Interpreting OT Narrative pt. 1 Intro to Three Levels Flashcards
I included most but not all information in these flashcards. Be sure to go over study notes for explanations or other missing portions lol sorry
The Bible contains more “______” literature than it does any other literary type.
The Bible contains more “NARRATIVE” literature than it does any other literary type.
Over _ _ % of the Old Testament is narrative.
Over 40% of the Old Testament is narrative.
Which of the O.T. books are almost entirely narrative? (hint: there are 15)
Genesis, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Jonah, and Haggai.
Which of the O.T. books contain SUBSTANTIAL narrative portions? (hint: there are 6)
Exodus, Numbers, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Job
Which of the N.T. books are also narrative?
Much of the FOUR GOSPELS and all of ACTS.
Why do many interpreters surprisingly get into trouble interpreting narrative?
Understanding and interpreting biblical narrative may seem simple and straightforward, but you would be surprised at how many interpreters get into trouble interpreting narrative. This is mostly because they attempt to make narrative say MORE than it really says.
Biblical narrative tells us about GOD’S story: a story that is utterly ____, crucially _______, and often ______.
Biblical narrative tells us about GOD’S story: a story that is utterly TRUE, crucially IMPORTANT, and often COMPLEX.
Narratives tell a very SPECIFIC story
Narratives tell us about things that happened in history, but not just any things. [selective] What is a narrative’s purpose?[hint: Metanarrative]
Their PURPOSE is to show God at work in His creation and among His people. [Metanarrative]
- The narratives glorify God, help us to understand and appreciate Him, and give us a pictureof His divine provision, care, and
protection. [we also read about the failure and mistakes of humankind]
Narratives tell a very SPECIFIC story
The purpose of all Biblical narrative ultimately is to tell the story of _______ history.
The purpose of all Biblical narrative ultimately is to tell the story of SALVATION history.
Narratives tell a very SPECIFIC story
Many of the individual stories provide _______ of many other ______ important for our lives. [life lessons]
Many of the individual stories provide ILLUSTRATIONS of many other LESSONS important for our lives. [life lessons]
The Biblical story is being told on ___ LEVELS at the same time.
The Biblical story is being told on THREE LEVELS at the same time.
TOP LEVEL: The story of the _______ ______ of God [Metanarrative. Bible as story]
TOP LEVEL: The story of the UNIVERSAL PURPOSE of God. [Metanarrative. Bible as story]
TOP LEVEL:
• Key aspects of this plot are the initial _____; the ____ of humanity; the power and total rule of sin in the world; the need for ________.
• In the New Testament, Christ’s ______, ______, ______, ascencion and promised return are the capstone of this story.
• Key aspects of this plot are the initial CREATION itself; the FALL of humanity; the power and total rule of sin in the world; the need for REDEMPTION.
This is the total unfolding of God’s redemptive plan from beginning to end.
• In the New Testament, Christ’s INCARNATION, SACRIFICE, RESURRECTION, ascension and promised return are the capstone of this story.
MIDDLE LEVEL: The story of _____ — God’s _____ people
MIDDLE LEVEL: The story of ISRAEL—God’s CHOSEN people
inclusions: the call of Abraham, the Exodus Story, the conquest of the Promised land, Israel’s sins, God’s warning through prophets, destruction, exile, and their restoration
BOTTOM LEVEL: hundreds of _______ narratives
BOTTOM LEVEL: hundreds of INDIVIDUAL narratives
*examples: Joseph & his brothers, David & Bathsheba, etc.
