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The First and the Last Laugh by C.S Anderson
Does the Bible intentionally convey humor? Scholars are divided on the subject, but no doubt we find stories in the Book that communicate absurd situations involving trickery and surprise.
Who can doubt that Laban's "switcheroo" of Leah for Rachel on Jacob's wedding night (Gen. 29:21-26) was not meant to be humorous even as Moses penned the tale?
Humorous wordplay is often found. For example, Ehud is a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. "Ben yamin" means "Son of the right hand." Ehud assassinated Eglon, the fat king of Moab. "Eglon" comes from the same Hebrew root as "fatted calf" (Judges 3:12-30). That Eglon would suffer such a fate is an example of "gallows humor."
Proverbs is replete with fools, rascals, sluggards, and others whose character and predicaments evoke a smile. My favorite is the following: "As the door turns on his hinge, so does a slothful man upon his bed" (26:14).
Jesus often used humor, irony, and satire: blind leading the blind; straining a gnat, yet swallowing a camel; cleaning a cup on the outside while leaving the inside filthy; honoring historical prophets while killing those in the present, etc. Comedian Eric Idle observes that even if Jesus was not consciously trying to be funny, His schtick contained "very decent stuff."
The Apostle Paul often employed satire, grand exaggeration, parody, and comic word pictures that reveal a keen sense of humor. His "anti-autobiography" (II Cor. 11:22-33) is sarcasm and not braggadocio. He is contrasting himself with his critics, but giving Christ all the credit.
So, in troubled times let us endure with a light heart. Read a funny story, watch a funny movie, tell each other jokes. After all, God Himself is the Author of humor.
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