In this episode, Spencer and Jack discuss what to look out for when interpreting the Old Testament. You can find the show notes on ThinkingTheologically.org

Music:
“Kid Kodi”
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue

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Episode #59 – How To Interpret…The Old Testament

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Context
   1. Book – What comes before and after the passage you are reading? 
   2. Events – What other world events and local events are going on during the events you are reading about? Before? After? 
   3. Writing – When was the book written? What was going on when it was written? What might have led to the book being written? 
   4. How to Read the Bible Book by Book
      
2. Develop a Broad Understanding of the Hebrew Worldview
   1. Afterlife/Salvation
      1. The Hebrews did not believe in an afterlife (e.g., heaven or hell). They believed that everyone, both good and evil, go to Sheol. 
      2. Therefore, Hebrews did not understand salvation as “going to heaven when you die.” When God promises them salvation he is promising them salvation here and now, in this world (e.g., a good harvest or to defeat their enemies). 
   2. Resurrection
      1. The Hebrews also didn’t believe in a resurrection. This was a belief that developed among the Jews during the intertestamental period. 
   3. Evil
      1. Hebrews believed that everything, both good and evil, came from God. There was not much of an understanding of a separation of evil spiritual beings and good spiritual beings. 
      2. No concept of the New Testament’s Satan or demons. 
      3. Belief in a plethora of spiritual beings (e.g., the divine council)
         
3. Know Key Characters and Events from the OT
   1. Abraham
   2. Moses/Exodus (Exodus 19:3–6)
   3. David
      
4. Read the Books as Works of Literature
   1. Plot
   2. Character Development
   3. Redaction
      
5. Honorable Mention
   1. Commentary
   2. Hebrew Dictionary