If God inspired the Bible, why does it include scientific errors (e.g., a flat Earth in Isaiah 40:22, talking donkeys in Numbers 22:28-30)?

I. Introduction: The Nature of Divine Inspiration

Divine inspiration affirms that the Bible originates from God’s guidance of human authors (2 Timothy 3:16–17). This principle upholds that Scripture communicates truth in accordance with God’s eternal purpose. Yet questions arise about perceived scientific “errors,” such as the supposed flat Earth reference in Isaiah 40:22, or the talking donkey in Numbers 22:28–30.

While these passages may appear puzzling at first glance, there are explanations consistent with cultural context, linguistic style, and the nature of miraculous events. By exploring these topics holistically—considering ancient literary methods, the roles of metaphor, phenomenological language, and the precedent of divine intervention—we see how biblical explanations align with truth and how such passages do not undermine the integrity of Scripture.

II. Understanding Ancient Literary Context and Phenomenological Language

One important aspect of biblical interpretation is recognizing how ancient cultures described their observations of the world. Phenomenological language refers to describing natural phenomena as they appear to human senses. For instance, references in Scripture to the “four corners of the earth” (e.g., Isaiah 11:12) are commonly recognized as figurative expressions, similar to how people today speak of “sunrise” or “sunset” without implying that the sun orbits Earth.

Furthermore, literary devices such as metaphors, similes, hyperbole, and poetic structures were standard means of communication for ancient peoples. Prophetic and poetic books like Isaiah often use these literary methods to present reality in vivid imagery. When Isaiah 40:22 speaks of “the circle of the earth,” the emphasis rests on God’s sovereign rule over all creation rather than intending a literal treatise on geophysical form.

III. Addressing the “Flat Earth” in Isaiah 40:22

1. Context of the Passage

Isaiah 40:22 declares: “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers.” The immediate context in Isaiah 40 portrays God’s infinite majesty and power, contrasting humanity’s smallness. The phrase “circle of the earth” (Hebrew: chûg) can mean “vault,” “horizon,” or “circle”—highlighting God’s encompassing authority.

2. Consistent Use of Terminology

In various ancient Semitic languages, similar terms describe the horizon or curved expanse under the heavens. This expression suggests completeness or wholeness of the earth beneath God’s sovereignty. Rather than teaching a “flat Earth,” Isaiah employs language that readers from any age can understand, emphasizing God’s transcendence.

3. Historical Interpretations

Ancient Jewish and Christian scholars often recognized Isaiah 40:22 as referring to the earth’s roundness or curvature. Educational institutions in medieval and early modern Europe, far from uniformly believing in a flat Earth, often built upon Greek understanding that the earth was spherical. Archaeological and manuscript analyses of Isaiah reveal no textual variant that would suggest an intended flat Earth reading.

IV. The Talking Donkey in Numbers 22:28–30

1. Miraculous Nature of the Passage

In Numbers 22:28–30, Balaam’s donkey speaks. This is described as a notable supernatural phenomenon. The same God who created vocal ability, sound waves, and the structure of living creatures can suspend or modify natural processes. Throughout Scripture, miracles serve redemptive and revelatory purposes, displaying God’s power and guiding His people.

2. Comparisons with Other Miracles

Scripture conveys various miracles that transcend usual physical laws, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22), Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 28:5–7), and the healing of the lame (Acts 3:6–8). The donkey’s ability to articulate words is a direct act of God and follows a biblical pattern: divine authority overruling normal limitations for a specific, meaningful purpose.

3. Purpose in Context

In Numbers 22, the donkey’s speech illustrates God preventing Balaam from cursing Israel against divine will. It heightens Balaam’s realization that God alone orchestrates the message and outcome. This miracle signifies God’s sovereign power to communicate as He chooses, reinforcing the theme that all creation belongs to Him.

V. Scriptural Coherence and Reliability

1. Internal Consistency

Critics may question these passages based on modern scientific standards. However, the Bible’s objective is to reveal God’s character, moral law, and redemptive plan, rather than deliver a comprehensive science manual. When studied within context, the Bible’s statements on natural realities do not contradict modern scientific observations in any ultimate sense.

2. Manuscript Evidence

Historical documentation shows an extensive chain of manuscript transmission, with thousands of manuscripts and fragments used to confirm textual accuracy. Scholars like those studying the Dead Sea Scrolls (dated as early as the third century BC) indicate that the biblical text of Isaiah is overwhelmingly the same as what we have today. These manuscripts reinforce the consistency and reliability of the biblical narrative.

3. Archaeological and Geographical Corroborations

Archaeological finds across the Near East, such as the Tel Dan Inscription (corroborating the historical existence of David), the Cyrus Cylinder (aligning with Isaiah’s mention of Cyrus in Isaiah 44–45), and the discovery of sites like the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:2) affirm the historicity of biblical events and figures. Such findings strengthen trust in Scripture’s factual reliability.

VI. Miracles, Divine Intervention, and Intelligent Design

1. Miracles and Theistic Explanation

The inclusion of miraculous accounts in Scripture (talking donkeys, parting seas, resurrection) stems from the premise that an all-powerful Creator can intervene in the natural world. Far from scientific error, divine intervention represents an extraordinary action by the One who is not bound by material constraints.

2. Philosophical and Scientific Foundations for Intelligent Design

Modern scientific findings, like the complexity of DNA or the fine-tuning of universal constants, point to an intelligent source behind creation. This tallies with biblical testimony (“The heavens declare the glory of God,” Psalm 19:1) and fortifies the reality that miracles—rare though they are—pose no contradiction to a God who “stretches out the heavens like a curtain” (Isaiah 40:22).

3. Consistency with a Purposeful Designer

Each miracle in the Bible serves to further God’s plan of redemption, calling people to recognize and worship Him. These supernatural events cohere with a universe intentionally designed, where spiritual and physical realities intersect at God’s discretion.

VII. Harmonizing Faith, Reason, and Revelation

1. Biblical Genre and Purpose

The Bible includes varied genres—history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, epistles—each using distinctive stylistic methods appropriate to its message. Interpreting a poetic metaphor as a scientific statement can lead to confusion. Recognizing genre clarifies how to read and understand any passage.

2. Role of Faith and Evidence

Faith rests on evidence, not blind conviction. Scripture’s trustworthiness is sustained by manuscript transmission, historical consistency, archaeological discoveries, and the weight of internal coherence. This evidence strengthens faith rather than negating it.

3. Philosophical Coherence

The Bible’s overarching narrative—from creation and fall to redemption and restoration—provides an internally consistent worldview. Alleged scientific “errors” represent misunderstandings of literary devices or miraculous events, not actual contradictions of truth. Aligning Scripture with reason does not compromise faith; it underscores the harmony between God’s revelation and the reality in which we live.

VIII. Conclusion: Confidence in Divine Inspiration

The question “If God inspired the Bible, why does it include scientific errors?” arises commonly when passages are read out of context or pressed for exact scientific statements where none are intended. By understanding ancient literary conventions, acknowledging the use of phenomenological language, and recognizing the role of the miraculous, these challenges lose force.

Scripture remains a unified, authoritative source of divine truth, presenting history and theology with consistent reliability. The Bible’s emphasis is on God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, culminating in the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) as the ultimate miracle. Far from being undermined by alleged “scientific errors,” the Bible stands as a coherent testimony—holding up under textual scrutiny and archaeological evidence—that God is the sovereign Creator and Redeemer of humanity, worthy of trust in every respect.