Old Testament: Biblical Interpretation

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Table of Contents

Definitions of terms as used in Biblical interpretation
The basic rules of Biblical interpretation
Jesus’ response to the Old Testament
Geographical relevance to the Old Testament
The role of archaeology in understanding the Old Testament
The role of a prophet
Truths about worship
Prophecy
The ministry of prophet Amos
Works Cited

Definitions of terms as used in Biblical interpretation

The word revelation, as used in the Bible signifies prophetic experiences that prophets underwent based on what would happen in future. For instance, their suffering would either signify the end of the world or give an indication of the final destination of the world was fast approaching. Within the Biblical context, there were many acts of prophetic revelations as frequently noted in the New Testament book of Revelations.

In this context, Biblical interpretation of some verses in the Bible should assume the revelation approach since prophetic experiences were meant to give signals of the future. For example, a look at chapters 15-16 of the book of Revelations in the Bible presents the last plagues which give an indication of either cancelled conclusions or simply the end of the world. Inspiration has been used in hermeneutics and Biblical interpretations. The whole interpretation which can be given out of this book chapter is that in spite of the nearing end of the world, people need t to be motivated so that they may continue living with a promise of a better future life (Boring 171).

As indicated in the Bible, the story of death and resurrection of Jesus is aimed at providing Christians with inspiration to overcome temptations in their daily lives. Usually, these temptations manifest themselves in the form of the daily challenges of a believer. When Christians resist temptations, they are able to live a life full of self-fulfilment. Biblical ly, this can be interpreted as everlasting life which will come after physical death.

Similarly, the word canon carries significant heavy meaning in hermeneutics as used in the Bible. In the Bible, canonical presentations are regarded as symbolic of events that would happen and thus representative of future great events as presented in canonical signs. Therefore hermeneutics insist on the interpretation of symbols of canons to get intended meanings implied in the canons. This is its right application in the Bible (Boring 172).

The basic rules of Biblical interpretation

The first rule emphasizes that Biblical interpretation be approached from the principle of census literalis (Sproul 72). In simpler terms, it states that while a Biblical reading approach should not take Holy book as a piece of work like other numerous published books -following its inspirational and infallibility, the words used in the Bible are present in the world of print, and thus its reading should be literal. Secondly, the Bible should be read existentially, not to mistake it with historical existentialism but rather contextual existentialism.

This rule emphasizes that Biblical contexts are timeless and thus, what is read conversantly applies to the present. Thirdly, Biblical teachings are aimed at putting forth some heavy message to teach humanity of some context of requirement. By this, then the Biblical interpretations are supposed to take a didactic approach (Sproul 78). This approach should not be confused with direct limitations by rather understandings of the teachings and following of the word. The fourth basic rule that guides the interpretation of the Bible is the rule of the relationship between the implicit and the explicit. This rule directs that the implicit be interpreted by use of explicit.

While there might be a statement in the Bible putting forward some message, it might as well have left out a significant message. In order to decipher this, then this rule applies, and thus an implied message would be understood by a careful examination of the explicitly stated message. The last principle to be considered in this text is the rule of understanding the words used in the Bible. Since the Bible aims at communicating, careful interpretations are critical in the avoidance of ambiguity and thus present clarity all people to understand (Sproul 78).

Jesus’ response to the Old Testament

Although the New Testament concentrates on the life of Jesus and his works here on earth, there is confirmation of Jesus acknowledging the Old Testament. This implies that both the Old and New Testament versions of the Bible cannot be separated either in terms of spiritual interpretations or real-life applications. For example, several aspects have given a clear indication of some of the responses made by Jesus that are either partially or fully linked to the Old Testament especially in the book of Luke, while undergoing temptations from the devil.

The mentions of the Old Testament in the New Testament appear in Luke Chapter three, whereby there are direct quotations of the Old Testament in the book of Isaiah. Subsequent references are seen in the book of Luke Chapters 6-8 where He undergoes temptations from the devil. He voices strong sentiments that Biblical writings should be taken Holy and never broken. When He dismisses the devil that no one should try God in His abilities, he makes reference to the Old Testament (Porter 109).

These are clear and succinct indications that while events on the New Testament times sometimes seem to ‘contradict’ those of the Old Testament, the fact remains that none of the versions fails to address the importance of spiritual life and the destiny of mankind.

Geographical relevance to the Old Testament

There is a lot of geographical relevance of the Fertile Crescent to the Old Testament. To begin with, it is imperative to note that this is the land where the story of the Bible is based, from stories after creation to the exodus of Israelites from the land of captivity; Egypt. Therefore a great part of the Old Testament is based on this region and thus presents great significances to the Bible. Descriptively, this region encompassed the Nile River Valley, part of the Mediterranean coast’s narrow plains, the valleys of rivers Euphrates and Tigris and the delta (Merrill 39).

This region was characterized with the adequacy of rainfall and availability of enough water to support agricultural activities with areas receiving less rainfall undertaking irrigational activities thus enabled settlements of life and thus the earliest form of civilizations as evident from the Bible. The Near East, as it is known, contains the story of the exodus of the Jews from Egypt to total freedom beyond the Mediterranean Sea. This highly helps us to understand the book of Exodus and the story of Israelites from the land of captivity.

The role of archaeology in understanding the Old Testament

Archaeology is mainly concerned with the determination of timing of events and especially of given materials. In this context, it plays a great role in understanding the Old Testament. Ancient Biblical manuscripts obtained from records indicate the correct transmission of the Bible. Archaeology has also helped in the verification of ancient events including Biblical characters and other civilizations depicted in the Bible. Since passages in the Bible were written at specific times under the influence of certain social and political organizations, archaeology becomes of great help in determination of correct illustrations and explanations of passages therein (Merrill 42).

The role of a prophet

According to Dearman (58), prophets are of great importance in connecting humanity with God as well as the future. Since a prophet knows what is in the mind of the Lord, he becomes essential in providing effective prayers. This is possible since his prayers are unceasing directed at a specific and accurate event, either in its prevention or occurrence. This role is essential as it can prevent future calamities fro happening if the prayers become successful.

Secondly, a prophet acts as the Link between Christians and the Lord. By this he becomes a messenger of the Lord and thus passes messages from the Lord to Christians. This role is essential for Christians in understanding what the Lord wants. Without prophetic links, Christians would not know want the Lord wants. A prophet also plays a role in initiating God’s action. This role is crucial for Christians to know God’s impending action and thus avoid behavior that might continue to provoke the Lord to initiate His action on Christian or non-Christians.

This also alerts Christians on God’s intention with the world or Christians in general and thus prepares them for such future actions. However it is not possible to know the exact timing of the predicted or prophesized events and thus Christians will have to be more careful in reading signs that show the nearing of the prophesies.

Truths about worship

From extensive Biblical studies, Sproul (103) has deeply emphasized that the term prayer is a verb and not as it may have been approached from the dimension of a noun. This implies that Christians should always do worship services together either by carrying it out as an event or through the use of music and other accompaniments such as emotions. This way, prayer becomes valid and is thus likely to achieve its goal.

More importantly, prayer has been shown as insistent truth of reality or experiences. Therefore, in order to materialize prayer, there must be whole truth in it. Secondly, worship should not be centered on the needs of Christians. There is a reminder that worship is not about humans but rather about Lord God and thus accuracy should be observed during prayer sessions. All worship attentions should be directed to God.

However, Christians might also include their own experiences in worship such as repentance and prayer for blessing and defeat of the enemy. Thirdly, worship should be direct to the Almighty God through two stages as directed by documents in Christianity. This worship should pass through His son and also through the Holy Spirit. Worship whereby the two intermediates are not present is not considered valid and thus impartial (Sproul 105). However, this truth is almost forgotten by many Christians since they make direct worship sessions and forget either one of the intermediates.

Prophecy

Biblical prophesies have been directly associated with dramatic events and thus have been largely considered to be dramatic. To begin with, Hosea, as a prophet of love, is depicted as portraying dramatic love poems that are set to inspire people to continue to live for tomorrow. The first three chapters of the book of Hosea dwell on God’s intention of winning back the Israelites through an approach of rebuking their behaviors which He apparently disliked.

The portrayal of the offense committed by marrying Harlot by Gomer is shown as quite offensive in the eyes of Hosea and thus the Lord. This is a great piece of dramatic event aimed at showing Israelites that God’s intentions are beside their actions. By transformation, the Lord shows that there is possibility of acceptance hence is used as a tool for winning them back. This dramatic approach greatly works since many at times; the Israelites respond by showing change in their habits and thus are accepted back (Dearman 88).

The ministry of prophet Amos

Like many prophets, Amos developed his own ministry during his time. Dearman (120) depicts that Amos’ ministry, which was located to the north of Israel as shown in the Bible, never lasted long enough. This ministry coincided with the great earthquake and is thought to have lasted for approximately fifteen years, from 767-753 B.C during the reign of Jeroboam. This time is also associated with Israel prosperity and luxury which automatically led to sin.

Although he worked most of time alone in his ministry, he involved himself in sheep breeding and fruit tendering as a source of living but was dedicated and spiritual mature prophet who knew God’s ways. His audience comprised of the Israelites although his messages were critically against their practices. He prophesized in many themes theologically which include the Covenant and the Remnant, Social Injustice and Idolatry and God’s word. These themes brought to light many wishes of the Lord to the people of Israel during the reign of his ministry. After his work, it is believed that God let him go back to his former duties.

Works Cited

Boring, Eugene. Revelation: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011. Print.

Dearman, Andrew. The Book of Hosea. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Pub, 2010. Print.

Merrill, Eugene. An historical survey of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1991. Print.

Porter, Stanley. Hearing the Old Testament in the New Testament. New York: Wiley &sons, 2007. Print.

Sproul, Robert. Knowing Scripture. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2009. Print.

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