5 Biblical Lessons In THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

By Movieguide® Contributor

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Quality: ****

Content: -1

Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY is an epic adventure filled with elves, dwarves and dragons. Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, the film adaptation tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit, who is called by Gandalph the Grey to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland under the Lonely Mountain. Their ruler became obsessed with treasure, allowing an evil dragon to overtake their birthright and losing his life at the hands of orcs. Bilbo reluctantly agrees to help the dwarves, learning about bravery and honor throughout his adventure.

While this all sounds grand and imaginative, Christian allegories are peppered throughout the film. Viewers can take away lessons from the story when looking at the movie through a Biblical lens. The characters demonstrate many valued morals and grow from their experiences. From answering God’s call on our lives to not giving in to the temptation of greed, here are five Biblical lessons from THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY.

Answer God’s Call

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17

When we first meet Bilbo Baggins, he’s living a comfortable life in the Shire. That is, until Gandalph the Grey and 13 dwarves appear on his doorstep, asking him to join them on an adventure to reclaim their land. Their former King Thror became so diseased for gold that he summoned the great dragon Smaug. Biblo resists the invitation, but when he senses the dwarves doubt his abilities, he decides to step out of his comfort zone and embark on the greatest journey of his life.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 7:17 that God assigns His believers in situations, and we should answer His call. Many of us may not feel we’re up to a task when the Lord puts it on our hearts, just like Bilbo. We wrestle with our abilities or the desire to not step out of our comfort zone. Yet, the Lord commands that we carry out the assignment He gives us in His honor. Bilbo grows in ways he never imagined possible when expands his world and answers the call. While we’re not necessarily called to defeat a great dragon, God equips us to fulfill His will when we answer Him.

Money Doesn’t Bring Happiness

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. Eccelesasties 5:10

Many of the characters in the film are driven by their desire for material things. King Thror lost his home and life by giving into his greed and desire for treasure. The dwarves are motivated and push onward because they lust for gold. The creature Gollum has been completely consumed by his love for the One Ring. Smaug the dragon sits atop diamonds and gems, hoarding piles of gold. Greed is a theme throughout the entire film, causing peril and jeopardy for all involved. It’s an undeniable cautionary tale about greed’s hold on people’s souls.

Eccelesasties 5:10 states that anyone who loves money will never possess enough to satisfy them. Greed and the desire for material things can force a person to make terrible decisions. In the end, riches and wealth mean nothing. The more we have, the more we want. True happiness doesn’t come from riches or fancy cars but through a relationship with the Lord. We can learn from the characters in the movie that greed only leads to problems. A grateful heart is worth more than all the money in the world.

Have A Strong Moral Compass

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11

There are many examples where characters are forced to choose between good and evil. Biblo demonstrates moral character when he hesitates to kill Gollum after he tries to take the One Ring, sparing his life. Gandalph the Gray imparts wisdom when he hands Biblo the sword, Sting. “True courage is about knowing not when to take a life but when to spare one,” he said. Whoever holds the ring is overtaken by its spell, and despite being the one to bear the burden, Biblo still shows restraint and lets Gollum live. This act of mercy says a lot about his moral compass.

The words found in 3 John 1:11 say that we are to not give in to evil but do what is good instead. We show our love for God when we make wise decisions and act according to His word. This act of obedience sets believers apart from non-believers. We can learn so much from Biblo and his companions as they fight evil forces in Middle Earth. While every decision they make isn’t always the right one, we can reflect on our own lives and the choices we make from day to day. A strong moral compass certainly helps guide the way.

Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24

One of the most moving lines in the film is said by Gandalph the Grey when he’s explaining to Galadriel why Biblo is the right person to fight the evil Saruman. ” I don’t know. Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I’ve found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps it is because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.”

John 7:24 says that we shouldn’t judge others based on appearance but rather on the principles of righteousness. Who would think an unassuming hobbit could fight a powerful force like Saruman? God uses anyone to work for His glory. People who respond to hate with kindness are more powerful than foolish people. When we show love in a dark world, the Lord uses us for His good. Take heart, knowing that God looks at our hearts, not our stature.

Trust God’s Providence

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Luck seems to be a running theme throughout the movie. Is it a mere coincidence that Bilbo and the dwarves happen upon Rivendell, just when the “moon letters” are visible on the map? How about when the sun shines on the secret keyhole or when Biblo grasps the ring as he feels around in complete darkness, discovering the One Ring that later saves Middle Earth? While it may appear to be fortunate circumstances, Tolkien infuses the concept of God’s providence throughout the story.

Pondering the words of Proverbs 16:9, we see that while humans plan their future in their hearts, God guides us every step of the way. We can trust Him to steer us in the right direction when we surrender to Him. There are no coincidences for those who seek His will. Every step is ordained, just like Bilbo and the dwarves had divine favor in their adventure, God protects us. He sets up the perfect circumstances and carries us to our destiny. His mission is to save us through the death and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ. Is there a more beautiful gift than that?