A Seven in the Good Samaritan Story


As some people know, the story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-35 is an allegory, not just a parable. I may discuss the nature of this allegory in another post; but here, I wanted to present one of the patterns that I have found in the story. This is a pattern of seven in verse 34:

1) And [the Samaritan] went to him, [the injured Jew]
2) and bound up his wounds,
3) pouring in oil
4) and wine,
5) and set him on his own beast,
6) and brought him to an inn,
7) and took care of him.

I am going to consider the Samaritan as a doctor. Here the doctor is aware that he has what is needed to take care of the wounded man and is willing to help.
The doctor must bind up the wounds to prevent further damage to them.
Oil, probably olive oil, is an ointment which both soothes and nourishes the healing tissues.
Wine is a disinfectant with alcohol in it which may sting but certainly kills bacteria.
The wounded man cannot walk, because he is half dead, so the doctor walks for him by allowing him to ride on his beast.
At an inn the doctor will have more ability to keep the man away from further wounds, as well as, protection from the elements and access to other needed supplies.
With these extra supports the doctor can now let the man rest and attend to any needs the man may have like food and water, as well as further dressing the wounds as needed.

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