I perceive the "old man" to be Fate, or some external force (a very cynical one, rather often) that guides the folly or men. Fate has taught the sailors to pay attention to where the seagull flies, as this portends of rocks below the water's surface in the near distance. Fate (perhaps to some, God) can also be cruel. The "farmer", acting on good faith, provides cash to the "old man" with the expectation that the old man will provide a benevolent service. In the farmer's case, however, the old man takes the money and leaves the farmer "wild".
Someone help me out. Is there a historical reference to "Seven Stones"? Seven certainly is a significant number in the Bible, especially as pertains to the subject of prophecy, but I know of nothing which ties seven stones directly or indirectly into relevance as regards these accounts of the fickle nature of an often malevolent and often, as well, beneficent "old man". Help me out if you have insights that might lead us to a clue! Thanks, fellow Genesisters and brothers!
I perceive the "old man" to be Fate, or some external force (a very cynical one, rather often) that guides the folly or men. Fate has taught the sailors to pay attention to where the seagull flies, as this portends of rocks below the water's surface in the near distance. Fate (perhaps to some, God) can also be cruel. The "farmer", acting on good faith, provides cash to the "old man" with the expectation that the old man will provide a benevolent service. In the farmer's case, however, the old man takes the money and leaves the farmer "wild".
Someone help me out. Is there a historical reference to "Seven Stones"? Seven certainly is a significant number in the Bible, especially as pertains to the subject of prophecy, but I know of nothing which ties seven stones directly or indirectly into relevance as regards these accounts of the fickle nature of an often malevolent and often, as well, beneficent "old man". Help me out if you have insights that might lead us to a clue! Thanks, fellow Genesisters and brothers!