11. INTERROGATION. The literal use of an interrogation, is to ask a
question; but when men are strongly moved, whatever they would affirm or
deny with great earnestness, they naturally put in the form of a
question.
Thus Balaam expressed himself to Balak: "The Lord is not man, that he
should lie, nor the son of man, that he should repeat. Hath he said it?
and shall he not do it? Hath he spoken it? and shall he not make it
good?" "Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice
like him?"
12. EXCLAMATIONS are the effect of strong emotions, such a surprise,
admiration, joy, grief, and the like.
"O that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of way-faring men!"
"O that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be
at rest!"
13. IRONY is expressing ourselves in a manner contrary to our thoughts;
not with a view to deceive, but to add force to our remarks. We can
reprove one for his negligence, by saying, "You have taken great care,
indeed."
The prophet Elijah adopted this figure, when he challenged the priests
of Baal to prove the truth of their deity.
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