Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

[6] that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, [7] so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; [8] and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God. What is God’s purpose behind so much of the Bible being written in imagery, metaphor, symbol, and story? Why would God write and speak to us in the form of parables and metaphors, and not merely in the plain, straightforward kind of language that is better understood and not so greatly misinterpreted? Is God deliberately trying to mislead us, make it more difficult for us to know his will and Word? Of course not! Our devotional text explains why David spoke in terms of the parable and “dark sayings from of old,” those things which God revealed to his people from ancient times. The purpose is not to hide from us, for verse four makes it directly plain that God’s intention is not to hide his meaning from us, nor should our intention be to hide the meaning of the words of God from our children. Rather, we are given pictorial language, parable and story, allegory and poetry, symbol and metaphor to invite us to learn, to explore, to seek God in such a way that his wonders and works can be comprehended well by his people and their children. How then does the parable, the story, the metaphor, or the picture invite us to come and explore? First, through the image or picture God shows us his meaning rather than merely telling us. By pointing to the lilies of the field and his care for them, he can provide us with a concrete picture of what it means to be cared for by him. Second, images, stories, and pictures involve our imaginations and emotions as well as our intellects. God wants us not merely to know ideas but to be affected by them, to feel the truth, so to speak. Finally, communicating through parable and story invites the hungry to continue to search for the meaning of the genre. Through the image, picture, and story God, in essence, invites us to come and explore further and deeper his meaning. For those who were looking for diamonds on the surface of the text, they will be disappointed. The Scriptures everywhere speak of the fruitfulness of the hungry heart to explore and seek wisdom like treasure in order to receive his deepest and best insights. Prov. 2.1-5 - My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, [2] making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; [3] yes, if you call out for insight and

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