Hermeneutics lesson 2 background studies

2: Background StudiesHermeneutics 1

The Importance of Background Studies

“Remove not the ancient landmarks which your fathers have set.” – Proverbs 22:28

Possible Answers:

1. Do not make changes from the way we have always done things.

2. Do not steal.

3. Do not remove the guideposts that direct travelers from town to town.

The Importance of Background Studies

“Remove not the ancient landmarks which your fathers have set.” – Proverbs 22:28

Ancient Landmark = Boundary Marker

#2 is Correct: “Do not steal”

Historical-Cultural Context

1. What is the general historical situation facing the author and his audience?

• Political, Economic, Social Situations?• Main source of livelihood?• Major threats and concerns?


2. Knowledge of Customs will clarify the meaning of given actions.

Example: Mark 7:9-13

Corban: Practice of declaring that all money would go to temple treasury when you died. No longer responsible for aging parents. Violated 5th Commandment.


Example: Mark 14:12-14• Men didn’t carry water jugs.

Example: Matthew 25:1-13• Bridegroom watches for several hours.• Tiny Lamps – hold several in palm of your

hand.


3. What was the level of spiritual commitment of the audience?

Specific Historical-Cultural Context

1. Authorship

2. Audience• Internal Evidence: Refs in Text• External Evidence: Historical Refs

Example: Book of Hebrews

Audience: Jewish

Author: Unknown


3. Writer’s Purpose• Note author’s explicit statement or repetition of

certain phrases.• Luke 1:1-4 & Acts 1:1 – Luke’s purpose• Repetition: “These are the generations of” 10

times in Genesis. Purpose = Record earliest development of humankind and God’s interventions.


• Observe the Writer’s Exhortations

• Observe points that are omitted or issues that are focused on.– 1 & 2 Chronicles: Incomplete History.

Selects events which illustrate that Israel can endure only as she remains faithful.

– Sum it up in One Sentence

Hermeneutics lesson 2 background studies

Spiritual

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