Interpretive Journey Paper

Transcription

1 Interpretive Journey Paper Selected passage: Deuteronomy 22:8 RLGN 325 Spring 2016 B04 Student s Name: Ryan Hurd Instructor s Name: Mr. Vincent Greene Submission Date: 03/08/16

2 RLGN 325 Interpretive Journey 2 Introduction Located in Deuteronomy is an obscure verse that at first glance is easy to miss, and at second glance seems out of place. It is only when we begin to understand the context surrounding the verse that we can properly comprehend what the verse meant to its original audience, and to you and I today. Deuteronomy 22:8 states, When you build a new house, make a parapet around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof. The implications of this verse, while subtle, provide us with a deeper understanding of God s heart for humanity. Step 1: Grasp the text in their town Summarize the original situation and the meaning of the text for the biblical audience. In Deuteronomy we find Moses providing the Israelites the terms of God s covenant with the new nation. If the Israelites are faithful to keeping the commands and regulations given to them by God, then God promises to bless them and make them prosperous. From the very beginning of this covenant we see God s heart for humanity, as He makes repeated commands and regulations that are intended to protect humanity and their relationships with each other. What we discover is that man is not only responsible for his relationship with God, but is also responsible to care for his neighbor. This truth is foundational to understanding the importance of Deuteronomy 22:8, where God instructs the Israelites to build a parapet around the roof of their house so that they will not be guilty of bloodshed should someone fall from their roof. The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary states that parapet refers to, a structure that protects the edge of a platform or roof Houses in Palestine were built generally with flat roofs, which frequently were used as porches,

3 RLGN 325 Interpretive Journey 3 so parapets were needed to prevent persons from falling off. The dictionary goes on to say that this was necessary because, Negligent homicide was to be avoided by the builder and owner. God provided the nation with regulations that taught them to care for those around them. Deuteronomy 22:8 pushes the envelop even further, commanding the Israelites not to be solely reactive, but to be proactive concerning others, putting others before themselves by thinking of their wellbeing. Step 2: Measure the width of the river to cross What are the differences between the biblical situation and our situation? The roof of a house in the Bible referred to, The top of a house or other building, accessible by outside stairs. The roof was commonly occupied, used for storage, for rest in the evening. 1 This is vastly different than most of our experiences. In most instances, homes today are built with pitched roofs that would make storage and relaxing nearly impossible on them. Without understanding the concept of a Biblical roof, today s reader may be confused as to why there would be anyone on the roof in the first place. This would make the idea of installing any sort of structure or railing to prevent people from accidentally falling off a roof seem absurd. Step 3: Cross the Principlizing Bridge List the theological principle(s) communicated by the passage. The theological principle communicated by this passage is one of care and concern for the wellbeing of others. It reveals to us a deeper dimension of God s heart concerning humanity, 1 J.D. Douglas and Merrill C. Tenney, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011), Roof, Kindle.

4 RLGN 325 Interpretive Journey 4 and how we treat the people created in the image of God. When most people think of helping others, we usually think in reactive terms. We house the homeless, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, lend a hand, etc. With this command, and others like it, God reveals the other side of the coin. We are to be proactive in our relationships, putting the needs of others before our own, and taking steps to provide for their wellbeing. It s a reminder that while feeding the hungry is a great ministry, we also need to consider why people go hungry in the first place and what steps need to be taken to end hunger. Step 4: Consult the biblical map How does the theological principle(s) fit with the rest of the Bible? This theological principle is one that is oft repeated throughout Scripture. In Leviticus 23:22 God instructs the Israelites, When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God. Here too we see the foresight of a God that cares for His people, and is teaching the nation of Israel to do the same. The Apostle Paul, when writing to the Philippians, wrote, Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 2 Finally, Jesus proclaims, So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets, 3 and to, Love your neighbor as yourself. 4 2 Philippians 2:3, NIV 3 Matthew 7:12, NIV 4 Matthew 22:39b, NIV

5 RLGN 325 Interpretive Journey 5 Step 5: Grasp the text in our town How should individual Christians today live out the theological principle(s)? The implication for Christians today is take notice of God s heart and concern for humanity, and then to be proactive at reaching out and caring for the people God has placed in our lives. At the most basic level this may be putting outlet covers in electrical outlets so children don t get shocked. On a grander scale, it means embracing the responsibility to care for the needs of those in our families, churches, workplace, community, and world. To not just feed the hungry, but to search tirelessly for solutions to the hunger crisis. When we begin to live this way we tap into the heart of a God who has been telling, and showing us, that this is how we were created to live all along.

6 RLGN 325 Interpretive Journey 6 Bibliography Douglas, J.D., and Merrill C. Tenney. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Kindle.