HERMENEUTICS

Hermeneutics
Interpreting the Scriptures
[2nd Edition – September 2007]
Page
Lesson 1 Your “Worldview” and the Bible 1
Lesson 2 Part 1: Hermeneutics 4
Lesson 3 Interpretation 11
Lesson 4 Part 2: Principles of Interpretation 18
Lesson 5 The Principle of Election and The Principle of Covenants 25
Lesson 6 The Ethnic Division Principle, The Principle of Time,
or “ages” or “seasons” and The Breach Principle 32
Lesson 7 The Principle of the Central Theme of Christ, The Moral
Principle, The Symbolic Principle and The Principle of Types 38
Lesson 8 The Numerical Principle, The Principle of Parables,
The Interpretation of Prophecy, and How to use the Principles
of Hermeneutics to Interpret Prophecy 45
Author:
Eileen Crowhurst
Copyright © 1998 All Africa Bible College
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that All Africa Bible College is acknowledged as the original source of the
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SBCI, P.O. Box 324, Hillcrest 3650, South Africa
E-mail: sbci@absamail.co.za Tel. 031-7660284 Fax. 031-7660449
www.sbci.co.za
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Your “Worldview” and the Bible
Lesson 1
A. What is a “worldview”?
Note: Everyone has a “worldview”, whether they are conscious of it or not.
A “worldview” is a set of assumptions that we hold (that is, beliefs, things we suppose to
be true) about the basic makeup of the world, or just about life in general.
Our goal in this course is to become conscious of our personal worldview… and
then to change our personal worldview where it is not rooted in biblical truth.
B. Your “worldview” causes you to reach certain conclusions
Each of us has a worldview … and that view of the world has a great deal to do with our
“conduct and actions” and what we “see”.
Example: The Sadducees had a worldview in which there was no such thing as the
supernatural.
This belief blinded them to the truth of the reality of eternity.
Read Mark 12:18-27
Read Acts 4:1-2 and Acts 23:8
We used the example of the Sadducees … but all of us have “blind spots”.
C. “Worldview” and Culture
A worldview provides an explanation of how and why things are as they are, and how
and why they continue to change.
These explanations of “how and why” are passed on from generation to generation,
sometimes through a nation’s history books, or through folklore (legends), myths and
stories.
They also give culture a subconscious legitimacy in the minds of the people of that
culture. That is, people in a certain culture believe the things that make up their culture
are valid and true … because everyone around them has the same beliefs, the same
opinions and the same customs.
D. A “worldview” serves as a basis for values
A worldview serves as the basis for values, judging and validating (confirming,
authenticating as true or good).
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It is a yardstick or measuring line, with which people measure events and circumstances
in their culture, providing criteria or standards for acceptability, importance, value and
worth.
For example:
Cultural
Feature
Assumption / “Worldview” Conclusion
Clothing 1. Immodest to go naked (West)
2. One covers one’s body only if
hiding something (Gava people,
Nigeria)
3. For ornamentation only (Higi
people, Nigeria)
1. Must wear clothes even to bed.
2. Go naked to prove yourself.
3. Wear on “occasion” only.
Rearrange or change in public.
Buying 1. Impersonal, economic transaction
(Western World)
2. Social - person to person (Africa,
Asia, Latin America)
1. Fixed prices. No interest in seller
as person. Get it over quickly.
2. Banter over price. Establish
personal relationship.
Youthfulness 1. Desirable (Western World)
2. Tolerable. To be overcome
(Africa).
1. Look and act young, cosmetics.
2. Prove yourself mature, don’t act
young.
Age 1. Undesirable (Western World)
2. Desirable (Africa)
1. Dreaded, old people unwanted.
2. Old people revered.
Education 1. Primarily formal, outside home,
teacher-centred (Western World)
2. Primarily informal in the home,
learner-centred (Africa).
1. Formal schools, hired specialists.
2. Learn by doing, discipleship,
folktales.
Family 1. Centred around spouses (Western
World)
2. For the children (Africa)
1. Compatibility of spouses
important.
2. Mother-child relationship
paramount.
Rapid Change 1. Good, change=progress (Western
World)
2. Threat to security (Africa)
1. Encourage rapid change and
innovation.
2. Conservatism valued. Aim at
stability.
E. Worldview and Personal Identity
A worldview reinforces identity. It creates the “we … they” dynamic, (i.e. my culture
… as distinct from your culture).
That is, through a common worldview, people in one culture identify with their society as
opposed to all other societies. It produces a sense of community and belonging, a
sense of membership in the clan, or tribe, or nation. As the worldview of a culture is
continually reinforced, the community is strengthened.
F. A worldview is a filter
A worldview serves as a filter for new information, values, philosophies and experiences.
However, not all new experiences that are new to a particular culture’s worldview are
rejected; some create a change in the culture’s worldview.
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In this respect, worldviews can change. However, some worldviews are more
resistant to change than others.
Example: Islamic cultures’ worldview resists change by isolating people from the rest
of the world, making their cultures difficult to penetrate.
G. Coming into a biblical worldview
Correcting our inherited personal worldviews brings us to the purpose of the following
principles of Hermeneutics.
It is vitally important that each of us realises that the culture or society we have grown up
in has influenced our values, what we consider “normal”, even our interpretation of right
and wrong.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will try in this course to get into the Biblical
worldview, the true view of reality … and become as saturated as possible with its
language and thought.
Our purpose is to think the way people thought in Bible times, so that we may see
God’s world in God’s way through the “eyes” of revelation.
Read Ephesians 1:18
Read 2 Corinthians 2:14
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Part 1: Hermeneutics
Lesson 2
A. Introduction
1. Hermeneutics.
a) From the Greek word "hermeneuo" which means "to interpret".
b) 2 Timothy 2:15, "to rightly divide the word of truth". Greek "orthotomeo"
which means "to cut a straight line", i.e. to guide the word of truth along a
straight line.
c) Correct interpretation of the Bible is the most important factor in
teaching/preaching/application.
2. “Bible” From the Greek words "Biblios" and "Biblion", which mean "the Book".
3. Communication.
How can this man get to the other Now he can visit his friends –
side of the river to visit his friends? Because there is a BRIDGE!
Whenever communication takes place between one person and another it is
important to realise that the message being communicated can be misunderstood
by the person listening or reading. That is, there may be an understanding gap.
In order for communication to be successful and accurate, there must be A
BRIDGE which both the speaker or writer and the one listening or reading can use.
For us to understand the Bible, the rules of interpretation, or "Hermeneutics",
supply us with the bridge across this gap.
Idea BRIDGE Idea understood Idea misunderstood
Gap in correct interpretation
and understanding
Language / Vocabulary
Experience
Value System (Morals & priorities)
Education
Attitudes
Situation
Idea Environment Idea Wrong idea
Frame of reference
Sender Receiver Receiver
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B. Definition of terms
1. Therefore, we can define Hermeneutics as the set of rules employed in the correct
interpretation of Scripture.
a) Not only the written word, but also things not spoken of – for example, signs
and symbols.
b) We need to understand what a text means in accordance with:
i) The covenants of God – Old Testament or New Testament under the
New Covenant.
ii) Christo-centric – the whole Bible is centred on Jesus, the Messiah.
iii) God’s redemptive plan – God’s plan has always been to redeem man.
iv) God’s unchanging nature – He remains the same.
c) We must also take into account foundational elements such as language,
custom, context.
Women carrying water jars Eastern Bride Men’s clothing Women’s clothing
d) The Word of God is the centre of ministry, therefore a mature, working
knowledge of correct interpretation of Scripture is the basis of MINISTRY.
Read 2 Timothy 3:16
The Word of God: Scripture The Word of God, written
Exegesis The Word of God, understood
Preaching The Word of God, made relevant for today.
2. Scripture: The written Word of God.
“Scripture” from a word which means a measuring rod, or a standard.
a) Canon – the books that together make up the written Word of God.
Tests for a book to be included in the Canon (i.e. the Bible)
i) Is it "authoritative" – did it come from God?
ii) Is it prophetic – was it written by a man of God?
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iii) Is it authentic – the early church had a policy "If in doubt, throw it
out".
iv) Is it dynamic – did it come with the life-transforming power of God?
v) Was it received, collected, read and used – accepted by the people of
God? (2 Peter 3:16)
vi) The New Testament – was it written or approved by the apostles under
the Lord's authority?
b) During the Reformation (1517 – 1600AD) The church accepted the
following:
i) The Old Testament: The Jewish Scriptures, which were fulfilled in
the person of Christ in the New Testament.
ii) The New Testament: Apostolic documents containing the truth of
Christ and the church based upon apostolic
authorship or authentication.
3. The Traditions of Men versus the Authority of Scripture.
As the Middle Ages drew to a close, various groups began to differ with Roman
Catholic doctrines. One of the most important of these was that The Roman
Catholic Church claimed that their interpretations of the Bible were the only
accurate interpretations and that their church traditions were more authoritative
than Scripture.
NB This is still the attitude of the Roman Catholic Church today.
The Reformers rejected the Roman Catholic Church's authority to define the
Scriptures and maintained that the reverse was the way God intended. They
maintained that the teachings of all churches, including "holy mother church"
(which is what the Roman Catholic Church calls itself) need to be tested by
Scripture.
NB The Bible should define the church, its traditions, doctrines, etc.
Read Mark 7:11
NB a) Tradition must not add to Scripture and must be tested by Scripture.
b) The Bible remains the decisive and final authority, by which all the
teachings, traditions, and the church itself, is to be tested.
C. Unique features of the Bible
1. The Spiritual Factor.
a) God communicates with mankind by the Holy Spirit, who illumines the mind
and witnesses to the truth of Scripture.
b) BUT – the man who is reading must be born again.
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Read 1 Corinthians 1:22-29 and 2:6-10
2. The Unity Factor.
There is harmony throughout the Bible as it centres on Jesus Christ and our
redemption and revelation, which depend on Him.
3. Progressive Revelation.
a) God takes man where He finds him, with whatever understanding he has of
God, morality, etc., and then God seeks to lead him closer and closer to
Himself. In other words, God meets man where he is and then leads him on.
b) As time passes, the purposes of God become clearer and fuller.
i) Any tension between older revelation and new: the old must give way
to the new.
ii) There is no uniformity of importance of passages in Scripture.
That is, some passages are more important than others. Example: John
3:16 and Numbers 1:13
D. The basis for all interpretation
1. The Self-Interpretation of Scripture: Scripture interprets Scripture.
i.e. The whole of Scripture interprets the part of Scripture and therefore no part
of Scripture can be so interpreted as to change or modify the teachings of the
whole of Scripture.
Example: Acts 20 – end.
Did Paul disobey God by going to Jerusalem? Did he keep the Law while telling
others not to? Was his death a result of "appealing to Caesar?" Was he disobedient?
We must take into consideration Paul's life as a whole, his determination to carry
out his commission, and the information contained in other Books he wrote such as
Romans and his statement there that the "letter of the Law kills" and Acts 9:16, "for
I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake".
2. The Supernatural.
All reports of the supernatural in Scripture are not some kind of misunderstanding,
but are accepted as God's intervention into man's environment.
3. The Communication of Scripture.
If there can be a gap in understanding between one person and another, how much
more must it apply to communication between God, who is omniscient, etc., and
the mind of man who is limited to time and space. In addition, God communicated
His truth through human writers, using the things they would be familiar with at the
time in which they were living. This makes accurate interpretation even more
necessary.
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THE COMMUNICATION OF SCRIPTURE
HERMENEUTICS
INSPIRATION EXEGESIS
BRIDGE
HUMAN WRITERS THEOLOGY
GAP
REVELATION ILLUMINATION
TRUTH TRUTH
GOD infinite MAN finite
eternal temporal (time)
omniscient limited
Sender Receiver
NB About 35 different writers, from all walks of life, wrote the Scriptures over a
period of about 1600 years (from Moses to John) and in three different
languages!
4. God is: a) Spirit, not flesh.
b) “Anthropomorphisms”: The attributing of human emotions such
as anger, grief, joy and physical characteristics such as arms, ears,
etc., to God. These attributes need to be understood in the context
of imperfect expression of eternal truth, which enable us to better
understand God. Read Hebrews 3:8-9, 15 and Psalm 91:4.
Example: He "hears" us – Job 27:9
Hearing requires – sound waves
– an ear to receive
– a nervous system which converts sound
waves to patterns which the brain can
interpret
– memory, etc.
Obviously when God "hears" we are not saying He has all the
physical organs, etc., or that He depends on the atmosphere and
sound waves – He "hears" us even when we pray silently.
Example: David’s refuge “in the shadow of God’s wings” Psalm
57:1. Does God have wings and feathers, etc.?
c) Inhabits ("dwells in and fills") eternity.
d) Is completely unique – unlike anything or anyone.
e) We call Him "Father" – used to communicate certain truths about
God.
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E. The illustrative language of the Bible
God spoke to, and through, men ...
"In many different ways" (Hebrews 1:1)
1. A Dream (Numbers 12:6; Joel 2:28; Matthew 1:20)
2. A Vision Something "seen" while awake, without the usual means of
seeing with our natural eyes. A supernatural appearance that
brings a revelation. (Numbers 12:6; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17; Acts
9:10,12)
3. The Angel of Sometimes meaning an actual appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ
the Lord or a manifestation of a certain angel. (Genesis 18; Exodus 3;
Judges 6 and 13)
4. A Shadow A faint and imperfect representation; a foreshadowing.
(Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 10:1)
5. A Pattern The first of its kind; the original mould from which a thing is
made; an original item deserving of imitation. (Exodus 25:9; 1
Chronicles 28:11,12,19; 1 Timothy 1:16; Hebrews 8:5)
6. A Mystery That which is secret; truth which can be known only by
revelation. (Ephesians 1:9; 3:9; 5:32; 1 Timothy 3:16; Revelation
1:20)
7. A Dark Saying A saying whose meaning is not clear at all and which must be
searched out. (Numbers 12:8; Psalms 49:4; 78:2; Proverbs 1:6;
Daniel 8:23)
8. A Riddle A puzzle requiring some thought and understanding to solve it.
(Judges 14:12; Ezekiel 17:2)
9. A Proverb A short saying stating practical truth in a forceful way. (Proverbs,
Luke 4:23; 2 Peter 2:22)
10. A Parable A short story conveying a spiritual truth or a lesson. "An earthly
story with a heavenly meaning".
11. Prophecy To speak under inspiration concerning the present (forth telling)
or concerning the future (foretelling) either to proclaim or predict.
12. Symbols We can speak "literally" of facts: places, people, actions, events
that happened and we can use comparisons in order to better
describe them. And when we speak of ideas or concepts we find
we must resort to the use of figures of speech in order to get our
meaning across.
NOTE: For the correct interpretation of symbols we must know what
those symbols meant at the time and place of writing!
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NOTE: The less the idea or concept of a symbol is related to the
common experience of the reader, the more important it
becomes to understand what the symbol represents.
Example: a) Describe what "chocolate" tastes like.
b) Explain what an aeroplane is to someone who has never
seen one.
c) Explain what it means to be happy.
Examples of symbols:
· a clock face
· the keyboard on a typewriter
· a page of piano music
· numbers – for instance, the number 3 can be a number in
sequence (one, two, three); or it can be a bus that goes to a
certain place; or it might mean a particular rugby player; it
can also be a date (3/4/93); and even a measurement (4m
3cm).
The human mind is able to set the symbol against its CONTEXT and interpret what
the symbol means almost immediately.
13. Types In the Bible certain revelations of truth are presented through
symbols which at a future time are to be replaced by reality – such
a symbol is called a "type".
Whatever is used as a type will have qualities representative of a
particular person or something to come. It may be a prophetic
representation.
Examples:
· The Tabernacle – symbolic of the presence of God. Please
note, He inhabits eternity (2 Chronicles 6:18) – but in the
tabernacle the Lord was present in a special way.
· The Temple – was built according to the pattern of the
Tabernacle.
· The Tabernacle of David – a form of relationship with God,
expressed in praise and worship. (Note: this is the only
temple/tabernacle God said would be rebuilt.)
· The Lord came in person – Jesus – so the symbol became
unnecessary. (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 10:6,11)
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Interpretation
Lesson 3
A. Interpreters
In the last lesson we saw that a gap exists between the person reading – and let us call
him “the interpreter” on the one side, and what is written – or “the material to be
interpreted” on the other side. Rules for interpretation must be set up to bridge that gap.
There must be protection against arbitrary (inconsistent, subjective, dictatorial,
unrestrained) interpretation, made because of culture, a particular church’s doctrine,
personal preference, or preaching styles.
1. Two examples of wrong interpreters:
a) Legalistic Interpreters.
Acts 13:27 "For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they
knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every
Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him". (AMP) READ
also John 5:39-40.
The Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, priests – those who were the official
interpreters of the Old Testament, because they focused on the letter and
legalities, misinterpreted the voices of the prophets and ended up by
crucifying the Messiah. This shows us that it is possible to know the
Scriptures very, very well but yet, because of legalistic interpretation, to
misunderstand completely. (John 5:39-40)
b) False Interpreters. 2 Corinthians 4:2; Ephesians 4:14; 2 Peter 3:16.
There are people who deliberately misinterpret Scripture "ever learning and
never able to come to the knowledge of the truth", they deceive themselves
and mislead their followers.
2. True Interpreters.
· Born of the Spirit of God, with a renewed mind, a hunger to know God and a
respect for His Word.
· Having an attitude of humility, accepting the inspiration of the Scriptures;
approaching in faith, not reasoning power;
· in prayer and meditation.
· Intellectually honest, recognising the unity of the Spirit and the Word, the
harmony and unity of progressive revelation;
· understanding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments;
· able to use good study resources and
· possessing a sound mind.
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B. Unreliable methods of interpretation
1. The Allegorical Method.
This view says that the true meaning of what God said lies hidden underneath what
is plainly written. Scripture is interpreted with no consideration to its grammatical
or historical meaning. What the author was trying to communicate is ignored and
what the interpreter wants it to say is forced upon it.
Where the error lies: Believing that what God said in plain language is not really
what He meant.
2. The Mystical Method.
This method looks for many, many meanings in such things as the numerical value
of letters and has also been referred to as "spiritualization".
Example: Adding up letters of words and giving the sum spiritual significance.
Where the error lies: Assuming that God meant many things other than those He
actually said. If that was true, then how can we discover
which meanings are more important? This form of
interpretation turns Scriptures into riddles.
3. The Dogmatic Method.
This reduces the Bible down to a collection of "proof texts" and is used by a lot of
cults – Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Science in particular.
Example: Matthew 5:18 – "jots and tittles" of Law not passing away is used as
support for continuing the Mosaic Law in every detail, but Jesus was
speaking about the teachings of the Scriptures. Some of these were
already fulfilled and were passing away even as Jesus spoke.
Where the error lies: The Bible is not seen as a whole, but in pieces.
4. The Devotional Method.
This view says that Scriptures can be accurately interpreted as they pertain to each
individual's life. It should be noted that of course there is personal application of
Scripture, but this method goes beyond personal application and into personal
interpretation. It is the "yes, but my case is different" method.
Example: Matthew 10:9,10,19 to mean that Christians do not need to bother about
material provision or spiritual preparation.
Where the error lies: The interpreter singles himself out as a special case and
ignores the context or intention of the writer.
5. The Rationalistic Method.
This method limits the Bible only to what human reasoning and nature can
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understand.
Example: Lazarus did not die but was in a coma. Jesus only appeared to be
walking on the water but actually He was walking on the shore in a
certain way that the disciples thought He was on the surface of the sea.
Where the error lies: Unbelief.
C. The only safe and sensible method of interpretation
THE LITERAL METHOD: The basic meaning of any passage is what the writer
intended us to understand. "Literal" means the understanding that any person of normal
intelligence would get without any special "code" or "key".
NB This does not mean that figures of speech are to be taken literally.
Examples: 1. Read Joel 2:31 – "moon turned to blood" – means colour.
2. Read Jeremiah 1:15 – "I am calling all the tribes .. of the north" – does
not mean ALL – every tribe on earth to the north.
3. Read Jeremiah 1:18 – "a fortified city, an iron pillar, bronze walls...”
– means that Jeremiah would stand strong.
NB A reader or hearer can make the error of making the Bible say what he wants it to.
Every sect or cult can support its doctrines with the Bible. It is the hermeneutics
used, the methods of interpretation that are applied which make for truth or
error. This is especially true of prophetic passages.
We must be anchored to a literal interpretation first. That is, that the writer had a
message, that he used language to convey that message, like anyone else, and that
what he literally said, he literally meant.
The Literal method assumes that the meaning of what God has said is evident and reliable
and was intended to be understood by everyone who believes. The "literal sense" is the
usual, customary and socially accepted meaning in their contexts. A word may have
different meanings in different contexts and therefore must be interpreted in the light of
its contextual usage. It is also called the Historical – Contextual – Grammatical
Method, or H-C-G.
D. A brief history of Hermeneutics
1. Jewish Hermeneutics.
From Ezra (considered to be the Father of Hermeneutics, he was a scribe and along
with help from a number of Levites, he undertook the great task of translating and
interpreting the Scriptures into Aramaic – Nehemiah 8:1-8; Ezra 8:15-20) to this
present day.
Important: We are in the New Covenant; New Testament Christians. The majority
of the Jews rejected their Messiah, therefore Jewish Hermeneutics differs from
Christian Hermeneutics.
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a) History: The Jews in captivity in Babylon had no temple, no ceremonies,
etc., and therefore the Law and Prophets became their comfort and strength,
and the source of their identity. The remnant returning to Jerusalem desired to
again build the temple and city in order to restore the glory of their
inheritance in Moses.
But, in Babylon, they had learned a new language – Aramaic. They no longer
knew Hebrew! Therefore there was a language gap. Ezra, the scribe,
accepted the responsibility of translating and interpreting the Writings.
(Nehemiah 8:1-8; 10-18; Ezra 8:15-20)
Important: When Ezra taught the people about the laws, he applied God's
instructions quite literally in the lives of the people – they were
to put away foreign wives, keep the feasts, etc. That is, he told
the people to DO these things. Therefore we see Ezra using
Literal and Practical methods of interpretation.
b) Lesson: Correct interpretation is based on bridging the language gap.
2. Jewish Authority.
a) The Sanhedrin: Originally people gathered together in a "synagogue",
which was just a place where they could meet. The Jews then formed a
council of 120 members who gathered together to interpret the Law. By the
time Jesus was born, this had developed into The Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin consisted of:
i) The High Priest as President.
ii) The Chief Priests or heads of the various groups of priests.
iii) Scribes or Lawyers, who interpreted the Law.
iv) Elders, who represented the ordinary people.
Large numbers of people now needed instruction; therefore they began to
meet in synagogues. The main objective of these meetings was instruction
in the Law, NOT PUBLIC WORSHIP. Local synagogues could not
interpret the Law, they could only repeat what the Sanhedrin said –
THEREFORE WHEN THE SANHEDRIN REJECTED JESUS, SO DID
THE SYNAGOGUES … and (most of) the people in them.
NB The same walls that lock truth in can also lock new truth out.
b) The Scribes: These men were the "official interpreters" of the Law. They
accumulated many, many traditions, which they placed alongside the Law of
Moses and gave their traditions equal importance to the Law.
c) The Mishna: These traditions of the Scribes were written down and called
the Mishna.
d) The Gemara: The Mishna was then commented on and these comments
were written down and called the Gemara.
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e) The Talmud: These two, the Mishna and the Gemara together, were called
the Talmud.
NB These leaders added to the Word of God.
3. Hermeneutics during the time of the Apostles (from the ministry of Jesus to the
death of John).
a) Jesus: He was the bridge between God and man. He continually rebuked the
Pharisees because their legalistic approach to the Word of God, which
included their own traditions, brought the people into total bondage and also
because they ignored the power of God, His intentions and the spirit of what
He meant.
b) The Apostles: They rejected and condemned Jewish traditions, endless
genealogies, false knowledge and philosophy.
4. Medieval Hermeneutics. (From 600 – 1517 AD)
During this time interpretation of God's Word had to submit to the tradition and
doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. The Bible was only used to support what
the church "fathers" said. If it contradicted what the "fathers" said, then the Bible
had to bow to church authority. Church leaders claimed that Scripture's true
meaning was ONLY to be found in the Roman Catholic Church.
5. Reformation Hermeneutics. (From 1517, Martin Luther – to 1600 AD)
The Reformers rejected the Roman Catholic Church’s insistence that it alone was
gifted with the grace of interpretation and therefore knew instinctively what
Scripture meant. Courageous men and women rejected this claim and set in its
place the rule that Scripture is its own interpreter.
"SOLA SCRIPTURA" – Latin for "only Scripture" was the cry of this period.
The whole of Scripture interprets the part of Scripture, and therefore no part can be
interpreted in such a way that it contradicts the teaching of the Bible as a whole.
Martin Luther, 1517 AD, attacked the authority of the Roman Catholic Church,
translated the New Testament into German and put it into the hands of the masses.
The Reformers believed that:
a) The Bible is the inspired Word of God.
b) The Scriptures should be studied in its original languages.
c) The Bible is infallible (not capable of error), but the church is fallible
(capable of being wrong).
d) The church is to submit to the Bible. The church does not decide what the
Bible teaches, but the Bible determines what the church teaches.
e) All understandings, preaching and teachings must be based on what the
whole of Scripture reveals, not just on certain parts of Scripture.
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6. Post Reformation Hermeneutics. (From 1600 – 1800 AD)
Sadly, after the great Reformation, the very same people who had rejected the
traditions of the Roman Catholic Church now fought each other about their own
doctrines and interpretations. They studied the Bible to find verses with which they
could prove their various ideas and theology or traditions.
NB This is “Eisegesis” (“Eise” = “putting into”; not “exe-gesis” = “taking
out of”). That is, Eisegesis allows doctrine to control the interpretation of
Scripture. Exegesis allows God’s Word to form doctrine and is the basis
for all true, meaningful, accurate preaching.
E. Foundations for interpretation
Bridging the gap:
The goal of Hermeneutics is to understand the meaning of the Word of God. The
foundation needed to reach this goal is to correctly bridge the gap between our minds,
today in the 21st Century, and the minds of the writers of the Bible, who lived thousands
of years ago.
This gap consists of four basic areas:
1. The gap of language: The Bible is composed of documents written in languages
which are no longer spoken: Ancient Hebrew, Ancient Chaldee and Koine Greek.
a) Vocabulary: For example, the word “adoption” to us today, refers to the
legal transferring of a child from one family to another; but in Hebrew culture
it referred to a child coming of age in his own family.
b) Grammar:
i) English and Hebrew stress word order – where words appear in a
sentence is important – i.e. whether the subject, object, etc. Example:
“He gave it to her”, has a very different meaning to “she gave him to
it”.
ii) Koine Greek: the ending of words determined the role it played in a
sentence. Example: “anthropos” = “a man”; “anthropo” = “to a man”.
This determines the difference between – a man made a statement, and
a statement was made to a man.
2. The gap of culture: Different writers lived in different cultural settings. For
example: the Israelites were influenced culturally by the Egyptians, Phoenicians,
Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans.
a) Materially: Such things as housing, food, cooking utensils, agricultural tools,
weapons, animals, etc., were quite different to how they are today. For
example: it is impossible to properly interpret Jeremiah 2:13 without
understanding what a “cistern” represented in that cultural context.
1 7
b) Socially: The manner in which the people of that society relate to one
another. The way they make their living, how they worship, recreation, family
customs, civil laws, legal practices, etc. For example: Jacob would not have
been so easily deceived had he known the marriage customs in the land of
Nahor (Genesis 29:26).
NB: The way in which a people live within their environment moulds their
way of thinking. For example: if someone lives in a small community
and the biggest church he has ever seen is a church of 50 people, then a
church of 150 people is huge. But in Korea there is a church of 700,000
and a church of 150 is considered very small.
3. The gap of geography: From the wilderness of Sinai to Rome, Babylon, etc.
Some places mentioned in the Bible no longer exist or are not called by the same
name.
a) Political: 1 Kings 18:42-46, Elijah ran from Carmel to Jezreel. It is helpful
to know where these places were.
b) Names: of cities, rivers, etc., may have changed.
c) Botanical: plant and animal life are different from our experience. For
example: Proverbs 30:19-31, Luke 13:32.
4. The gap of history: The historical context of Bible authors was very different to
ours today.
a) World powers: Do you remember that Syria and Assyria are two different
countries? Can you locate them on a map? What about Phoenicia? Egypt?
Babylon? Rome? Mesopotamia? Canaan? … etc.
b) Economies: Example: the economic wealth and need in the early church
played a major role in fusing the Jewish and Gentile believers, Acts 11:27-29.
c) Religions: Societies have always been greatly influenced by their religion.
Throughout Scripture God’s people are always seen in relation to other
religions around them as either being influenced by them or in conflict with
them. Example: Leviticus 18:9-14; Acts 19:24-41.
These gaps can be bridged by the use of Lexicons and Dictionaries, Books on Manners
and Customs of the Bible, an Atlas, Books on Geography and Bible History.
18
Part 2: Principles of Interpretation
Lesson 4:
A. The Context Principle
Context – “con” means together.
Correct interpretation of any verse is determined by putting it together and considering
it as part of a line of thought, which runs through a portion of Scripture or even the
whole of Scripture.
Example: Read Ecclesiastes 10:19. Could this be used as an excuse for selfish,
drunken greed? No. We must base our interpretation on knowing its context –
written by a man (Solomon) who was backslidden, discouraged and
disillusioned with the world’s ability to give meaning to life.
1. Fresh Revelation – under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the writers of the Bible
wrote new thoughts, previously unknown to them.
Example: Jeremiah 31:31-34. God revealed to Jeremiah that there would be a New
Covenant. No one had ever known that before.
Ephesians 2:11 – 3:21. Paul writes of the mystery of the body of Christ,
the Church.
2. Woven Revelation – The writers of the Bible sometimes took new revelation and
added it to what God had already said which gave them greater understanding of
what God had previously revealed. In other words, they wove together new
revelation and what was known to them before.
Example: Romans 3:9-18. Paul weaves together six quotations from the Old
Testament (Psalms 14:1-3, 53:1-3, 10:7, 140:3; Proverbs 1:16; Isaiah
59:7-8) which show the universality of sin and the need for redemption
apart from keeping the law.
The Context Principle teaches that Scripture interprets Scripture – therefore a part
of Scripture can never be understood outside of the context of the whole of
Scripture. This rule, or principle, can be illustrated like this:
Bible
Testament
Book
Passage
Verse
1 9
Read Psalm 119:160
The context of a verse is the passage. In order to understand the verse, you must read
the passage it appears in. What is the main point the writer is trying to make?
The context of a passage is the book. Who wrote it and when? To whom? What was the
reason it was written? Did it have any effect? How does it apply to us today? Or, does it
apply at all?
The context of the book is the Testament. What covenant were God’s people under
when it was written?
The context of a Testament is the whole Bible, because God does not change, therefore
His intentions, purposes, goals and plans remain the same today as they were when
Abraham, or David, or Hosea lived.
1. The whole of Scripture context:
No one verse should be used on its own apart from its relationship to the whole of
the Bible. The best interpreter of Scripture is Scripture.
2. The Testament context:
Each of the two Testaments has its own distinctive character and emphasis: In the
Old Testament the general emphasis is the Law; the general emphasis of the New is
the grace of God through Jesus – the fulfilment of the Law. The dividing point
between the Testaments is the Cross. As a general rule, the New is the interpreter of
the Old. “The New is in the Old contained, the Old is in the New explained”.
Note: The point where the New Covenant started is the Cross of Christ. Jesus lived
His life as an Old Covenant Jew.
3. The Book context:
Within the Bible and its two Testaments, the context of any verse is the specific
book where it is found. Each of the books has its own specific purpose, message
and style. (The general theme of Romans is the “justification that comes from
faith”; James is “works which flow from justification”.)
4. The Passage context:
Each book is divided by subject matter (in other words what the writer is talking
about) into passages. Each passage consists of a group of consecutive verses
pertaining to a particular subject – today we call these “paragraphs”. Any sentence
or verse must be interpreted in the light of the subject-context of the paragraph it is
in. (For example: Romans 11:26 must be interpreted in the light of the subject
context of Romans chapters 9 through 11.)
NB A text without its context is your own invented text!
APPLICATION (correctly applying what we read to our lives)
1. Luke 24:49. READ
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This verse was used as instruction to hold long meetings (sometimes repeated
meetings for days or weeks) where people would “tarry” or “wait” for the baptism
in the Holy Spirit.
NB If we accept that we are to “wait” then we must also wait in Jerusalem
because that is where they were. But we do not see “waiting” as being
necessary for the saints written about in Acts. They received the Holy Spirit
just by asking and immediately they were filled.
2. Hebrews 10:38. READ
Where does this passage start and finish? (10:19 – 12:2 – notice that the passage
context can cross into another chapter)
Chapter 11 Historical examples of faith.
Chapter 12 Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
What is the context of the book of Hebrews? There is some uncertainty as to the
author, but we know that it was written to some Jews who had stepped out of
Judaism into Christianity, but who now wanted to revert to Judaism in order to
escape persecution from their countrymen. They were probably living in Rome and
this letter was written to them sometime between 64 and 68AD. Purpose: to show
Christ as superior to – the Aaronic priesthood, animal sacrifice, Melchizedek
priesthood – He was the perfect sacrifice. There is more to be gained in Christ and
the writer encourages them to press on.
What is the context of the Testament? The Old points to Christ, the New points to
faith in Him. The New is “better” – see above, a “better” priesthood, a “better” and
perfect sacrifice, etc.
The New Testament is a part of the Bible, where we are shown that the sin of
unbelief destroyed man’s relationship with God. Righteousness (our relationship to
God restored) comes by faith in Christ who bore our sin. We are justified – now
part of the family of God.
B. The First Mention Principle
We can help our understanding of a verse by considering the first time its main idea
appears in Scripture.
NB God demonstrates principles in His Word. This is not the first mention of a word,
but the first demonstration of a principle. God demonstrates the principle before He
labels it, for example:
Read Genesis 1:1-3 The first mention of the agreement of the Spirit and the
Word.
Read Genesis 3:21 The first mention of a “substitution” sacrifice.
NB The same is true for symbols, persons, places and prophecies.
For example: Read Isaiah 7:14 – the first mention of this prophetic stream is found
2 1
in Genesis 3:15 (Read) which aids in interpreting the prophecy in Isaiah.
IMPORTANT:
1. The first step is to accurately locate the first mention.
2. NEVER refer only to the first mention of a word, rather try to discover the principle
that word contains.
3. No later mention of that subject should be used in contradiction of that first
mention.
4. This principle should never be used alone to interpret a verse.
Scriptures for consideration:
1. Romans 3:24-25 "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that
is in Christ Jesus: whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His
blood...."
Subject justification by grace through faith in the blood of Jesus
First mention Genesis 3:21
2. Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by
sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned".
Subject the entrance of sin and death into the world by one man.
First mention Genesis 3:1-7 and Genesis 2:17
3. Luke 1:17 "And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the
just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
Subject Elijah
First mention 1 Kings 17:1-7
Elijah pronounces judgement according to the Word of the Lord
in order to bring about repentance in the nation of Israel. John the
Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah, calling the nation
to repentance.
C. The Comparative Mention Principle
A certain verse or verses in a passage can be interpreted by comparing it with another
verse or group of verses – or by contrasting it with another verse or group of verses.
"to compare" means to look at how they are the same.
"to contrast" means to look at how they differ.
IMPORTANT:
1. This principle should be used whenever there is more than one verse or passage that
deals with the same subject. In other words, when studying a subject in the Bible,
all that the Bible has to say on that subject must be taken into consideration.
2. No doctrine should be formed on the basis of one verse or passage of Scripture.
3. Passages may be compared only when they are shown to deal with the same
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subject.
4. Passages cannot be compared when the conclusion would conflict with other clear
statements of Scripture.
5. When comparing verses, go from the meaning of clear passages to those that are
not clear then interpret the unclear ones in light of the clear.
Examples:
a) Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Tables of Stone Tables of Heart
Stone Heart
Written with the finger of God Written with the Spirit of God
Death Life
Letter kills Spirit gives life
Glory to go away Glory to remain
Old Testament New Testament
Condemnation Righteousness
Veil on face of Moses No veil, face to face
b) Read Luke 17:26 What were the “days of Noah” like?
c) Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 First Adam ….. Last Adam
D. The Progressive Mention Principle
It is important to understand that the Word of God is a progressive revelation. God did
not give full truth all at once, but He unfolds it to man step-by-step, detail-by-detail –
continually giving more and more understanding.
Read Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 2 – Christ is born.
IMPORTANT:
1. Because truth is progressively unfolded in Scripture, no one verse contains the
whole truth on any given theme. No doctrine can be built on one verse.
2. Caution must be used in comparing or contrasting verses. Only when those verses
or passages clearly speak of the same idea can they be legitimately put together.
Example: Read Galatians 3:29
The subject of this verse involves Abraham. His role in God's plan to redeem
man is progressively revealed in the Bible.
Can you follow the steps in the Messianic Prophecy?
Genesis 3:15 The seed of woman
Genesis 12:3 The seed of Abraham
Genesis 49:10 …………………………………………………………..…
Numbers 24:17 …………………………………………………………..…
2 3
Deuteronomy 18:15 …………………………………………………………..…
Psalm 22 …………………………………………………………..…
Psalm 110:4 …………………………………………………………..…
Isaiah 7:14 …………………………………………………………..…
Isaiah 53 …………………………………………………………..…
Micah 5:2 …………………………………………………………..…
Zechariah 12 …………………………………………………………..…
etc.
E. The Complete Mention Principle
The interpretation of any subject is based on gathering all the references to it in the Bible
and considering them – only as these parts are pieced together can the full truth be seen
correctly as a whole. This principle is very similar to the Progressive Mention Principle
we have just studied:
First Mention "first the blade"
Progressive Mention "then the ear"
Complete Mention "then the full corn"
Example: The Symbol of Leaven
Ex.12:15 Put away leaven from your house,
for whoever eats leavened bread…
shall be cut off.
Ex.12:19 Whoever eats that which is
leavened… cut off
Ex.12:20 You shall not eat anything leavened
Ex.12:39 For it was not leavened
Ex.13:3 No leavened bread eaten
Ex.13:7 No leavened bread be seen with
you… Neither leavened bread be
seen with you
Ex.23:18 Not offer the blood of my sacrifice
with leavened bread
Ex.34:18 The feast of unleavened bread you
shall keep
Lev.2:11 No meat offering.. shall be made
with leaven; burn no leaven
Lev.6:17 It shall not be baked with leaven
Lev.7:13 Offer for his offering leavened
bread
Lev.10:12 Eat it without leaven beside the altar
Lev.23:17 They shall be baked with leaven
Deut.16:3 Eat no leavened bread
Deut.16:4 No leavened bread seen with you
Hosea 7:4 Kneaded the dough until it be leavened
Amos 4:5 Sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven
Matt.13:33 The Kingdom of heaven is like leaven;
till the whole was leavened
Matt.16:6 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees
Matt.16:11 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees
Matt.16:12 Not beware of the leaven of bread
Mark 8:15 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees
Mark 8:15 And of the leaven of Herod
Luke 12:1 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees
Luke 13:21 It is like leaven which a woman took..
until the whole was leavened
1 Cor.5:6 A little leaven leavens the whole lump
1 Cor.5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven
1 Cor.5:8 Not with old leaven; neither with the
leaven of malice and wickedness
Gal.5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump
Conclusion: leaven is often used to symbolise sin or sinful habits.
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HOMEWORK
Interpret John 6:56 on “the blood”, using all the references to this theme from the books of
Genesis and Exodus only.
1. Locate the first mention.
2. Gather the links in the chain by using the Progressive Mention Principle.
3. List your observations.
4. Give a summary interpretation of the verses in your own words.
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2 5
The Principles of Election and Covenant
Lesson 5
A. The Principle of Election (some refer to this as “predestination”)
This refers to God's selection of certain persons or nations for His purposes.
Types of Election:
1. The election of a certain TIME. God chooses certain nations, individuals or groups
to fulfil His purposes at a particular time in history.
2. The election of each of us having a free will, and making our own choices, which
will endure for eternity.
Election and Redemption (salvation)
1. Election is a sovereign act of God. God did not have to save anyone, since all of us
had lost our position of acceptability because of sin.
2. What God does for us is entirely because of GRACE. (Romans 9:11, 11:5-6) We
are utterly unworthy. God chose to save us ONLY out of His love and grace.
3. Election (or predestination) is according to, and totally based on, God's
foreknowledge (1 Peter 1:1-2). God "chose" those He knew ahead of time would
accept Christ.
NB 4. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God created any man to be elected or
predestined for hell.
IMPORTANT when considering a particular part of Scripture:
1. Does the passage or verse you are considering have any connection with God's
elective purposes? This principle will not necessarily be of assistance to every verse
or passage, rather it applies only where the truth of election is involved.
2. THE PRINCIPLE OF ELECTION GOES HAND IN HAND WITH THE
PRINCIPLE OF COVENANT. Therefore these two should be considered at the
same time.
Scriptures
Malachi 1:2-3 "Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob and I
hated Esau....."
Genesis 25:19-34 Even before their birth, God spoke to Rebecca saying, "Two nations
are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from your womb; and the
one shall be stronger than the other; and the elder shall serve the younger..." Even though
Esau was born first, God chose Jacob above Esau.
26
Why? Because He foreknew what Esau was like; He knew his character, knew he would
treat his inheritance casually or in an off-hand manner.
Romans 9:6-24, verse 11 “For the children being not yet born, neither having done any
good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but
of Him that calls; It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written,
Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated”.
Conclusion: God could love Jacob and hate Esau before their birth because He
foreknew their characters and the history of their nations.
B. The Principle of Covenant
Interpretation is determined by considering its Covenantal setting.
Note: The word "covenant" in the Bible means an agreement or a contract between men
or nations, or between God and man. We find that men often made covenants with
each other – for example, Genesis 21:27 Abraham and Abimelech.
God comes to man declaring His will and seeking man's acceptance and
obedience to the terms. It is a contract between God and man drawn up by God
and presented to man. Man can either accept it or reject it, but he cannot change it
in any way.
Two kinds of Covenants:
1. Conditional: A covenant which depends on man's fulfilling certain conditions.
"If ..... then ...." Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 28:58.
2. Unconditional: This is a covenant in which God has chosen to fulfil the promises
of the covenant regardless of man's response; a covenant whose
fulfilment does NOT depend upon man fulfilling certain terms or
conditions. "I will..." Exodus 6:3-8; Genesis 9:11.
The two major parts to God's New Covenant with man:
1. Salvation – based on believing and faith (given by God).
2. Inheritance – based on obedience.
The elements of a Covenant:
1. The Words or promises of the covenant.
2. The Blood of the covenant.
3. The Seal or sign of the covenant.
COVENANTS IN SCRIPTURE
1. THE COVENANT IN EDEN (Edenic Covenant) Genesis 1:26-30.
From a “dispensational” point of view, this would be known as the “Dispensation
of Innocence”. (A “dispensation” is a period of time in which God reveals a
particular purpose, to which men respond in faith and obedience, or unbelief and
2 7
disobedience.)
a) The words or promise: The word "covenant" is not specifically mentioned,
but it is still obvious that there is a covenant. It was made before sin entered.
The Promise: DOMINION
The Terms: OBEDIENCE
This covenant was CONDITIONAL.
b) The Blood: Adam was made a living soul. The life is in the blood. Adam
originally had sinless blood.
c) The Seal or Sign: The tree of eternal life.
2. THE COVENANT WITH ADAM (Adamic Covenant) Genesis 3:15.
(From a dispensational point of view, this would be known as the “Dispensation of
Conscience”.)
This covenant was made after the entrance of sin. It is UNCONDITIONAL.
a) The words or promise: The promise of redemption for man and the ultimate
crushing of Satan’s authority.
b) The Blood: The first death in the Bible was the death of the animals to cover
Adam and Eve. It was also a substitute death – the innocent for the guilty.
c) The Seal or Sign: The coats of skin. Adam and Eve had used fig leaves, but
these had to be thrown away. Instead they wore coats of skin, a covering
acceptable to God and provided through the death of an innocent victim.
These were a shadow or type of the righteousness of Jesus available to us.
(John 1:29; Romans 4)
3. THE COVENANT WITH NOAH (Noahic Covenant) Genesis 8 – 9.
(This would be known as the “Dispensation of Human Government”.)
a) The words or promise: This is the first specific mention of the word
“covenant”. The promise was that God would never again destroy the earth
with water.
This covenant is UNCONDITIONAL.
b) The Blood: Noah sacrificed to the Lord burnt offerings of every clean beast
and fowl.
c) The Seal or Sign: The rainbow.
28
4. THE COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15,17, 22.
(This would be known as the “Dispensation of Promise”.)
a) The words or promise: Abraham is the father of all who believe (Romans
4:16). God's promise was salvation through Christ, the seed of Abraham
(Matthew 1:1, Galatians 3:16).
This covenant is CONDITIONAL.
b) The Blood: Genesis 15: there are five sacrifices in this passage, which
Abraham made, according to God’s requirements.
c) The Seal or Sign: Circumcision.
Galatians 3:29 – “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's
seed, and heirs according to the promise”. Remember that children were
automatically included in a covenant and when they reached an age where
they were old enough to decide for themselves, they could choose whether
they wanted to remain in the covenant, or reject it.
The Abrahamic Covenant is in two parts: one concerning Abraham himself –
and these promises were for land, possessions and seed. The second part has
to do with the whole earth – the Messiah, and all the nations of the earth.
5. THE COVENANT WITH MOSES (Mosaic Covenant) Exodus 20 – 40.
(This would mark the beginning of the “Dispensation of Law” – which ends with
the death and resurrection of Jesus.)
a) The words or promise: This covenant was made with the nation whom God
had chosen to demonstrate His greatness and His character through. The
words were summarised in the Ten Commandments, the civil and ceremonial
laws God gave to Israel. It required the keeping of Sabbaths, festivals, eating
certain meats, etc.
Therefore it is CONDITIONAL.
b) The Blood: Sacrificial blood was shed and sprinkled on the people and the
book of the Law.
c) The Seal or Sign: Exodus 31:12-18 The seal or sign of the covenant was
THE SABBATH DAYS. It pointed to the true Sabbath rest, which would be
found in Christ. (Matthew 12:1-13; Hebrews 3 – 4)
NOTE: Galatians 4:10 "You observe days, and months, and times and
years".
Paul is writing to the church of Galatia, which had gone back to keeping the
Law. This verse can only be understood by knowing that, according to the
Mosaic covenant, Israel was to keep the Sabbath and feasts, etc. In Galatians
2 9
Paul is referring back to these special days as belonging to the Law Covenant.
For the church to go back to keeping these special days was to go back to the
Law and the covenant of Moses. They would be rejecting the New Covenant
of grace.
6. THE PALESTINIAN COVENANT Deuteronomy 27,28,29,30. (Especially
Deuteronomy 29:1)
a) The words or promise: This covenant was made with the generation of
Israel who were about to enter the Promised Land.
It was a CONDITIONAL covenant.
For Israel to live and remain in the land was conditional on the terms God
stated in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 – 29. If these conditions were not
met, then they would be put out of the land.
b) The Blood: Deuteronomy 27:1-8. The day the new generation of Israel
entered the land, an altar of stones was built to the Lord and sacrificial
offerings were made.
c) The Seal or Sign: Upon their obedience to His laws of the land, God’s seal
on Israel was to bless them with fruitfulness by sending the rain upon their
land. The early and the latter rain. When God withheld the rain it was the
evidence of His withholding the seal of His blessing. This seal was a shadow
of the coming Holy Spirit and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New
Testament. (Joel 2:23-32)
NOTE: Jeremiah 25:11 "And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an
astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy
years".
What was the reason Israel had to go into captivity and be taken away to Assyria
and Babylon? Because under the terms of the Palestinian Covenant, God said that
if Israel broke this covenant, He would remove them from the land and send them
into captivity.
See Deuteronomy 29:1-29. Their idolatry and refusal to repent brought the
judgement of God upon them because this covenant is CONDITIONAL.
7. THE DAVIDIC COVENANT (Covenant with David) 2 Samuel 7:4-29, Psalm
89.
a) The words or promise: This is an UNCONDITIONAL covenant, which
God made with David and which involved the coming of Jesus, who was of
the seed of David as well as the seed of Abraham (Matthew 1:1). He would
take the throne of David and rule and reign upon it as a righteous King
forever.
b) The Blood: David offered sacrifices to the Lord at the return of the Ark.
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c) The Seal or Sign: Psalm 89:27-37. The sun and moon were to be the sign of
the Davidic covenant. God promised David that as long as the sun and the
moon existed, the seed of David would sit upon his throne. It finds its
ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords.
8. THE NEW COVENANT Matthew 26:26-29, Hebrews 8–9, Jeremiah 31:31-34.
(The death and resurrection of Jesus marked the beginning of what the
dispensationalists call the “Dispensation of Grace”. The point is no longer legal
obedience to the Law as a condition of salvation, but acceptance or rejection of
Jesus Christ.)
a) The words or promise: This is the covenant of GRACE and it is everlasting.
This covenant is the consummation or summing up of all the other covenants.
b) The Blood: The blood of Jesus is the blood of the New Covenant.
c) The Seal or Sign: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Revelation 7:1-4; 14:1-2.
Baptism is the sign of this covenant – baptism in water and baptism in the
Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus had the seal of God on Him (John 3:33-34) and the believer
in Christ is also to receive the seal of God (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30).
(The Dispensational view has one additional dispensation – the Kingdom, which is
the last of the periods of time of human life on earth. It involves the establishment
of the Kingdom promised to David and includes the nation of Israel’s salvation,
restoration and inhabitation, and includes the 1000 years of Christ’s rule on earth.)
Can you match the covenants with their dispensations without looking at your
notes? (Fill in: MOSAIC, NEW, ABRAHAMIC, ADAMIC, NOAHIC, EDENIC)
Innocence = ………………………… covenant
Conscience = ………………………… covenant
Human government = ………………………… covenant
Promise = ………………………… covenant
Law = ………………………… covenant
Grace = ………………………… covenant
IMPORTANT APPLICATION OF THE COVENANTAL PRINCIPLE:
1. We need to understand which covenant or covenants are in effect and being
referred to during the passage under consideration.
2. The covenantal principle is really only used when the passage or verse is about
promises or terms or the results of a broken covenant, etc.
3. All covenants (and all dispensations) are interpreted in the light of the New
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Covenant.
Scripture Exercises
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do His commandments that they may have the
right to the tree of life".
In order to understand and correctly interpret this verse we must look at the covenant
made in Eden. Adam and Eve were not allowed to eat of the tree of life because they had
sinned by disobeying God. They did not "do His commandments" and lost the right to the
tree of life (Genesis 2:8-17; 3:22-24).
Romans 16:20 "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly".
What covenant do we need to consider in order to understand this verse? ………………..
HOMEWORK
Using the covenantal principle, determine which covenants are being dealt with in Acts 15.
Remember! Look for "covenantal language" and not necessarily the word "covenant".
List them and explain why you believe the covenants you listed are correct.
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The Ethnic Division Principle, etc.
Lesson 6
A. The Ethnic Division Principle
The interpretation of a verse or passage may be assisted by the understanding of God's
appointed ethnic divisions.
NB The word "ethnic" has to do with the basic divisions of mankind by culture. It is a
community of persons; nations; folk; people – "offspring, family, nation, many
individuals of the same nature, kind, sort".
A community of persons sharing the same ancestry and participating in the
same culture. These words are used of:
ISRAEL/JUDAH, THE GENTILE NATIONS, AND THE CHURCH.
1. God is no respecter of persons, but He uses three distinctions in mankind in 1
Corinthians 10:32:
"Give none offence,
a) neither to the Jews
b) nor to the Gentiles
c) nor to the Church of God"
2. The Chosen Nation.
God chose Israel to bring the good news of God to the nations of the world. They
were to be a special people for Himself above all other people on earth because of
His love and the covenant He had made with Abraham, who responded to Him in
faith, and to Isaac and Jacob – all men of faith (Deuteronomy 7:6-9 and 9:1-6).
NB: Remember: God responds to faith … not to race!
a) The Division – Israel was united from the time they left Egypt until the end of
Solomon's reign. After that the nation was divided into two parts, two
kingdoms, two nations; known as Israel and Judah (2 Kings 11– 12).
It must be recognised that from then on there were two kingdoms and two
destinies – two different kingdoms or world powers took them captive, at two
different times, and they went to two different places.
Israel – to Assyria Judah – to Babylon
b) THEREFORE – To interpret the prophetic books of the Bible correctly,
the difference of whether it is written to, or spoken of, Israel or Judah
MUST be kept in mind.
Jeremiah prophesied that God would make a New Covenant with the nations
of Israel and Judah – and Ezekiel prophesied that God would make the two of
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them one, in the hand of the Son of man (he used two sticks).
Read Ezekiel 37:15-19
This can ONLY come about through the New Covenant in the Lord
Jesus.
3. The Gentile Nations – Meaning ALL peoples not in covenant relationship with
God. Read Ephesians 2:11-12.
4. The Church – 1 Corinthians 10:32 – "the church of God".
The "church" = Greek word is EKKLESIA (from EK and KALEO)
EK – means "out of"
KALEO – means "to call"
Therefore, EKKLESIA means "the called out ones".
NOTE: We are not only called "out of" we are also called "in to".
Jesus is not the Saviour from the world – He is the Saviour of the world. Churches
that encourage people to give up their unsaved friends, and have long lists of “don’t
do this” and “don’t go there”, etc., are designed to keep people in and reality out.
Remember the mistake the early scribes made (p14). The same walls that are built
to lock in also lock out.
We are called to live “in the world” without becoming “of the world”, or removing
ourselves “out of it” (John 17). Substitute the word “water” for “world” and the
word “boat” for “church”. The boat belongs in the water. If the boat takes on too
much water, however, we become of the water and quickly sink. (From Soul
Tsunami, by Leonard Sweet.)
That is why what a person is saved into is more important than what he is saved out
of. (Think about that.)
God can save anyone – murderer, thief, adulterer, whoever ….. it is all the same
salvation. But the kind of church they go into for discipleship, encouragement and
training … can either build them up, or stunt their growth!
5. The People of the Church.
The church is made up of both Jew and Gentile – as God called Israel as a nation
from all the nations of the world. It is the same today as God calls a church to
Himself from all the nations of the world.
National divisions are determined by natural birth, but by spiritual birth all
national distinctions cease to exist, because “there is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all
one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but a
new creature" (Galatians 6:15).
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IMPORTANT:
The first step in using this principle is to decide if the verse or passage is referring to any
of the three divisions: Israel/Judah; Gentiles; or Church.
1. Does this verse refer to the united nations of Israel; the whole house of Israel?
2. Does it refer to the 10 tribes of Israel, the northern kingdom?
3. Does it refer to the 3 tribes of the southern kingdom, Judah?
4. Does it refer to the Gentile nations?
5. Does it refer to the Church, chosen out of every nation?
NB The Church is the spiritual Israel of God – Galatians 6:16; Romans 9:6. There is the
danger of exalting natural birth, or first birth, above the Church or spiritual birth,
second birth (born again).
HOMEWORK
Part 1 Using the five questions at the top of this page, answer the following:
1. Which ethnic division does Jeremiah 3:6 refer to? ………………………
2. Which ethnic division does Jeremiah 3:8 refer to? ………………………
3. Which ethnic division does Jeremiah 31:31 refer to? ………………………
4. Which ethnic division does Joel 3:9 refer to? ………………………
5. Which ethnic division does Zechariah 2:11 refer to? ………………………
Part 2 Using the ethnic division principle, study Genesis 12:3 with Galatians 3:8-29, and
prove how Paul can justify his statement that “the seed of Abraham” refers to
Christ and the Church.
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B. The Principle of Time, or “Ages” or “seasons”
The principle of understanding certain verses or passages according to which "age" or
time they refer to.
Divisions:
Past Ages: The Eternal Ages Past.
The Age of Creation.
The Age of the Patriarchs (a time of Promise – from Adam to Abraham).
The Age of the Chosen Nation (a time of Law – from Isaac to Christ).
Present Age: The Messianic Age (from Jesus’ first coming to His second coming).
Future Age: The Age to Come (Eternity).
C. The Breach Principle
The principle that the interpretation of certain verses or passages of Scripture is
made easier by considering breaches of promise and time.
Definition of "Breach"
1. According to the Dictionary, a "breach" is:
· a state of being broken, a break or a gap
· a hole or opening as in a wall or fence, made by breaking or parting
· an interruption of continuity, a blank space
· a break or interruption in friendly relations
2. Kinds of breaches:
· Breach of faith a failure to keep faith.
· Breach of privilege an act in violation of rules, orders, or privileges of a
legislative body.
· Breach of promise failure to fulfil a promise.
· Breach of trust violation by fraud or omission of any duty imposed on a
person who is in a position of trust.
Together these words provide us with a basic meaning of a "division", or "gap".
1. Breach of promise concerning ENTERING THE PROMISED LAND:
Two years after leaving Egypt, Israel came to Kadesh-Barnea on the border of the
land of Canaan. Twelve spies were sent into the land, ten came back with an evil
report saying that, although the land was good, the obstacles were too great to be
overcome. This report made the entire nation rise up in unbelief and rebellion, and
reject the land God had given them, the land of promise. In doing this they turned
their backs on the Abrahamic covenant. The New Testament clearly states that they
could not enter into the promise because of their unbelief.
Read Hebrews 3:7-11 and then verse 19
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Read Numbers 14:30, 33-34.
There is a Breach of Promise – and a lapse of time in the fulfilment of God's
promise to the nation of Israel – a gap of 37½ years, during which the generation
that had come out of Israel died in unbelief in the wilderness. (Remember: it had
taken them about 2½ years after leaving Egypt to reach the boundaries of the
Promised Land.)
The first and the second generation experienced the breach caused by being out of
covenant relationship with God.
Circumcision was the seal of the Abrahamic covenant – for this reason the second
generation had to be circumcised before they could enter into the blessings of the
covenant. Read Joshua 5:2-9.
The breach period was 40 years – This time which was spent in unbelief was lost
time as far as Israel was concerned.
Illustration:
Promise given Promise fulfilled
40 years
Leaving BREACH PERIOD Arriving in
Egypt Wilderness Wandering Promised Land
UNBELIEF
First Generation Second Generation
2. Breach of promise concerning DOMINION IN THE PROMISED LAND:
God had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that their seed would also have
dominion over the Canaanites but, after Joshua's death, a generation arose that did
not follow the Lord and they lost dominion. The book of Judges relates this. They
began to compromise with their enemies and lapsed into idolatry and immorality.
Seven times during the period of the judges, Israel went through the cycle of:
sin,
servitude to their enemies,
supplication to the Lord,
a saviour-judge-deliverer,
return to the Lord,
death of the judge,
departure from God again.
Of the 450 years covered in the book of Judges, approximately 111 years were
spent serving other nations who had conquered them.
These years were lost time to Israel.
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3. Breach of promise about REMAINING IN THE PROMISED LAND:
God had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that their seed would not only live in
the land and have dominion over it but they would also remain in the land and have
it for an everlasting possession. But this promise was conditional! One of the
conditions for Israel to remain in the land was that they were to allow the land to
keep its Sabbaths. In other words, they were to let the land lay fallow, not sowing
or reaping, one out of every seven years. Also, every 50th year was to be a
Jubilee year. (7 x 7 = 49 + 1 = 50)
The jubilee was to be an extra Sabbath. God threatened to punish them if they did
not keep these Sabbaths (Leviticus 26:15, 31-35, 40-42; also Deuteronomy 28:58-
68).
This actually came to pass! God sent Judah into captivity to Babylon for 70 years.
Read 2 Chronicles 36:21. For approximately 490 years Israel had not allowed the
land to keep its Sabbath rests. God removed the people from the land for 70 years
then brought them back again.
Read Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10; Daniel 9:2
In the land Out of the land Restored back
BLESSING in Babylon to the land
490 years 70 years
(70 x 7 = 490) 70 Sabbaths
Land is desolate
BREACH
Time is lost
First coming Messiah Second coming Messiah
rejected accepted
Until the fullness of Gentiles comes in.
Gentiles grafted into the Good Olive Tree.
Faith in the Messiah.
Church – both Jew and Gentile
“In Christ”
The Breach
Broken National Israel Grafted
off through Blindness in through
unbelief Unbelief faith
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The Principle of the Central Theme of
Christ, etc.
Lesson 7
A. The Principle of the Central Theme of Christ
This principle means that Scripture is interpreted in relation to its centre – Christ.
Explanation:
Christ is the central Person of the Bible. The entire written Word revolves around Him,
the Living Word. Who He is and His work is the theme of God's written revelation. The
Bible is like a wheel, with Jesus as the centre. All the spokes relate to Him, who is the
Truth.
Illustration
1. IMPORTANT.
It is important to recognise whether the verse being interpreted speaks of Christ:
a) Descriptively b) Prophetically c) Historically d) Doctrinally
The Old Testament Scriptures, which contain characteristics of Christ, must
be interpreted in the light of the New Testament’s clear revelation of Christ.
2. Demonstration.
a) Genesis 22:1-14 Characteristics:
A Father/Son relationship
An only Son
The Son intended to be a sacrifice
God providing a Lamb
Three days
Compare Hebrews 11:17-19 John 3:16
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b) Job 19:25-27 Characteristics:
The living redeemer
Standing upon the earth in the last day
Though flesh decays, flesh shall see God
c) Jeremiah 23:5-6 Characteristics:
Raising unto David a Righteous Branch
A King, reigning and prospering, executing
judgement
Judah and Israel saved
The Lord Our Righteousness
See Matthew 1:1 Revelation 19:16
Matthew 2:2 1 Corinthians 1:30
Remember: Christianity is a RELATIONSHIP with God. The danger of a course
like Hermeneutics is that it becomes a study of a process rather than getting to
know a person. I am not sure how much God wants to be studied … but I do know
that He wants to be known!
B. The Moral Principle
The principle that the interpretation of a verse can be determined by discerning the
moral it contains.
"Moral" – the practical lesson taught by any story; the meaning; lessons to be learned
from right or wrong behaviour.
1. Lessons from the historical sections of the Bible.
a) The death of Saul.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 We are exhorted not to follow Saul's example; who
violated God’s order by acting as a priest and who feared man more than he
feared God. Remember, obedience is better than sacrifice.
b) The Miracles of Jesus.
John 20:30-31 That you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
God, and that you might have life through His name.
c) The Exodus in the Wilderness.
1 Corinthians 10:1-11 “Now all these things happened unto them for
examples: and they are written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the
ages are come”.
2. Prophecy.
God shows His people that there are reasons for maintaining a right relationship
with Him.
3. Proverbs.
Wise sayings containing a moral. They are instructional.
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4. Parables.
Jesus taught in parables to conceal their meaning from the proud. His purpose was
to teach the humble. The moral of the parable is the key to its interpretation.
C. The Symbolic Principle
The interpretation of a verse or passage in Scripture containing symbolic language
can be determined by correct interpretation of the symbol(s) mentioned.
"symbol" – using one thing to represent another
Things used Common Characteristics Things
as a symbol symbolised
IMPORTANT
1. If the language in the verse makes no literal sense, then it must be interpreted as
having symbolic sense.
For example compare Revelation 12:1-4; 13:1-2 with Daniel 7:1-4.
2. If it does make literal sense, then it can only be interpreted as having symbolic
sense when the Scripture says this is the case.
For example: The Tabernacle – Read John 1:14 The Temple – 1 Corinthians 3:17.
3. Three basic principles of symbolism:
a) The significance of a symbol is its normal characteristics.
b) The symbol and that which it represents are very different from each
other. (For example: Jesus is referred to as the “Lion” of Judah. A lion is an
animal, with a coat of fur, claws, a long tail, big teeth, etc. But the word
“lion” is used to symbolise authority.)
c) The link between a symbol and what it is representing is the
characteristics they have in common.
4. This principle must be used together with the Context Principles. Many symbols
are used several different times in the Bible therefore each use of them must be
compared in order to gain a complete understanding of the progressive unfolding of
their symbolic meaning in Scripture.
5. Generally the Bible interprets its own symbols. Therefore a search must be
made to find out what the BIBLE says about the symbol.
6. The symbol must be interpreted with consideration of the original languages and
customs.
Some examples:
1. Objects as Symbols.
Hosea 7:8 "Ephraim is a cake not turned"
Proverbs 18:10 "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower... "
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Psalms 119:105 "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet..."
Revelation 1:20 "Seven stars are seven angels ... seven candlesticks … are
seven churches"
Revelation 13:16 "receive a mark … on their foreheads … and hands"
Matthew 16:18 "Upon this rock I will build my Church"
Symbol – Rock
Psalms 18:2,31 "The Lord is my Rock ... who is a Rock save our God"
1 Corinthians 10:4 "That spiritual Rock that followed them: was Christ"
Deuteronomy32:4,15, "God ... the Rock" (1 Corinthians 3:10-12)
18,30
Symbolic Object Common Characteristics Symbolised
Rock solid, stable, strength, foundation Christ
2. Creatures as Symbols.
Daniel 7:17 "These great beasts ... are four kings"
Hosea 7:11 "Ephraim also is like a silly dove... "
Luke 13:31-32 "Herod ... that fox.."
1 Peter 1:24 "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower
of the grass"
John 1:29,36 "Jesus ... the Lamb of God"
Genesis 3:1 "The serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field..."
Symbol - serpent
Revelation 12:9 "That old serpent..."
Revelation 20:2 "That old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan..."
Genesis 3:14 "The Lord said to the serpent..."
Symbolic Object Common Characteristics Symbolised
serpent crafty, deceptive, dangerous the devil
3. Actions as Symbols.
Psalms 141:1-2 "The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice"
Joshua 1:3 "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that
have I given unto you..."
4. Numbers as Symbols.
Revelation 13:18 "The number of a man; and his number is six hundred sixtysix"
Job 14:16 "for now Thou numberest my steps..."
(NB: we will study the Numerical Principle just now)
5. Names as Symbols.
1 Samuel 25:25 "For as his name is, so is he; Nabal (Fool) is his name, and
folly is with him"
1 Samuel 4:21 "And she named him Ichabod (which means "the glory is
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departed") saying, the glory is departed from Israel"
Hosea 1:9 "then said God, call his name Loammi: for you are not My
people, and I will not be your God"
Matthew 1:21 "Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His
people from their sins". Jesus means "Jehovah is salvation".
6. Colours as Symbols.
Isaiah 1:18 "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as
snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as
wool"
Mark 15:17-18 "And they clothed Him with purple ... King of the Jews"!
Revelation 19:8 "In fine linen, clean and white ... the righteousness of
saints"
7. Directions as Symbols.
Ezekiel 43:1-2 "Toward the east, and behold, the glory of the God of Israel
came..."
8. Persons as Symbols.
Romans 5:12-21 verse 14 "Adam … a figure (type) of Him to come"
9. Offices as Symbols.
Hebrews 5:1-10 "high priest … as was Aaron, so also Christ…"
10. Institutions as Symbols.
Hebrews 8:1-5 "at the right hand of the Majesty … in the sanctuary, the
true tabernacle"
HOMEWORK
Search the Scriptures and give one example with its reference, of each of the following,
then briefly interpret it. Do NOT use any of the symbols in your notes but discover others
from the Bible itself.
Symbol Common Characteristics Interpretation
1. Symbolic object: …………….……………. …….……….……………….
2. Symbolic creature: …………….……………. …….……….……………….
3. Symbolic direction: …………….……………. …….……….……………….
(for example “down”)
4. Symbolic number: …………….……………. …….……….……………….
5. Symbolic name: …………….……………. …….……….……………….
6. Symbolic colour: …………….……………. …….……….……………….
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D. The Principle of Types
Interpretation of a verse or passage containing types can be determined only through a
proper understanding of the type or types involved.
Type = A symbol representing an object which is to come in the future; a prophetic
sign.
Examples: John 1:14 – the key to interpreting many chapters about the Tabernacle of
Moses.
John 1:51 – the key to interpreting the chapter concerning Jacob’s ladder.
Ephesians 5:22-23 – Adam and Eve are to be viewed as types of Christ and
His bride.
IMPORTANT No doctrine should be built on types alone, but types may be used
to illustrate doctrines.
HOMEWORK
Using the Principle of Types, supply Scripture references used in these analogies, and explain
what is symbolic between them.
1. Typical Person – MOSES AND CHRIST………….………………………………………
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2. Typical Office – DAVID AS KING……………………..…………………………………
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3. Typical Institution – THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID……….………………………….
………………………………………………………….…………………………………..
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4. Typical Event – THE DAYS OF LOT…………….….……………………………………
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HOMEWORK
In the blank spaces, write down how Jesus fulfilled the shadow of the Tabernacle of Moses.
Tabernacle of Moses Jesus Scripture
1. Gate ……………………………………………… John 14:6
2. Brazen Altar ……………………………………………… Hebrews 5:9-11
3. Laver ……………………………………………… Ephesians 5:26
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4. Door ……………………………………………… John 10:9
5. Golden Candlestick ……………………………………………… John 8:12
6. Table of Shewbread ……………………………………………… Matthew 26:26-28
7. Altar of Incense ……………………………………………… Hebrews 7:25
8. Veil ……………………………………………… Hebrews 10:20
9. Ark of Covenant ……………………………………………… Matthew 1:23
10. The Name ……………………………………………… Acts 2:36
11. Mercy Seat ……………………………………………… Romans 3:25
12. Aaron’s Rod ……………………………………………… John 11:25
13. Manna ……………………………………………… John 6:48-51
14. Tables of Law ……………………………………………… Psalm 40:8
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The Numerical Principle, etc.
Lesson 8
A. The Numerical Principle
The interpretation of a verse or passage is assisted by understanding the
significance of the numbers involved.
NB Numbers can take on spiritual significance in some instances in the Bible. They are
a special form of symbol. The following is a brief interpretation of some of the
numbers most often used in Scripture. These are interpreted using The first
Mention Principle, the Progressive Mention Principle, the full Mention
Principle and the Symbolic Principle. The list is by no means complete and
please note that there can be many degrees of significance to the numbers in it.
ONE The number of God: beginning, source, first, commencement – Genesis 1:1;
Matthew 6:33
The number of compound unity – i.e. Hebrew "echad" – John 17:21-23;
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
The numerical one – Genesis 22:2; John 3:16
TWO The number of witness, testimony or agreement – John 8:17-18;
Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:16
The number of division, separation or disagreement – Exodus 8:23; Genesis
1:6-8
THREE The number of the Godhead – 1 John 5:6-7; Matthew 28:19
Completeness or perfect testimony – Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 12:40;
Ezekiel 14:14
FOUR Number of the earth, creation, world – Genesis 2:10; Leviticus 11:20-27;
1 Corinthians 15:39; Revelation 7:1-2
FIVE Number of the cross, grace, atonement, life – Genesis 1:20-23;
Leviticus 1-5 = five offerings;
Ephesians 4:11 = fivefold ministry;
Isaiah 14:12-14 = the five "I will's" of Satan
SIX The number of man, beast, satan – Genesis 1:26-31
The six generations of Cain in Genesis 4:17-18; 1 Samuel 17:4-7; 2 Samuel
21:20; Numbers 35:15
SEVEN Number of perfection, completeness – Genesis 2:1-3; Jude 14; Joshua 6;
Leviticus 14:7, 16, 27, 51
The number of the book of Revelation
EIGHT Number of resurrection, new beginning – Leviticus 14:10-11; Exodus 22:30;
Genesis 17:12; 1 Peter 3:20; John 20:26
NINE Number of finality, fullness, fruitfulness – Genesis 17:1; Matthew 27:45
Number of the Holy Spirit – Nine gifts Galatians 5:22-23;
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Nine fruits 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Nine months for the "fruit of the womb"
TEN Number of law, order, government, restoration
Genesis 1 = "God said" ten times; Exodus 34:28; Daniel 2 = ten toes;
Daniel 7 = ten horns
ELEVEN Number of incompleteness, disorganization, disintegration, i.e. one
beyond ten, one short of twelve – Genesis 32:22; 35:16,18; Matthew
20:6; Exodus 26:7; Deuteronomy 1:1-8
TWELVE Number of divine government, apostolic fullness – Genesis 49:28;
Exodus 24:4; 28:15-21; Matthew 19:28; Luke 6:13
THIRTEEN Number of rebellion, backsliding, apostasy – Genesis 14:4; 10:10
(Nimrod – 13th from Adam) Genesis 17:25; Esther 9:1
Number of double portion – Genesis 48 (Ephraim – 13th tribe) (Judas
and Paul, 13th Apostle)
FOURTEEN Number of Passover – Exodus 12:6; Numbers 9:5; Genesis 31:41; Acts
27:27-33
TWENTY-FOUR Number of priestly courses, governmental perfection – Joshua 4:2-9;
1 Kings 19:19; 1 Chronicles 24:3-5; Revelation 4:4-10
THIRTY Number of consecration, maturity for ministry – Numbers 4:3;
Genesis 41:46; 2 Samuel 5:4; Luke 3:23; Matthew 26:15
FORTY Number of probation, testing – Numbers 13:25; 14:33-34; Matthew
4:2; Acts 1:3; Exodus 34:27-28; Ezekiel 4:6; Acts 7:30; 1 Kings
19:4-8
FIFTY Number of Pentecost, liberty, freedom, jubilee – Exodus 26:5-6;
Leviticus 25:10-11; Acts 2:1-4; 2 Kings 2:7; 1 Kings 18:4;
Numbers 8:25
SEVENTY Number prior to increase, or representative of a multitude – Genesis
11:26; 46:27; Exodus 1:5-7; Numbers 11:25; Exodus 15:27; 24:1,9;
Luke 10:1
SEVENTY-FIVE Number of separation, cleansing, purification – Genesis 12:4
ONE HUNDRED Number of the end of all flesh, the beginning of life in the Spirit –
TWENTY Genesis 6:3; Deuteronomy 34:7; 2 Chronicles 3:4; 5:12; Acts 1:15
ONE HUNDRED Number of God's ultimate in creation (12 x 12 = 144) – Revelation
FORTY-FOUR 21:17; 1 Chronicles 25:7; Revelation 7:1-6; 14:1-3
THREE HUNDRED Number of faithful remnant – Genesis 5:22; 6:15; Judges 8:4; 15:4
SIX-SIX-SIX Number of Antichrist, Satan, the damned – Daniel 3:1; 1 Samuel 17;
Revelation 13:16-18; 14:9-11
NB It is a trinity of six (i.e. there are 3) and six is the number of
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man. The “trinity” of six’s is symbolic of man needing no one and
nothing but himself. “Body, soul and spirit”, or “heart, soul and
mind”, are ruled by his own wants and needs. It is the fulfilment of
the lie of the devil when he said “you shall be as gods”.
Let us put into practice some of what we have learnt.
HOMEWORK
Read Revelation 13:18
1. What is the CONTEXT of Revelation 13:18?
a) The passage begins ………………………… and ends ……..……………………
b) What is the main point of this passage? In other words, what is the point the writer
is trying to make?
……………………………………………………………………………………..
c) Who wrote the book of Revelation? ……………………….……………………..
d) When did he write it? (Not just the date, but what were the circumstances?)
……………………………………………………………………………………..
e) Who did he write it to? …………………………………………...………………..
f) What for? …………………………………………………………………………
g) What is its message in general?
……………………………………………………………………………………..
h) What Covenant is it written under? ………………………………………………..
2. Where is the FIRST MENTION of putting something on the forehead and hand?
Read Exodus 13:3-9 The Feast of Unleavened Bread and the instruction of children,
making sure they understood what God had done when He brought them out of Egypt,
was to be a sign, a reminder to them.
Now read Exodus 13:16
a) A sign on your hand.
What do you do with your hands? Just about everything! Most of us use our hands
to work, to touch, to feel, to caress, to applaud, to indicate … in fact, some of us
even use them to talk!
The Israelites were to put a sign on their hand so that wherever they went, whatever
they did, they would be reminded … of what?
Read verse 3 again.
Reminded that God did for them what they could not do for themselves – He
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brought them out of slavery, destroyed the power of those who ruled them and
brought them into a freedom they had never known.
b) And a sign on their forehead.
Where is your forehead? It is right in front of, and between, your ears! And behind
it is your brain … your mind.
Do you know that the Israelites actually did that? … put reminders on their hands
and on their foreheads?
These were called “phylacteries” and were strips of parchment with passages of
Scripture written on them. Each strip was rolled up and placed in a small box and
firmly attached with leather straps to the forehead, or rolled up in long leather
straps and wound around the hand.
If you meet Orthodox Jews today (that is, Jews still living an Old Testament
lifestyle), you may see men still wearing these same types of phylacteries.
3. And PROGRESSING into the New Testament … and a new COVENANT.
Read Exodus 28:36-38 again, just to review.
Now read 2 Peter 2:9
Read Romans 12:2 “renew your …………………..”
Read 1 Corinthians 2:16 “we have the mind of ……………………”
Read Matthew 23:1-5 Jesus said that the Scribes and Pharisees knew Scripture,
but they didn’t live it.
Read Proverbs 23:7
On a priest’s hand and on his forehead … on his mind and in everything he does, is the
sign “Holiness to the Lord”.
“Holiness” – not like any other, separate or apart from, pure, hating evil, loving good,
whole, sound, separated from all that is sinful or impure, morally perfect.
As a Christian, others should see that I don’t think the way the rest of the world does. I
don’t live like they do. I don’t value what they value. My goals, my morals, the way I
conduct business, the way I bring up my children, the way I relate to my neighbours,
friends and spouse – all differ from the methods and goals of the unsaved world.
They need to see that my husband is the most appreciated, trusted, admired and
encouraged man around. People need to see that I think he is the most wonderful man
going, and that we are best friends. Gentlemen, people need to see that you cherish your
wife, that you are understanding, respectful and devoted to her and that you support her
and provide security for your home.
A Christian should make the best friend anyone ever had; the best husband a woman
could dream of; the best wife a man ever came home to. Their children should be secure
in their parent’s love and protection.
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The world should see that even though a Christian is facing the same daily problems
everyone does, he has an attitude of peace, joy and confidence. Even in times of hardship
and suffering, he puts his trust in God.
For a Christian, God rules his heart, his soul and his mind. It is not man-man-man, but
God-God-God.
Summary of the Numerical Principle:
IMPORTANT – please read the following carefully:
1. The first mention of the number in Scripture generally conveys its spiritual
significance.
2. God is consistent, and generally the significance of a number will be maintained
throughout the Bible.
3. This principle should be used in connection with many others, such as the
First Mention, Full Mention and Symbolic Principles.
4. THIS PRINCIPLE MUST BE USED WITH DISCRETION AND KEPT IN
BALANCE WITH THE OTHER PRINCIPLES IN ORDER TO AVOID
INCORRECT, OR SENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION.
B. The Principle of Parables
This is the principle by which any parable is interpreted by understanding its moral
or central thought.
Definition – "Parable": A short, simple story from which a moral lesson may be drawn.
It is an earthly story or example with a spiritual truth or application.
Christ's Purpose in Using Parables:
1. To reveal truth to those who were open and hungry.
2. To conceal truth from those who were closed and hard.
NB Every parable is designed to reveal or conceal ONE fundamental spiritual
truth. All the details of the parable find their significance in relation to this one
truth. Therefore, in interpreting parables, we must allow Scripture to interpret
Scripture by using the Context Principles, Moral and Symbolic Principles.
Since parables are drawn from the cultural background of the speakers, we must
understand the manners, customs and culture involved at the time of the speaker.
Doctrine should not be formed only from parables, although parables may illustrate
doctrine.
Example: Matthew 21:33-41 The Parable of the Vineyard.
Parable Interpretation of Parable by Comparative Scripture
A certain householder God, the Father
Planted a vineyard and the nation of Israel – Isaiah 5:1; Psalm 80:9
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hedged it around
Dug a winepress, built winepress – Isaiah 5:1-7
a tower
Rented it out to workers Rulers, kings, priests, elders of Israel
Far country Heavenly country – Hebrews 11:11-16
Time of the fruit drew near
Sent His servants The prophets were sent – Hebrews 1:1; Jeremiah 35:15
Workers treated them Killed and rejected the prophets – 2 Chronicles 24:21;
badly 36:16; Matthew 23:34,37; Acts 7:52
Sent more servants More prophets sent (Major and minor)
Treated them likewise Jeremiah 37:15; 2 Kings 17:13
Last of all He sent
His Son John 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; Mark 12:6
They kill the heir Heir of all things – Psalm 1:8; Hebrews 1:2
They caught Him In Gethsemane
Cast Him out of vineyard Outside the city – Hebrews 13:11-13
Slew Him Slew, hanged on a tree – Acts 10:39-43
Lord of workers destroys
those workers Jerusalem destroyed in 70 AD – Luke 19:41-44
Lets out vineyard to others Kingdom taken from Jews and given to nations (church)
to get the fruits 1 Peter 2:5-9; who renders the fruit – Matthew 21:41-43
C. The Interpretation of Prophecy
The interpretation of prophecy is one of the greatest challenges in applying hermeneutics.
"Prophecy" – Speaking for God in proclaiming or predicting events in the future, or
interpreting events in the present, under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
1. The Development of the Prophetic Office.
a) The Prophet Moses – The letter of the Law.
b) The Prophets from Samuel to Malachi – The spirit of the Law.
Note: The true prophets never contradicted the Law, they upheld it but,
when it degenerated (sunk) into a dead form and just ritual, the Holy
Spirit came upon them to inspire and revive the spirit of the Law.
2. General guidelines for interpreting Prophecy.
a) The spiritual gap between the prophet and the interpreter must be bridged.
The prophets were "in the Spirit" when they prophesied – the interpreter must
be under the influence of the same Spirit when he seeks to interpret that
prophetic word.
b) The natural gap between the prophet and the interpreter must be bridged. God
used what the prophet was familiar with – so the interpreter must be familiar
with the language, culture, geography and history of the day and the situation
of the prophet.
c) The fulfilment of prophecy must be determined: Is it to be fulfilled – or has it
already been fulfilled, or it has been fulfilled and will be fulfilled again.
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3. How to use the principles of Hermeneutics to interpret Prophecy.
The guidelines for interpreting prophecy are the same as those for interpreting the
whole of Scripture. Therefore, we refer back to the principles we have studied and
apply them.
a) The Context Principle.
"Scripture interprets Scripture" – any prophecy must be interpreted by
considering the Bible as a whole, the specific Testament and the book in
which it is found.
NB Caution must be used in considering prophecy in the light of its passage
context because prophets were often caught up in the vision God was
showing them etc., and often did not weave together a logical train of
thought or a chronological approach to events.
Obscure, or unfamiliar, passages must be interpreted in light of clear
passages.
b) The First Mention Principle.
Consideration must be given to the first mention of the prophetic theme of the
prophecy being examined.
c) The Comparative Mention Principle.
In interpreting prophecy, we should search the Scripture thoroughly to
determine if there are any possible fulfilments of the prophecy we are
considering. All prophetic passages that deal with the same subject must be
brought together for consideration and comparison.
d) The Progressive Mention Principle.
Prophecy may progressively develop through Scripture. However, the
prophetic theme may also be developed and we must differentiate between
these two aspects.
e) The Complete Mention Principle.
In order to understand all that the Scripture says regarding a prophetic
subject, the interpreter must bring together all relevant passages and each
prophetic passage must be interpreted in the light of all the passages.
f) The Election Principle.
God's elective purposes are the foundation of prophetic revelation and so
when interpreting prophecy regarding a specific nation; one must always have
in mind God's elective purpose for that specific nation. Also, there is a
difference between God's temporal purposes and His eternal purposes.
g) The Principle of Covenants.
All prophecy must be considered in light of its covenantal setting. The
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development or progression of the covenants and their relationship to each
other must be considered. And all prophecy must ultimately be interpreted
in the light of the New Covenant. All Old Testament prophecy must
therefore be interpreted through the Cross and must never be used to
overrule the New Covenant.
h) The Ethnic Division Principle.
In order to discern which ethnic group a prophecy relates to we must first
understand God's purposes for each and then ask the following:
· Does this prophecy refer to the united nation of Israel?
· Does it refer to "Israel" the northern kingdom of a divided nation?
· Does it refer to "Judah" the southern kingdom of a divided nation?
· Does it refer to the Gentile nations?
· Does it refer to the Church, chosen out of every nation?
What is prophesied of one division cannot be applied to another division.
i) The Principle of Time.
Prophets were often not aware of the time element of their prophecies (1
Peter 1:10-12). Sometimes passages involve a weaving together of past,
present and future – sometimes speaking of future events as if they had
already happened. Therefore we must be very careful in concluding that
prophetic passages refer to a specific time.
The following questions help:
· Was this prophecy fulfilled during the time of the prophet who was
prophesying?
· Was it fulfilled during the period of captivity of the divided kingdoms?
· Was if fulfilled during the restoration of Judah from Babylon? Or the
Inter-Testament period?
· Was the prophecy fulfilled in the Messiah? The Church? The Jewish
nation?
· Is it being fulfilled now in the Church?
· Will it be fulfilled in the last years prior to Jesus coming back?
· Or will it be fulfilled when He appears?
· Or is it for the future ages? The Kingdom of God on earth? Or the new
heavens and new earth?
j) The Breach Principle.
Some prophetic passages deal with conditional promises, therefore
sometimes a promise was fulfilled during the prophet's lifetime and
sometimes it was delayed due to the conditions not being met and will
therefore only be fulfilled in another generation.
Sometimes the prophet was not aware that there were to be long gaps
between sections of the prophecy God was giving him and therefore he
grouped together events which actually would occur very far apart.
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k) The Christo-Centric Principle.
Prophecies concerning Christ must be interpreted in the light of New
Testament revelation.
l) The Moral Principle.
The principles of God are timeless – therefore principles that apply to one
generation apply to all. However, we must be careful not to confuse the
meaning by ignoring the culture, language, etc., of the day or other principles
of interpretation.
m) The Symbolic Principle.
Great care must be taken when interpreting symbols used in prophecy, as
many times the symbols used are of unreal things – e.g. Daniel 7; Revelation
13. The first rule of Scripture must be used – Scripture must interpret
Scripture, and if it doesn’t, leave it alone.
Read Deuteronomy 29:29 “the secret things belong to God”.
n) The Numerical Principle.
Numbers are significant in prophecy, but we must be careful not to force
extreme significance on to them. Trying to find hidden meanings by
calculating numbers and counting words are mistakes of the allegorical and
mystical methods of interpretation. Giving extreme significance to numbers
may distort prophecy.
o) The Principle of Types.
Actions, which are types, must be interpreted in their specific contexts.
Examples: Isaiah going naked for 3 years (Isaiah 20:2-4); Jeremiah putting a
yoke on his neck (Jeremiah 27:1-14); Ezekiel lay on his side for over a year
(Ezekiel 4).
p) The Principle of Parables.
There are relatively few parables used in prophecy. Care must be taken
however, to interpret the symbols used in parables ONLY as they directly
relate to the basic lesson the parable is teaching.
It is hoped that this course has challenged everyone who seeks to interpret the Word of God
accurately and with integrity. Sadly, it is possible to have all the correct hermeneutical
principles and yet fail in correct interpretation because of a lack of intimacy in our personal
relationship with THE WORD, Jesus. To have all the rules for interpreting the Word without
the Living Word is like a ship without a helmsman to steer. There may be lots of motion, but no
purpose or progress.
It is my prayer that you will grow closer to Jesus Christ in all the things you seek to know about
Him who is eternal life. May this course be a helpful instrument towards that end. Amen