The “law of first mentions” is an interesting perspective to take when reading the Bible. This law, some call it a rule, is essentially that the context of the first usage of a word or doctrine is maintained in every subsequent mention throughout the Bible unless there is additional clarification.
For instance, Abel was the first shepherd. This is a positive connotation. Other shepherds include Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David, and Jesus Christ. These are all heroes. The one exception is the “idol shepherd” who is the Antichrist.
The first serpent was Satan in the garden of Eden and tempted Adam and Eve to sin. Serpents are wicked beasts throughout the Bible and they are sometimes fiery (Numbers 21:6) and flying (Isaiah 14:29) save for the brass serpent on a pole in Numbers 21:9 which represents Christ.
The first mention of “seed” refers to plants until Genesis 3:15 where we see the origin of the battle between the SEED of Satan and the SEED of the woman (Christ). The wicked belong to the Devil, and the righteous are children of God. Of course, the promise in this verse is that Christ will have victory over the Antichrist. Hallelujah!
The Sons of God in Genesis 6 are angels; thus, all mention of the Sons of God are angels. If the phrase differs, like “sons of the living God,” the meaning changes, and we know that this phrase is talking about men.
These Sons of God married human women and gave birth to a race of powerful giants (the many races of giants were also descendants of the fallen angels) called “mighty men.” Nimrod, as mentioned before, was called a “mighty man.” He was somehow linked to the line of half human/half angel hybrid gods that were worshiped around the globe (see my earlier post).
Speaking of gods, Genesis 3:5 has the first mention of them (unless you are not using a King James Bible). Satan is aware of them before the Sons of God produced offspring. God judged them in Exodus (each plague corresponded to an Egyptian god). God stood before them in judgment in Psalm 82:1 “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.” and in verses 6-7, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.“
The first time the word “sinners” is used, is in reference to Sodom, a place known for sexual debauchery. Therefore, using the law of first mention, whenever we see the word “sinner” or “sinners”, it is referring to someone who engages in sexual sin. The lust of the flesh is powerful! It takes us all in some way.
There are countless examples of this. Grace, love, blood, wine, and on and on and on. Try reading your Bible while using this rule and see if it enhances your experience!
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