This is what the New Testament Christians were doing because Paul specifically used the words, "For now WE see through a glass darkly (present tense)." He was saying that when they got to Heaven, they would see God face to face just like Moses did. But at the present time they were still seeing through a glass darkly, or literally "in enigmas." It means that the New Testament prophets were still operating in prophecy by interpreting prophetic dreams and visions just like the Old Testament prophets did.
Hi HIH,
Well written, and good study comparing Paul's words to Moses in Numbers. Yes, I'd would agree with this analysis, that in all likelyhood Paul had that passage in mind as he wrote. That God wanted us to see this connection.
Now, how exactly does enigma mean dreams and interpretations? Definitely something mysterious!
I have a slightly different line of thought on this passage . . . big surprise I'm sure!!
We, even the apostles, even Paul, we all see through a glass in enigmas, but then we shall see face to face.
You are leaving out one part . . .
through a glass, that is,
as in a mirror, in enigmas.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
As you've noted, the context around this portion is that we can seek after the gifts we want, but here is a more excellent way, to love. Love is the heart, and without love it's all meaningless.
This is what love looks like, love is what lasts, these other things, they are all incomplete, it's love. These other things, they will pass away, but it's love that will last.
Put away childishness, and understand, do we think we are Moses, talking face to face with God? We're not.
For now we see . . . in a mirror . . . in enigmas . . . then face to face.
Where else do we read about seeing a in a glass?
2 Corinthians 3
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord.
We see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now we don't see Jesus face to face, we're not Moses. But we do see Him in our reflection, and though we don't even see ourselves clearly, to the extent that we can see Him this transforms us.
But we don't even see ourselves clearly. We look at ourselves and we're just an enigma. So let's forget about all this striving about gifts, and just try to love each other. Then chapter 14, here are ways to think about the gifts, and to use them, so that you are focused on loving others, and not getting puffed up yourself.
I think that "seeing through a glass darkly" is about seeing ourselves without understanding.
But I'm interested in what you can show me concerning "enigmas" being specific towards dreams and visions. Again, I like what you posted on this crossreference!
Much love!