First mentionings of the word “tongue” in the Bible and other references.
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. (Genesis 10:5) [Tower of Babel; Table of Nations]
And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. (Exodus 4:10)
The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; (Deuteronomy 28:49)
The Spirit of the LORD spake by me [David], and his word was in my tongue. (2 Samuel 23:2)
And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue. (Ezra 4:7)
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. (Daniel 1:4)
The New Testament refers to the Old Testament when giving the meaning and purpose of tongues.
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (1 Corinthians 14:21-22)
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
(Isaiah 28:11-12)
The Purpose of Tongues in the Old Testament
1. God gives a message to his people (most often to Israel).
2. God's people refuse to listen to the Lord's words.
3. God causes his people to hear another language accompanying judgment.
4. God disperses his people into exile.
Identify the messages that repeat this pattern in each passage given.
Genesis 11 (Genesis 9:1,7)
1. God's message: 9:1,7
2. People refuse to listen: 11:4
3. Foreign language accompanying judgment: 11:7-9
4. God disperses his people: 11:9
Deuteronomy 28
1. God's message: 28:1
2. People refuse to listen: 28:15
3. Foreign language accompanying judgment: 28:49
4. God disperses his people: 28:64-65
Isaiah 28
1. God's message: 28:12
2. People refuse to listen: 28:12
3. Foreign language accompanying judgment: 28:11
4. God disperses his people: 28:13
[No tongues for Israel in the Millennial Kingdom, no more judgment or curse. Isaiah 33:17-19]
Jeremiah 5 (Jeremiah 4:1)
1. God's message: 4:1
2. People refuse to listen: 5:3
3. Foreign language accompanying judgment: 5:15
4. God disperses his people: 5:19
New Testament: the OT pattern is repeated for unbelieving Israel (I Corinthians 14:21-22)
1. God's message to Israel: Matthew 11:28
2. People refuse to listen: Matthew 23:37
3. Foreign languages accompany judgment: Matthew 23:38 24:2 Acts 2:1-11; 10:46; 19:6
4. God disperses his people: 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem and the temple
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 1 Corinthians 14:21-22
[I Corinthians is last book the gift of tongues is mentioned in the Bible.]
James Utter