Tension is building in the Council of Elrond. Galdor requests testimony from Saruman – who is learned in the lore of the Rings, Glóin is quick to resurrect old wrongs already set right, and Gandalf and Elrond struggle to maintain order. Join us as we continue reading through The Lord of the Rings, book II, chapter 2 on the Secret Fire Podcast.

The Council Of Elrond Pt. 5

Galdor has done well when he asks for the council of another outside this current meeting. As we mentioned in the previous episode, Solomon tells us that the first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him (Proverbs 18:17 NASB). And Elrond assures Galdor that his questions have not been overlooked, and will be answered. Yet, Gandalf believes the evidences already presented would convince even the most skeptical that the Ring in question is that which the Dark Lord seeks.

‘Some, Galdor,’ said Gandalf, ‘would think the tidings of Glóin, and the pursuit of Frodo, proof enough that the halfling’s trove is a thing of great worth to the Enemy.

The Lord of the Rings: One Volume Edition, p. 250

Testimony About The One Ring

Saruman is not present. Therefore his council cannot be heard or considered in this matter. Yet, the case continues regarding the identity of this “trifle” in Frodo’s possession. Glóin reported about the Ring sought by the messenger of Sauron, and how the Dark Lord knew it was in the keeping of a hobbit; Boromir recounted the prophetic dream of Isildur’s Bane and the Halfling; and Gandalf recited the words of Isildur testifying that the Ring was that worn by Sauron at the Battle of Dagorlad, and how the Ring testifies of itself in the letters engraved upon it.

The council of Saruman is wholly unnecessary in the Council of Elrond. All the proof needed to identify this Ring has been given by no less than three witnesses. The Ring has been identified beyond a shadow of a doubt. This is reminiscent of the three witnesses of Jesus. As the Jewish leaders were plotting to kill Jesus for making himself equal to God, the Lord points them to the evidence: the testimony already given.

John 5:31-40 NET

If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies about me, and I know the testimony he testifies about me is true. You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. (I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved.) He was a lamp that was burning and shining, and you wanted to rejoice greatly for a short time in his light.

But I have a testimony greater than that from John. For the deeds that the Father has assigned me to complete – the deeds I am now doing – testify about me that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You people have never heard his voice nor seen his form at any time, nor do you have his word residing in you, because you do not believe the one whom he sent. You study the scriptures thoroughly because you think in them you possess eternal life, and it is these same scriptures that testify about me, but you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.

• John the Baptizer testified about Jesus
• The miracles Jesus performed testify about Him
• Scripture (Law and Prophets) testifies about Jesus

Three witnesses that testify about the identity of the Lord, and three that testify about the identity of the Ring.

Additional Resources:

• The Complete Guide to Middle-earth, by Robert Foster
• Christianity in Lord of the Rings, by Peter Kreeft
• The Fellowship of the Ring Audiobook read by Rob Inglis
• The Lord of the Rings 1981 Radio Dramatization by BBC

What stood out to you in The Council Of Elrond Pt. 5? Let us know in the comments below.

On The Secret Fire Podcast we travel chapter-by-chapter and book-by-book through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth viewing it through Christian lenses. We invite you to join us each week as we continue the adventure on the Arkenstone server in Lord Of The Rings Online.

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