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Observation 2
Posted on August 17, 2010
Last week you may remember that we talked about the need to increase observation skills in order to gain a better grasp of the Bible. Noticing repetition in the text will help us immensely as we look to answer the observation question, “What does it say? There are a number of reasons for this. The Holy Spirit chose to communicate to us through the written word. That means, by definition, He used the vocabulary and grammar of an existing language when He moved the authors to pen the originals. That was no mistake. The languages He chose have remained the same since the originals were penned. We have a plethora of resources that unlock both the grammar and the vocabulary of the original texts. The structure and laws of grammar aid us as we seek to observe.
Another reason that repetition is key, is the culture from which the originals emerged. The writers of both testaments were Jews. They grew up with the Hebrew language. In the Hebrew repletion, is used for emphasis, especially in the wisdom literature (Psalms and Proverbs). Repetition is also encountered in the Prophets.
Repetition is a little like having a teacher in class stomp their foot when covering a point to emphasize that this will be on the test.
When you look for repetition you are looking for repeated terms, phrases, structure, and concepts.
A couple of examples for consideration, read John 15:1 – 18 what do you see repeated there? How does that help with understanding what John is sharing there? Read Philippians 2:1 – 30, this one is more subtle, what do you see repeated here and how does it help in your understanding of Paul’s message.
There is depth to the Scripture that most of us have never plumbed. It is an amazing Book. It rewards a cursory reading. But it will radically transform the soul of the one who dives deep. Dive.
PS. One of the things that we really covet is your prayer for this ministry. We send out on Mondays a weekly intercession request. If you would commit to pray for us please click here to join our intercession team.
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Category: Bible Study
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