Mod3 BIBL700 2

Hermeneutical Skills and Competencies Christine Y Baker BIBL 700: Introduction to Biblical Exposition September 7, 2023

ii Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 Historical-Cultural Awareness ..................................................................................................... 2 Canonical Consciousness ............................................................................................................... 3 Sensitivity to Genre ........................................................................................................................ 5 Literary and Linguistic Competence ........................................................................................... 6 A firm and Growing Grasp of Biblical Theology ....................................................................... 8 An Ability to apply and Proclaim Passages from every Biblical Genre to Life ....................... 9 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 10 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 12

2 Historical-Cultural Awareness Duvall & Hayes expressed that barriers get in the way when grasping the Word of God. These barriers include culture and customs, language, situation, and vast expanse of time. 3 Culture can bring unity and division; it shapes our identity. They define historical-cultural as “relates to just about anything outside the text that will help you understand the text itself." 4 Klein, Blomberg, and Hubbard explained that the significance of the historical-cultural background is threefold. First, it provides the original author's perspective and audience. 5 Perspective is imperative for interpretation because meaning does not separate the communicator from their circumstances and environment. Second, it provides insight into the original authors' mindset, which may describe both the attitudes and inclinations of the readers. 6 Thirdly, the historical-cultural background aids in contextualizing the text, utilizing perspectives and philosophies to recollect the biblical world for the text's original meaning and simultaneously looking forward to how the original meaning may apply to the modern world. 7 As one studies the Bible, cultural awareness should be used. The impact of imposing modern cultural comprehension on a society that existed centuries ago makes the Old Testament appear unfamiliar and disconnected. This makes us wonder why, in biblical society, it was customary for the older sister or firstborn to marry before the younger one as done in their country ( Genesis 29:26 ); for women to carry on their shoulders water and other albatrosses 3 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays. Grasping God's Word: A Hands-on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible . (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 40. 4 Ibid. 5 William W. Klein, Craig L. Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation . (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004), 229. 6 Ibid 7 Ibid.

3 ( Genesis 21:14 ; 24:15 ); individuals bowing before others ( Genesis 18:2–3 ; 19:1 ; 23:7 & 12 ; 42:6 ); for the host to wash guest feet when arriving to their home ( Genesis 8:4; 19:2; 43:24 ); for one to remove themselves from their donkeys or camels to show respect in greeting one another ( Genesis 24:64 ; 2 Kings 5:21 ; 1 Samuel 25:23 ); or for the parents to choose who to marry their son ( Genesis 21:21 ; 24:4 ; 38:6 ). To understand and appreciate the Bible, one cannot take it out of its original context, inserting their presuppositions with modern culture. Therefore, our mindset must be changed from what we have been culturally conditioned to understand the ancient way of life better. “Since we live in a very different context, we must recapture God’s original intended meaning as reflected in the text and framed by the ancient historical-cultural context. Once we understand the meaning of the text in its original context, we can apply it to our lives in ways that will be just as relevant.” 8 Kevin Vanhoozer said that those unaware of culture are doomed to repeat it because culture cultivates shapes of humanity. 9 Canonical Consciousness This section of the paper and the next take us to the second element of the hermeneutical triad- literature (i.e., canon, genre, and literature), the major focus of this interpretive journey. "There is nothing like the disciplined exposition of Scripture to help congregations learn to understand how the various parts of Scripture (books; testaments) relate to the whole (canon) and to the person who stands at the center of it all (Jesus Christ)," 10 well stated by Vanhoozer. 8 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays. Grasping God's Word: A Hands-on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible . (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012). 9 Kevin J. Vanhoozer, “Artisans in the House of God: The Practices of the Pastor-Theologian,” in The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 158. 10 Ibid, 157.

5 Deuteronomy considers its Decalogue a reprise of the “10 Words” God divinely spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, which were engraved on two stone tablets. In appreciation of the emphasis on canonical interpretation from Köstenberger, "is a faithful effort to hear how God addresses his people in and through the text of Scripture as it testifies to God in Christ. This is not a method (even though it builds perhaps upon the work of historical criticism) but a practice of theological reading". 15 Sensitivity to Genre Köstenberger expressed that if you don’t know the rules of a given game, you will most likely be lost and be unable to follow a game, much less participate in it, which is similar to interpreting the various genres of Scripture: to pick up the delicate nuances conveyed by the biblical text, we must learn the “rules” that guide the interpretation of that particular biblical genre. 16 The text of Köstenberger defines narrative as a literary genre that builds its sentences and paragraphs around discourses, episodes, or scenes. 17 Narrative is vital in grasping the real nature for accurate interpretation. 18 The main genres found in the Bible are historical narrative, wisdom, poetry, parables, epistles, prophecy, and apocalyptic literature. One must pay close attention to the genres of the Bible because when the authors wrote specific genres, they intended that we read following the ground rules of those genres. To give 15 Andreas J. Köstenberger and Richard D. Patterson, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology , Invitation to Theological Studies Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2011), 157. 16 Andreas J. Köstenberger and Richard D. Patterson, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology , Invitation to Theological Studies Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2011), 238. 17 Ibid. 18 Ibid.

6 justice to the specificity of the text, genre must be addressed. Vanhoozer expressed it well when he voiced the covenant of communication paradigm; it violates our covenant with the authors when we disregard genre in the Bible. As an illustration of a biblical genre, let’s look at Psalm 110:1 (ESV). “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’” The term “psalm” is translated into Greek for “song” or “hymn” and in Hebrew for “praises.” As each psalm is considered an independent poem in itself, for which the authors intended to be read in its own right, the context is often viewed as being more flexible than in other books of the Bible. 19 A significant amount of the poetry in the Book of Psalms, for example, embodies a character of dialogue regarding prayer directed toward God; still, within these prayers, the oration is directed toward humans. Such as confession in thanksgiving and exhortations are intertwined. The effectiveness of Poetry in the Book of Psalms and how it permits the psalmist to interlace dialogically may confuse other biblical genres. Köstenberger and Patterson present a question illustrating the essence of understanding poetry about different genres: “What similarities and advances do I find here?” The authors contend that the interpreter must enter the poet's world and mind and, in doing so, reflect on the poet’s experiences and perceived mood to discern the poet’s intended meaning and reasons for their choice of imagery. 20 Literary and Linguistic Competence Klein, Blomberg, and Hubbard discussed in their text that each kind of literature has its frame of reference, ground rules, strategy, and purpose, and they’re part of the culture in which 19 Walter C. Kaiser Jr. and Moises Silva, Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2019), 34. 20 Andreas J. Köstenberger and Richard D. Patterson, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, 267.

8 35:6 ). The language Job's friends utilized in speaking of God, Job learned from God that it must be supplemented with worship and contemplation. I believe the valid message of the Book of Job is that grace is God's unmerited favor freely given to us ( Romans 12:3 ). "Language is a human convention, and, as such, is subject to change or modification. Words have a history and can take on new meanings over time or acquire additional connotations." 24 A firm and Growing Grasp of Biblical Theology Köstenberger wrote," If we are not only grounded in the historical setting and well versed in the various literary dimensions of Scripture but develop a firm grasp of its theological message, we will indeed be workers who need not be ashamed but who correctly handle God's Word. 25 I have heard many sayings, 'Just give me Jesus' and ask to skip the formalities of doctrine and theology. In other words, 'can I receive the blessings without having to know (study) or live by His word since He is a graceful and merciful God?' Today's society, many view theology as their enemy rather than as nurturing and stabilizing elements in their faith journey. 26 What is Biblical Theology? Biblical theology is biblical, or, in other words, theology derived from the Bible rather than imposed onto the Bible by a given interpreter of Scripture. 27 Many approach scriptures with presuppositions, which is not bad if we believe that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God. The Book of Jonah reminds me of myself. Because of 24 Andreas J. Köstenberger and Richard D. Patterson, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology , Invitation to Theological Studies Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2011), 624. 25 Andreas J. Köstenberger and Richard D. Patterson, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology , Invitation to Theological Studies Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2011), 692. 26 Ibid, 694 27 Ibid.

9 my fears, I often try running away from what God directs me to do. During Jesus' earthly ministry, he called four prophets by name: Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah, and Jonah. It appears that Jesus identified himself with Jonah "... but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth... ( Matthew 12:39- 41 )" At the lowest point in Jonah's life, Jesus was able to identify with him, resounding the teachings of Jesus in the Book of Hebrews: "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest ( Hebrews 2:17 )." Grasping the biblical theology of the Book of Jonah bears a significant link in the prophetic chain, giving readers a glance of the death and resurrection of Christ centuries before they occurred. An Ability to apply and Proclaim Passages from every Biblical Genre to Life Köstenberger and Patterson pose these questions: "What will the students do with the information they have learned? Will they methodically use it in their ministry, or will they check the class off the list of degree requirements and return to whichever method they used to interpret the Bible before they took the class?" 28 I pray that it is not the latter. I must say that I struggle with time management, and procrastinating has pros and cons. Pros- It forces me to be a quick thinker and get it done. Cons- build anxiety and stress, which negatively impact the quality of my work. With all the albatrosses of life, I try very hard not to lose my praises to Christ Jesus. I wear many titles, or better yet, I am positioned in many roles, which I am juggling now. I have contemplated for a while which program is best to continue my education. Since I am a 28 Andreas J. Köstenberger and Richard D. Patterson, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology , 672

11 exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is come when people will not endure sound teaching” ( 2 Tim. 4:2–3 ).

12 Bibliography Becerra, Daniel, "The Canonization of the New Testament," in New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament, ed. Lincoln H. Blumell (Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2019), 772-786. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Ten Commandments." Encyclopedia Britannica , June 26, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ten-Commandments. Duvall, J. Scott and Hays, J. Daniel. Grasping God's Word: A Hands-on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible . (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 40. Kaiser Jr., Walter C., and Silva, Moises, Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2019), 34. Klein, William W., Blomberg, Craig L., and Hubbard, Robert L. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation . (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004), 229. Köstenberger, Andreas J. and Patterson, Richard D., Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology , Invitation to Theological Studies Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2011). Vanhoozer, Kevin J. “Artisans in the House of God: The Practices of the Pastor- Theologian,” in The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 158.