This chapter begins by introducing the author of
Proverbs 30. The obvious question anyone coming to this chapter would like to
know is “who is Agur?” What was his role? What makes his words here the inspired
word of God? In the Bible this is the only place where we are introduced to
him. He was the son of Jakeh. Most commentators believe that Agur was a well-known
poet and moralist who lived in the time of King Solomon. Some believe that he
was probably one of those alluded to in Proverbs 24:23. Apart from this brief allusion, and verse 1 of Proverbs 30, there is no
other information about him from anywhere else in the Bible. Agur began this chapter by indirectly
claiming that his words were inspired prophetic utterances. He refers to them
as the oracle. This word, oracle, is commonly referred to in the writings of prophets,
to show that what they had spoken or written were divinely inspired utterances. Indirectly,
Agur here claims divine source for his writings.
Verse 2 tells us that he addressed this chapter particularly
to two men, namely: Ithiel and Ucal. Who are these people? No other information
about Ucal is available in the Bible. Whereas Ithiel was briefly alluded to in
Nehemiah 11:7 as the son of Jeshaiah. Other than this,
nothing is mentioned about him elsewhere in the Scripture. We can only surmise
that these two persons were probably Agur’s close and personal friends or
disciples.
What Agur says here are important reminders to
trust God who is all knowing. He suggests that in comparison to God’s knowledge,
what a human knows is only a tiny fraction of what God knows. He sees
everything about everyone from the beginning, even before things happen to a
person. Man’s revelation is limited. He sees things progressively. He only understands
a matter after he has experienced it. So
as Agur reflected on that fact, he realizes how little he knows in comparison to
what God knows. He cannot help but to acknowledge and humbly confess his inadequacy.
He was certain that God alone possesses true wisdom and knowledge. The more he
reflected on God the more he realizes how little he knows about Him. God alone is
the Holy One – full of majestic splendor. He is transcendent and exclusively holy.
In verse 4, Agur asks a series of five questions
to show how little man knows in comparison to God. No man has full knowledge of
what God knows. Firstly, it’s because no one has ascended to heaven and then
descended, to tell exactly about heaven. Secondly, no man has ever restraint the
invisible wind and then releases it at his pleasure. He has no control over the
forces of nature, whereas God has. Thirdly, No one can store up water like what
happens to the cloud but God constantly does so. Fourthly, no one demarcates
the boundaries of the earth but God did. He has set the various boundaries on
earth. The last question is a play of sarcasm. If anyone claims to have been to
heaven, Agurs sarcastically asked, ‘then please tell “What is God’s name or that
of His Son?”’. Had God not revealed His name or sent His Son to us, we will
never know His name nor that of His Son, Jesus the Saviour of the world.
Verses 5-6 is Agur’s rallying call not just to
his two close associates but to all of us reading this portion today. Every
word that God has spoken is tested and proven. His promises are sure. To all
who take refuge in Him, He is their shield. He protects and guards His own. Verse
6 ends with a solemn warning not to add to God’s Word. No one should do that.
There will be dire consequences for one who does so.
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