Interpretations derived must always be in harmony with the analogy of Scripture.

Some have sought to find support here for the view that there was a time when Christ was not in existence, and that He was created, or brought forth, by the Father as the beginning of His work of establishing an orderly and inhabited universe. Dogmatic conclusions from figurative, parabolic passages are unjustified. The misleading results of such a course may be demonstrated in the popular interpretation of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Verification of doctrinal beliefs should always be sought in the literal statements of the Bible. For literal statements on the subject under discussion see Micah 5:2; John 1:1; 8:54; cf. DA 24. Compare also the following: “In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived” (DA 530). “The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father” (EGW RH April 5, 1906). “Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God. ... He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God” (Ev 615; see also DA 19, 24, 25).

In the light of these statements the reading of modern translations that depart from the Hebrew to follow the LXX and read “created” instead of “possessed” (for example, RSV), can lead to unwarranted conclusions.

While there is doubtless a reference to Christ, He is presented in the figure of wisdom. For another illustration of such blending of application see Eze. 28, where the “prince of Tyrus” is, in part, presented as a figure for Satan.