Hermeneutics E-Book

Dr. Paul G. Caram

• Herausgeber: Zion Christian Publishers
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

In his easy to read study of Hermeneutics, Dr. Caram clearly explains the “science of interpretation” so that any believer might be able to clearly understand the messages that are communicated to us through the sacred Scriptures. By following the principles of the Master Teacher, Dr. Caram has developed an excellent guide for both the Bible Scholar and layman to be able to learn to discover the hidden truths of the Word of God and by the Spirit of God gain a clear understanding of its interpretation for the Church and believer. 

Leseprobe

HERMENEUTICS

Keys for Interpreting the Scriptures

HERMENEUTICS

Keys for Interpreting the Scriptures

Copyright © by Paul G. Caram

September 2006, first printing

April 2008, second printing

Version 2.0, June 2020

Textbook of Zion Christian University

Used by Permission All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form

or by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher,

except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews.

All Scripture quotations in this book are taken from the

King James Version Bible unless otherwise stated.

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E-book ISBN 1-59665-173-3

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FOREWORD

The Author of our soul has created us with a capacity to communicate with one another in many various ways. Therefore, it would be strange indeed if He had given us a Book about Himself that we could not understand. The Sacred Scriptures are in fact God's communications to man, and the things He divulged were intended to be understood by every honest believer.

Since the Lord loves His children dearly and longs to bring them into intimate fellowship with Himself, He certainly would convey the revelation of His will in words and illustrations that are plain and evident. The Heavenly Father did not try to confuse His people when He gave us His written Word! He meant exactly what He said, and the life He breathed into the Scriptures express clearly and precisely what He wanted man to know about His nature, and all the other issues that pertain to life and godliness (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

Although the Word of God contains innumerable gems of truth, some are more obvious than others. Many of these beautiful treasures lie upon the surface while others are buried more deeply, waiting still to be recognized, sought for, and apprehended by worthy and diligent seekers.

For many years I have desired to create a book on Bible hermeneutics, which is "the science of interpreting the Scriptures." In this study, I have purposely avoided the use of technical words and terms which generally are appreciated only by theologians. Instead, I have attempted to adopt the methods of the Master Teacher of the Universe whose style was supernaturally uncomplicated.

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught with the greatest simplicity, framing His messages from a range of only six hundred vocabulary words in the Gospels, and none of His words are hard to understand. Bypassing the intellect, Jesus spoke directly to the heart. It is our prayer that this study will supply valuable keys to open up the Scriptures, not only to the student of theology but to the lay person as well. May the Holy Spirit guide us now into all truth.

Paul G. Caram, Ph.D.

Many thanks to the following for their input and resources:

• Dr. Brian J. Bailey - Beloved and able teacher from my youth

• Reverend Daniel G. Caram - For his valuable input

• Various reference books, word studies. For germ thoughts

• Nelson Mendoza of El Salvador for the excellent design of the front cover

• Mary Humphreys - for her editorial expertise

• Proofreaders -

Justin Kropf

Hillary Sigsby

Reverend Philip Vaughn

I. INTRODUCTION TO HERMENEUTICS

The Science of Interpretation

Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation. It is a search to find the meaning of an author's words and phrases and then, by the grace of God, to explain it to others. With communication there is often a gap between the sender and the receiver of a message. Hermeneutics seeks to bridge this gap. In the Bible, the Sender is God and His writers; the receiver is mankind. One problem we face in Biblical interpretation is that God used over forty different authors from all walks of life over a period of 2000 years, using three different languages. However, there are numerous other factors that can affect our interpretation of the sacred Scriptures. Below are just a few examples:

• Culture, dress, manners, and customs that are different from our own.

• Differing translations of the Scriptures (obsolete words, poor pronouns, verbs, and tenses).

• Whether a Bible writer's thoughts were intended to be literal, figurative, or both.

• The ability to recognize the difference between the interpretation and application of Scripture.

• Differentiating between natural and spiritual meanings of Scripture.

• The context in which something was said. Taken out of context, anything can become error.

• Knowing which Bible principle to apply to our situation; (there are many to choose from).

• Distinguishing unto whom a particular message was written (to the Jews, Gentiles, or both).

• Calendar differences in Bible times — of months, days, and years.

• Understanding climate, seasons, and agriculture to explain terms such as "former and latter rain.”

• Knowing Eastern expressions like— "gird up the loins of your mind" or "a deceitful bow".

• Dispensations / Covenants - Does something apply to the time of the Law or the Age of Grace?

• Whether a promise is to natural Israel or to the Church, or both.

• History / Chronology. It is important to know when Bible men lived and key events took place.

• Circumstances in which a Bible book is written (e. g. Isaiah - during the Assyrian invasions).

• A realization that everything cannot be taken at face value. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes when he was old, backslidden and depressed. Ecclesiastes shows us the fruit of a backslidden preacher.

• Parables, allegories, types, figures, shadows and patterns that enrich our interpretation.

• Geography — cities, places, Israel's journey, Paul's travels; these make the narrative more vivid.

• Numbers — every number in Scripture has a divine meaning and has significance.

• Colors — every color also has a spiritual meaning.

• Names — every name and place has an important spiritual truth.

• Spiritual terms such as propitiation, atonement, and grace need clarification and explanation.

• Jewish feasts, offerings, the tabernacle, and priestly garments all have present day applications.

• Types — every person in Scripture is a type of people we see in the Church today. For example, Paul represents stability, but Absalom is a flatterer and usurper. Peter is impulsive but loyal. All the prophets are types of Christ and reveal some aspect of Christ.

In this textbook the above subjects and others will be considered as we create a set of standards and offer other useful guidelines to help us interpret and apply the Word of God skillfully to our everyday lives and circumstances.

II. PERSONAL RULES FOR THE INTERPRETER

1.) The Greatest Need - A Heart Fully Committed to God

Before we confront the obstacle of interpreting the Scriptures, we need to face the biggest giant of all—the need for a pure heart. Understanding is in fact an issue of the heart more than the mind. Most difficulties over interpretation are not from the lack of information but because of issues in the heart that are not dedicated to God such as pride, motives that are not right, and moral impurity. These are the real culprits that distort man's understanding. Therefore, I would like to be very bold to say that our greatest foe is not ignorance, but a heart that is not fully surrendered to God. I have learned in my forty years as a student and teacher that the most critical issue at hand is not the hearing of truth but the love for it. This is perfectly illustrated in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. It is clear from these passages that deception overtakes people not because truth is unavailable, but because "men loved darkness rather than light." They did not receive a love for the truth.

Judas the apostle sat at the feet of the greatest Teacher of all time, yet his heart was never changed. The sayings of Jesus never sank down into his ears (Lk. 9:44). Instead he plotted the Savior's death. Most of the scribes and doctors of the Law, with all of their study of the original Hebrew and Greek, could not recognize the Living Word Himself when He stood in their presence (Jn. 5:39,40).

2.) Not Extensive Study of Greek, but Grace

Although studying the original Greek and Hebrew texts can enrich our understanding, this is not the most important key for finding the correct interpretations. Even the greatest Hebrew and Greek scholars of our day cannot see eye to eye; they have major differences among themselves. The theologians of Jesus' time had the original Greek and Hebrew texts at their disposal, and so did unconverted Paul, who is said to have memorized both versions by heart and could quote them verbatim. Yet until God sovereignly shines His light into the soul, no one can see or understand (2 Cor. 4:6; 3:14-16). Not only is this true of our new birth experience, it is true of any additional light we receive after new birth. We are totally dependent upon God for illumination. Either God gives us grace to perceive or He does not. Either He opens our eyes or He does not (Prov. 20:12).

3.) The Need for Progressive Light

Our light must increase. We have an outstanding example of progressive light in Isaiah's personal life. After pronouncing six woes upon Israel for their sins (Isa. 5:8, 5:11, 5:18, 5:20, 5:21, 5:22), a seventh woe fell upon Isaiah himself as he cried, "Woe is me … because I am a man of unclean lips" (Isa. 6:5). When Isaiah saw the Lord, the Source of all Light (1 Jn.1:5), he saw himself. Isaiah was horrified to discover some dark regions still existing in his own heart. Psalm 36:9 explains, "In thy light shall we see light." In God's light we can plainly see our real needs. As the chaos and clutter is cleared away from our own personal lives we are then able to bring enlightenment to others. Psychology is human light, but it requires divine light to locate the root of our problems in order to be healed. When God increases the light in our hearts, it is not to depress us. It is actually to encourage and make us realize that God is intervening in this freshly uncovered area of need, if we permit Him. Often before we can "feel good about ourselves" we have to be convinced of the wretchedness of our state, and this can be very unpleasant (cf. Rev. 3:17,18, Prov. 21:2).

4.) Truth is Revealed to Honest Hearts Only

Jesus spoke in parables. The interpretation was deliberately disguised so that only those with an honest heart could find the meaning. "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" (Mk. 4:11). The mysteries of God are hidden from those who are wise and prudent in their own eyes, but are revealed unto babes (Mt.11:25, Lk.10:21), unto those with a dependent, teachable spirit. (cf. Psalm 131:1,2). If the Son of God does not choose to give light, no one can see or understand God (Mt.11:27). People and indeed nations who continually reject God are cursed with blindness (Rom.1:18-32; Isa. 66:4).

God purposely hides truth so that only a worthy seeker can discover the hidden treasures of His Word (Prov. 25:2). Regardless of how long a man may search, he will never find the true interpretation of the Scriptures unless God sovereignly imparts His grace. Paul warned Timothy to beware of unconsecrated men who go through life "ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim. 3:7). Many tedious years of study does not guarantee that a person will find the truth. It depends on inspiration, and that comes by grace. A young man named Elihu had to reprove the three older friends of Job for not providing a right answer for Job. Elihu thought, "Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. [Old] men are not always wise, neither do the aged [always] understand judgment" (Job 32:7-9).

5.) The Warning: Imbalanced Truth Becomes Error

It is only by grace that we are able to balance the truths that we know. Paul describes this as "Rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). It is an art, even a divine skill, to know how to correctly analyze and balance every subject in Scripture. Whenever a truth is overemphasized, exaggerated, or "one-sided," it becomes error. Something may be true, but when it is carried too far it becomes false. Upholding only half the truth is equivalent to a lie. We should never major on some spiritual truths while neglecting others. Our safety is in majoring on everything God has to say, not just our favorite topics. When teachers focus only on select areas of truth, the tendency is to minimize or even exclude the others. Evading, neglecting, or rejecting any part of the Word of God is to reject part of God, for Jesus Christ Himself is entitled "The Word of God" (Jn.1:1,14, Rev.19:13).

"Whosoever therefore shall [relax] one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 5:19a). There is a severe eternal demotion for breaking one of the "least" commandments and teaching men so. Can you imagine, then, the judgment for "handling the word of God deceitfully" (2 Cor. 4:2) or bending God's law to make it say something else. In doing so, a teacher is marring the image of Christ and he is producing something false in the character of his listeners and deflecting them perhaps even from eternal life.

6.) The Need to Receive the Key of Knowledge - A Sovereign Impartation

"Woe unto you, lawyers, for ye have taken away the key of knowledge..." (Lk.11:52). The key of knowledge is one of "the keys of the kingdom" (Mt.16:19). The key of knowledge unlocks the meanings of the Scriptures, and God can place this key in our hands (Lk. 24:45). The religious leaders were the interpreters of the law, yet these shrewd lawyers used many subtle technicalities to get around overwhelming evidence in matters pertaining to the law. Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy, saying they were "straining [out] a gnat, and swallowing a camel" (Mt. 23:24).

"Straining out a gnat" comes from a Pharisaic tradition, for the Pharisees filtered their drinking water through a straining cloth to avoid swallowing an "unclean" insect. These lawyers, who were so meticulous to avoid swallowing a tiny insect, then "gulped down a camel." The metaphor is quite clear. While majoring on trivial issues, they totally disregarded matters of far greater significance. Thus, they were hypocrites and blind guides who had taken away "the key of knowledge."

There are certain keys of knowledge that unlock Scripture, and that is what this book is all about. We are looking for important keys, germ thoughts, divine principles and foundational truths that open up other vast areas of truth in the Scriptures. Yet the greatest key of all, as we have said from the beginning, is a heart that is resolved to do the whole of God's will. "If any man [willeth to] do His will, he shall know the doctrine." This is a divine promise we can stand on (cf. John 7:17). Actually, it is as simple as this—a pure heart understands! When the motives of our heart are holy, God will reward us with discernment, and we will have heavenly perspective on all of today's important issues. (See also John 5:30, Ezekiel 44:23, Malachi 3:18, and Daniel 12:10b.)

In John 5:44, the Master Teacher indicted the clergy when He cried: "How can you believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?" What was blocking the inflow of faith and the spirit of understanding? Certainly it was not a lack of study. "They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (Jn.12:43)! This is the reason these theologians could not recognize the One who is written on every page of Scripture (cf. Lk. 24:27).

7.) Envy and Jealousy Are Major Hindrances to Right Interpretation

Envy and jealousy are major problems of the heart that cloud a man's judgment. Envy and jealousy blinded the theologians so that they could not accept their Messiah or understand His teachings. Even Pontius Pilate clearly understood that it was envy that prompted the chief priests to deliver Jesus to him to be crucified (Mt. 27:18, Mk.15:10). Because of envy and jealousy, they hated Him without a cause (Jn.15:22-25).

Envy is "to dislike and even wish ill against others because they possess something superior or have some advantage." Rachel envied her sister because Leah had children, while she herself was barren (Gen. 30:1). Jealousy is the demand to be number one, opposing all rivals. When David became competition to King Saul, the king tried to kill him. "Jealousy is as cruel as the grave" (Song 8:6). In Exodus 34:14, God Himself is described as Jealous, yet He has every right to demand to be Number One because He is the owner of the universe. But when man tries to be number one and draws men to himself instead of to God, he is cursed with a perverted spirit of jealousy. Envy and jealousy have one thing in common: both revolve around the sin of comparing oneself with others. What is the cure for envy and jealousy? Let us stop comparing ourselves with one another and competing with one another and striving to be number one (2 Cor.10:12, Jn. 21:21, Lk. 22:24).

If we boast that our church is the fastest growing church in the region, we are comparing and we are competing. Let us cease from pride, self-exaltation and striving to be number one (1 Kg.1:5). Let us make God number one and "esteem others better than ourselves" (Phil. 2:3). Then we will be happy and blessed, and we will never be vexed with the spirit of jealousy. Where there is love and unity— "God commands the blessing, even life forevermore." (See Psalm 133, Acts 2:1,2).

These are "heart issues" that affect our interpretation of the Scriptures! We are talking about the most important hermeneutical principle of all here—having right motives in the heart. Why did most of the theologians refuse the Living Word of God as He taught among them, and why could they not accept His interpretation of the Scriptures? It was envy! "He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Mt. 7:28,29). The Scribes recognized that He had authority and favor from God that they did not have. Thus, they envied Jesus. And how did He receive this authority and approbation? — "He always did those things which pleased the Father" (Jn. 8:29). His whole aspiration in life was this: "I have come to do thy will O God" (Heb.10:7). This is the key to having revelation! Jesus was a rival and a threat to them. They were afraid they would lose their positions of authority (Jn.11:47,48). Therefore, it was envy and jealousy that obscured their interpretation of the Messiah, and their envy and jealousy is what nailed Jesus to the cross.

Many years ago there were twelve missionaries in an African village who were praying fervently for a visitation from God. One day, God visited them, and suddenly a thousand people surrounded the compound. God began to move by His Spirit and perform miracles. The sad part of the story which is all too common, is this: Two of the ladies who prayed the most fervently for revival were the first to oppose it. What was the problem? It was envy and jealousy. Perhaps God was using people they did not like or deem worthy. Whatever problems they may have had in their lives, you can see how these unresolved "heart problems" distorted and opposed what God was doing and saying.

8.) Hardness of Heart - Another Blockage to Right Interpretation

The generation that came out of Egypt never entered the land of promise because of hardness of heart and unbelief. Israel could not understand what God was doing in their lives in the wilderness; thus, they complained bitterly against Him (Heb. 3:8-11), but this is directly related to a hardened heart. Even the brothers of Jesus did not believe in Him, and neither did the inhabitants of Nazareth where He was brought up (Jn. 7:3-5, Mk. 6:1-6). A hardened heart brings terrible insensitivity. It dulls ones ability to understand and perceive what God is attempting to do for us. Therefore, if we are going to understand the Scriptures, if we are going to receive true guidance from the Scriptures, we must have a soft heart, a circumcised heart. Hardness of heart, unbelief, and spiritual dullness all work together. These form an evil trinity.

Divorce and unforgiveness also result from a hardened heart - "I cannot and will not forgive you." A hardened heart shuts people out of one's life. When the human heart is wounded and hardens itself, it can no longer think and deal objectively. If we suffer an injury, it is so important to come to the throne of grace to "find grace to help in time of need." Otherwise the heart becomes hard and unresponsive (Hebrews 4:16 versus 12:15). Anyone who is serious about knowing God and accurately interpreting His Word must have a tender heart. "Faith works by love" (Gal. 5:6). Faith and understanding cannot operate in a hard and stony heart. Israel repeatedly hardened their hearts in the wilderness so that God Himself deprived them of understanding (cf. Deut. 29:2-4). Hardened hearts never prosper or find favor with God (Job 9:4, Heb. 3:8, 3:15, Psa. 95:8, Mk. 3:5).

This road to a heart of flesh (a heart free of all hardness and conflict) is a very long road. This is the path of the just that grows brighter and brighter (Prov. 4:18). To be spiritual, we need a continuous meeting with God on all the issues in our lives. When Isaiah saw the Lord, he saw himself. Then he could see all of life's situations more clearly (Psa. 36:9). Discernment increases as our heart is searched with God's light. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see [as God sees]" (Mt. 5:8).

9.) Be Uncomplicated, Just Like the Master Teacher

A teacher is an explainer and must teach in simple words. Jesus, the most profound teacher of all time, used great simplicity of speech. The mark of a great teacher is simplicity. He takes what is complex and makes it easy for his students to understand. A teacher who understands his subject can summarize vast amounts of information and capsule it in a few simple words. Simplicity is often the opposite approach of many of our modern theological seminaries that use complicated words and terms that only an elite group can appreciate. But what is the goal of an interpreter? It is to make his topic clear and plain, so palatable in fact that very ordinary people can lay hold of it and put it to use. Let us learn an important lesson from the greatest Teacher of all time. His style was supernaturally uncomplicated. Christ taught from a range of six hundred vocabulary words in the Gospels and none of His words are hard to understand. Let us avoid the trap of intellectualism and speak directly to the heart. Intellectualism is the mentality of the scribes and lawyers, but it is a spirit that opposes Christ and clouds the Scriptures.

10.) Be "Not As the Scribes"

"For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Mt. 7:29). The scribes were well versed in all the differing schools of thought and all the debatable issues of the day. The rabbinical schools in Jerusalem taught their young teachers to be debaters. The debating spirit is seen in newly converted Paul, who was trained in Jerusalem (Acts 9:29). However, the Master Teacher was never a debater, nor did He ever set forth all the differing views. He never said, "This is the allegorical view, this is the literal view, and this is the historical view." Christ never offered his listeners a variety of opinions from which to choose. He taught as one having authority. Timothy was assured of the things he had learned from Paul. The Apostle Paul never imparted a spirit of hesitancy or indecision. Paul taught Timothy in a positive manner. (See 2 Timothy 3:14). It is not necessary to carefully examine and delve into all the conflicting views of theology. Let us ask God to show us the right view and focus on that.

While we are on this thought of "opposing views," it is appropriate here to mention the study of false religions. Actually, it is not Scriptural to spend a lot of time studying something that is false. Jeremiah 10:2 warns, "Learn not the way of the heathen." A number of years ago some missionaries were sent to Japan. The missions board told them to thoroughly study the religions of Japan in order to counteract them, but this resulted in several of the missionaries losing their faith. It is not good to fill our minds with the teachings of demons. Instead, we should concentrate on those things that are true and then we will recognize the false. Bank tellers are trained to know the real bills in order to discern the false. This applies to our Christian faith as well. Just know the truth and then you will quickly identify the counterfeit. The Holy Spirit never instructs us to learn the ways of darkness. Do not waste your time acquainting yourself with all the wrong views.

11.) Choose the Right Teachers

Often a mediocre ball team rises to the top when they are given a superior coach. Who we have as our teachers makes all the difference. Next to being consecrated to God, the most important key to understanding the Scriptures is selecting the right teachers. If a young man has a wise heart, he will gravitate to those who have wisdom. If he has no heart for wisdom, he will admire and follow teachers who have no substance and a shallow message. This is the way to determine a wise heart.

Acts 4:23 is a very interesting passage of Scripture. "And being let go, they went to their own company." The fact is, everyone is attracted "to his own company," or his own kind, and settles in with them. Our character is known by the friends we have and the people we rely on for guidance and counsel. Association is very revealing. When there are questionable new doctrines going around, one of the best ways to determine whether it is of God is by simply observing the kind of people who follow it. If the doctrine is wrong, those who are simple run after it (Rom.16:18).

In Genesis, when a man died, he was "gathered to his people" (Genesis 25:8; 25:17; 35:29,; 49:29; 49:33). The expression "gathered to his people" implies more than just being buried with one's ancestors in the same burial ground. After death, our soul is gathered to those who are of the same spiritual family. For example, the prophets (after death) were gathered into one special place even though they were not related by family ties. In heaven, people dwell on differing spiritual plateaus. Everyone goes to his own spiritual "tribe." Instructors who break one of the least commandments and teach men so are termed "the least [important] in the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 5:19). In eternity, the teachers who have altered God's Word will dwell together on an inferior plateau. They are all of the same tribe—the least important in the kingdom of heaven (cf. Eze. 44:10-14).

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise" (Prov.13:20). To be a wise person it is imperative to discern who is walking with God. Open your spirit to the right spiritual counselors and you will absorb their mentality. The same rule applies to the books we read. We will have the same spirit as the author. Be selective as to what seeds you allow to be sown in your heart. A mixture of good and bad seeds that are sown in our hearts will turn into a harvest of confusion and contradiction (See Leviticus 19:19).

Right Teachers - A Tremendous Advantage to Learning

Acts 8:28-31 - One day a man from Ethiopia was sitting in his chariot reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked him, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The Ethiopian replied, "How can I except some man should guide me?" Then he invited Philip to join him in his chariot, and Philip began to expound Christ from those passages in Isaiah (Acts 8:35).

This account in the book of Acts is a divine lesson on the importance of teachers. "How can I understand except some man should guide me?" It is not Scriptural to think that we can learn everything on our own without the help of others. When unconverted Paul met Christ on the Damascus road, he asked, "What do you want me to do?" Jesus replied, "Go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do" (Acts 9:6, cf. 22:10). When Paul went into the city, God used a man named Ananias to tell him the other things he needed to know. Thus, God uses human agencies to speak to us. There are many things people will never understand unless they are instructed by human instruments who are sent from God. God has set teachers in His Church to help others understand (1 Cor.12:28). Having competent teachers is a tremendous shortcut to learning the ways of God. Teachers help us to learn far more and much faster.

The majority of Christ's three-and-a-half year ministry revolved around teaching. He was giving the hearers a new mind and shaping a people for eternity. Right words set men free (Jn. 8:32). It is the truth that sets men free, not sympathy, sincerity, humanism, or intellectualism. May we never forget the power of an idea or concept—it produces a life-style and it takes people somewhere. What we teach is going to place people's feet on a good path, or a wrong one (see James 3:1-2).

12.) Have the Fear of the Lord - This is the Beginning of Wisdom and Knowledge

"[In order] to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding ... to give subtlety to the simple, and to the young man knowledge and discretion ... to understand a proverb and the interpretation; the words of the wise and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge ..." (Prov.1:2-7). "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ..." (Prov. 9:10).

The fear of the Lord is an anointing. In fact, it is one of the seven spirits of the Lord mentioned in Isaiah 11:2. "The fear of the Lord is clean" (Psa.19:9). "Clean" literally means cleansing. "The fear of the Lord is cleansing." This word is found in Leviticus 16:30 and Ezekiel 36:33. The anointing of holy fear cleanses and keeps us clean, and it also brings "quick understanding" (Isa.11:3). Joseph, the son of Jacob, possessed the fear of God. He fled temptation and was kept clean (Gen. 39:11-13; 42:18). The fear of the Lord keeps believers from going astray (Jer. 32:40). This divine fear is also the beginning of wisdom. In order "to understand a proverb and the words of the wise and their dark sayings, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." But "none of the wicked shall understand" (Dan.12:10b), for sin brings a stupor over men's minds.

13.) Seek an Intimate Relationship - The Secret to Receiving Revelation

Understanding the mysteries of God is a spiritual issue; it does not depend on a brilliant mind. It is an issue of relationship — of loving God dearly and living a holy life. Illumination is a gift of grace to the devout. Psalm 97:11 declares: "Light is sown for the righteous." Light is literally planted in the heart of the righteous, and it is strewn all along his pathway. As Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, many precious, eternal truths were planted in her heart which would "never be taken away from her" (Lk.10:38-42). Let us learn from Mary to "wait upon the Lord" (Isa. 40:31, Psa. 27:14).

John was "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He was the one who leaned upon Jesus, and out of this deep affection for the Lord came the greatest revelation of all—The Book of Revelation. Amazingly, John was considered "ignorant and unlearned" by the rabbis in Jerusalem (Acts 4:13). John had never earned a degree at the rabbinical school … but he had been with Jesus.

14.) Heart Preparation - More Important Than a Cultivated Intellect

The Jews reckoned Ezra to be "the second Moses". In the Jewish writings, Ezra is placed next to Moses for his superior knowledge of the Law. Ezra compiled much of I-II Chronicles. He organized the genealogies, selected the inspired Psalms, and arranged the canon of the Old Testament. Ezra was a scribe, a priest, an intercessor, and a teacher; but above all, he was a man of heart relationship with God. Observe what God says of Ezra, one of history's greatest teachers:

" … Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10). First of all Ezra prepared his heart, not his head. He prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to obey it and then to teach it. Even more important than the cultivation of the intellect, Ezra first prepared his heart. This means he sought God to understand the Law. Then he practiced and taught it. Ezra was a man of relationship. Understanding is obtained by waiting reverentially in God's presence. A relationship of sweet fellowship with God and an obedient life are vital keys to receiving revelation.

15.) Know the Author of the Scriptures / Understand His Character

The best way to understand any book is to know the author himself. This is especially true of God's Book, the Bible. More than forty writers were overshadowed and inspired by the same Author—the Holy Spirit; it is the Holy Spirit alone who can make us understand the true interpretation. Therefore, we must know the Author of the Bible and we must know His unchanging character and nature. Then our doctrines and convictions will become vividly clear.

God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change. With the Lord there is no variableness, nor shadow of turning (Heb.13:8, Mal. 3:6, Jas.1:17). God did not become more merciful in the New Testament Age than He was in the Old Testament times. From everlasting to everlasting He is God, and He does not change. The eternal God has not learned any new lessons from history, nor has He become wiser. He already knows the end from the beginning.

Recently a Bible teacher asserted, "After your new birth experience there is absolutely nothing that can separate you from the love of God. No matter what you do, absolutely nothing can sever you from your relationship with God." But this is an exaggeration of a legitimate truth, for when we consider all of Scripture (not just some verses), this cannot be substantiated. Consider Lucifer, the most magnificent creature of all time, who stood next to the Deity. Today he is the archenemy of the Lord. Not only has he lost God's favor, he is doomed to eternal judgment. When God's holy nation became vile, God had to destroy His own city, sanctuary, and most of the people of Israel (2 Chron. 36:11-21; Jer.18:9-11). Judas was a major apostle. He could preach and perform the same miracles as the eleven apostles, but today he is not in heaven (Mt.10:1-4, 7:21-23).

The love of God cannot be fathomed, but neither can His anger. If we believe in God's love, we have to believe in His anger as well. "Behold, therefore, the goodness and the severity of God" (Rom.11:22). As we come to understand God's immutable and unchanging character, all of our teachings become so very clear. Remember, God's character has not changed since Lucifer's fall. It is our obligation to emphasize all of God's revelation. To preach only part of the truth is to be a false witness for God. Therefore, our safety depends on having the whole picture. A teacher's conclusions and convictions should never be based on several passages of Scripture. If a concept is true, it will be supported in many other places in Scripture and it will not contradict other verses. When properly interpreted, a truth should flow from Genesis to Revelation.

16.) Experience the Truth / Pay for the Truth

Ezekiel and John were both commanded to "eat the book" before they prophesied (Ezek. 3:1-4, Rev.10:9-11). There is a great difference between hearing the Word and assimilating it. For some, the Word only reaches their ears. This was true in the life of Judas. His heart was never changed. He listened to the Master Teacher, but the words only registered in his mind. Eating the Word is quite different (cf. Jer.15:16). It is to thoroughly imbibe the Word and get it into every cell of our being. The Word is sweet to our taste when we hear it, but bitter in our belly as it is assimilated and absorbed. Then it becomes part of us. There is a price to pay if we are going to own the truth. "Buy the truth and sell it not" (Prov. 23:23). The truths of Scripture are like beautiful pearls. We hold them and even preach them, yet we do not own them until we have paid for them. Paying for our message with many costly experiences gives us authority, and then we are not at the mercy of theories.

Today, many of our Theological seminaries are turning out graduates whose heads are filled with information, but whose hearts are void of faith. They know all about politics, social programs, philosophy, other religions, theories, psychology, and humanism, but possess little spiritual life. Let us turn from the lifeless intellectual approach unto the realities of the Spirit-filled life of faith.

In our introductory pages, we have focused on the interpreter himself and his spiritual condition. This preparation was necessary before we focus on the actual mechanics of interpretation. In the conclusion of this section, we would like to capsule the foregoing into five main headings:

• Live a life of Obedience. Understanding is a gift of God. It is given to those who live right. "Light is sown for the righteous" (Psa. 97:11). A person with a pure heart is granted the ability to perceive (Jn. 7:17). Let us walk with Him Who is the Light, be filled with the Light, and love the Light. Then our soul surely will see with clarity (cf. Psalm 36:9).

• Come to know the Author of the Scriptures - the Lord Himself. When we know the heart of an author we will understand his book. Revelation flows from a relationship of love. John leaned on Jesus and received the revelation of the betrayer, Judas (Jn.13:21-27), and the Book of Revelation.

• Receive the Key of Knowledge. To those who are consecrated to God He imparts "the key of knowledge" that opens up the Scriptures. This is a gift; it is one of the keys of the kingdom. The impartation of this gift is a divine and sovereign act of God. "Then opened he their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures" (Lu. 24:45, cf.1 Kg. 3:9-12).

• Walk with the Godly. Discern the right teachers. Open your spirit to the right mentors. Teachers are a tremendous shortcut into the ways of understanding (Acts 8:30-31, 1 Cor.12:28). We learn far more when we sit before teachers sent of God. Do not open your spirit to everyone or there will be a mixture of seeds sown in your heart and you will have confusion.

• Diligence of study. God does not bless laziness or ignorance. We are commanded to take heed to ourselves and to the doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16, 2 Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17, Prov. 2:1-5). God honors diligence of study and research. Therefore, we must apply our hearts unto wisdom. Although Solomon was endowed with the spirit of wisdom, he still had to study (Ecc.12:9-12). Yet we must be led of God as to which resources to use.

Preparing the Personal Life of the Interpreter

SUMMARY

* The greatest hermeneutical law for having the correct interpretation is a heart dedicated to God.

* Understanding is an issue of the heart more than of the mind.

* Ezra first prepared his heart to understand, then his mind, and he walked in obedience (Ez.7:10).

* Problems in the heart distort man's understanding of God, His ways, and His Word (Mk. 3:5).

* The theologians of Jesus' time would not accept the Messiah because their hearts were so hard.

* It was the envy and jealousy of the spiritual leaders that nailed Jesus to the cross (Mt. 27:18).

* Wrong motives distort a man's judgment from understanding spiritual matters (Jn. 5:44).

* A heart that is surrendered to God reaps understanding and discernment (Mal. 3:18, Prov. 9:10).

* Loving the Light, walking in the Light, being searched with the Light is the key to illumination.

* Anyone who is willing to do God's will shall know the doctrine (Jn. 7:17). This is God's promise.

* An intimate relationship with the Author of the Book is the key to understanding His Book.

* Those who love the Author of the Book will plainly understand His Word. (e. g. John).

* John had no theological degree but he leaned on Jesus—and he wrote the Book of Revelation.

* God does not grant the truth to everyone. He conceals His mysteries (Mk. 4:11, Mt.11:25).

* Israel was deprived of understanding because of hardened hearts (Deut. 29:2-4, Heb. 3:7-15).

* The Lord reveals His secrets to humble and worthy seekers only (Prov. 2:1-5, 25:1, Jas. 4:6).

* Unless a man finds favor with God, endless study will be to no avail (2 Tim. 3:7).

* Avoid studying the ways of darkness in order to counteract or refute them. Major on the Light.

* An intense study of Hebrew and Greek is not the greatest key to understanding the truth.

* The scribes and Pharisees had the original languages but did not recognize Jesus (Jn. 5:39,40).

* Even today's scholars of Hebrew and Greek are not able to agree among themselves.

* Without God's sovereign grace and anointing, His truth remains veiled (Prov. 20:12,1 Pet. 5:5).

* Until God says to our soul "Let there be light," the darkness continues (2 Cor. 4:6, 3:14-16).

* God gives "the key of knowledge" to consecrated men (Lk. 24:45). This is a sovereign act.

* Even when God grants the ability to understand, we still have to study diligently (Ecc.12:9-12).

* Many things cannot be understood without the aid of teachers (Acts 8:30,31, 1 Cor.12:28).

* Hearkening to Godly teachers is a tremendous shortcut to understanding the Word of God.

* We cannot open our spirit to every teacher. Discern the Godly and open your spirit to them.

* The books we study are important, for we receive the same spirit as the author. Be selective.

* Honesty is important. There are some who handle the Word of God deceitfully (2 Cor. 4:2).

* By relaxing any of God's commandments and teaching men so, a man loses his reward (Mt. 5:19).

* Ask God for the perfect balance on each subject—rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

* Teaching only part of the truth is equivalent to lying. Paul taught everything (Acts 20:20,27). * Our safety is in knowing and understanding and emphasizing the whole truth.

III. PRINCIPLES FOR INTERPRETING THE SCRIPTURES

Rule One

Accept the Literal Meaning of the Scriptures

God fully intended that His Book be clearly understood by all honest believers. Our Creator has enabled mankind to communicate with one another in many varied ways. Therefore, it would be strange indeed if He had given us a book about Himself that we could not understand. A God who loves His people and longs to bring them into intimate fellowship with Himself would surely convey the revelation of His will in words that are plain and evident. Our Heavenly Father is not trying to fool us! God meant just what He said, and the life He breathed into the Scriptures communicates clearly and exactly what He wanted man to know. (See 2 Timothy 3:16,17).

God's Word should not be seen as a parable or an allegory, although the Scriptures do contain some parables and allegories. The Bible as a whole is very literal and not symbolic. Heaven is a real place and so is hell; they are not figurative. When God restored the earth in six days in Genesis chapter one, He did so in six literal days, each one having a "morning and evening" (cf. Ex. 20:11). In Revelation chapter twenty, the reference to the coming Millennial Age is clearly stated six times. It says "a thousand years" and it says this six times. We should accept this to mean in a very literal sense, that there will be one thousand years of peace when Christ returns to earth again.

We Understand by Faith

"Through faith we understand" (Heb.11:3). A believing heart understands the story of creation, but a hardened heart challenges the simple, literal record God gave us in Genesis. Psalm 33:6,9: "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." God spoke and it happened! It is just that simple. A believing heart accepts this, and God requires us to have faith as a little child. "The world by wisdom knew not God," and that is because the natural mind is an enemy of God (1 Cor.1:21; Rom. 8:7; 2 Cor.10:5). The natural mind also refuses the account of Noah's flood and Jonah's survival in the whale's belly for three days and nights. Yet Christ substantiates all three of these accounts, and they are all very literal:

1. The Creation - Matthew 19:4-5

2. Noah and the Flood - Matthew 24:37-39

3. Jonah and the Whale - Matthew 12:39-41

In my forty years of musing over spiritual matters, I have found that the most common reason for error and strange conclusions is pride (Obad.1:3) or some other serious problem in the heart. When a man is overtaken with moral impurity and remains unrepentant, he loses faith and common sense. Other spirits gain a stronghold in his life and his doctrines turn bizarre. For example, he might believe that heaven is not a literal place but an ethereal realm, or that Christ's coming is only figurative, or that the Millennial Age is already here. Until a man is willing to "turn from his iniquity, he cannot understand truth" (Dan. 9:8, 9:13b). You can labor with endless explanations and reasonings with such people, but they have been smitten with spiritual blindness (Deut. 28:28). Unless a person has a real meeting with God and there is genuine repentance, the foggy and confused mind continues. This is the reason we should limit the use of apologetics, although that certainly has its place.

"Literal" Does Not Exclude Spiritual Meanings

When we look at God's Word we should take the simplest and most literal form of interpretation. The Garden of Eden for example was a real geographical place somewhere in the Middle east. The tree of life was a literal tree in the midst of this garden. Both were literal and tangible, yet they also represent something spiritual and eternal.

Some have claimed that the Book of Job is merely a parable, but Job was a real person. This is made very clear in the New Testament when the Apostle James distinguishes Job as a man of patience (Jas. 5:11). God Himself honors Job as one of the three most righteous men in the Old Testament (Ezek.14:14,20). Actually, the Bible itself is its own best interpreter.

One Gem But Many Facets

Now when we say the Scriptures are "literal," this does not mean that it has no spiritual meanings. And this does not mean that it has no applications. The Scriptures, though literal, are saturated with numerous hidden meanings as well. We could say, then, that there is one literal interpretation of a passage, but many applications. A truth is like a beautiful gem. It has many sparkling facets. The same truth can be viewed from many different sides. This is what makes God's Word so rich.

Overemphasis of the "Letter" of the Word

The theologians of Jesus' time carried the "literal meaning" too far. They could only see a physical temple, physical sacrifices, and a physical inheritance. Israel could not look beyond the tangible; they were unable to perceive the spiritual implications. This is what Paul meant when he said "the letter killeth" (2 Cor. 3:6). To the religious leaders, circumcision was a ritual; but circumcision pointed to something much greater - a cutting away of evil from the heart by the Sword of the Word.

The Jews also failed to see the true significance of the temple. They admired the beautiful, tangible temple in Jerusalem but missed the message it symbolized. We ourselves are called to be a habitation of God, with His Spirit living within us (1 Cor. 6:19). God seeks to find rest in our individual tabernacles. What kind of resting place are we preparing for Him in our personal lives? Are we making ourselves beautiful for Him? Does He feel at home in us? (cf. Acts 7:48-50; Isa. 66:1,2).

Human nature is inclined to overemphasize symbols or figures but then minimize their meanings. Nevertheless tangible object lessons are necessary because they help us appreciate the message they depict. For example, Israel's journey from Egypt to Zion was a literal, physical journey, yet this journey portrays the walk of the Christian. It is a divine road map for each believer. Every trial and landmark and stop along the way contains a message for us. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition" (1 Cor.10:11; See v1-15).

In conclusion, let us establish again our first rule of interpretation. We should take the most simple and literal meaning of the Scriptures, yet with the realization that there are hidden meanings locked up within the literal presentation. This prepares us for the second rule of interpretation. In our next rule of interpretation, we will consider the principle of "first the natural, and then the spiritual." (cf. 1 Cor.15:46). For a moment however, let us first review Rule One.

Rule One—Interpret the Scriptures Literally

SUMMARY

• Take the simplest and most literal form of interpretation.

• The Bible, as a whole, is not a parable or an allegory. It is not "symbolic."

• God intended every honest believer to understand His Word; He did not try to fool us.

• The six days of creation are literal, twenty-four hour days.

• In creation, God spoke and it happened. He expects us to receive the creation account by faith.

• Hardened hearts have no faith; thus, they revert to intellectualism.

• Heaven and hell are literal places. The Garden of Eden and the tree of life were literal as well.

• Christ is literally and physically coming to earth, and His thousand-year reign is literal.

• Bizarre conclusions are the result of issues not right in the heart—pride, bad motives, immorality.

• Endless "explanations" will not help the unrepentant. Hardened hearts cannot understand.

• "Literal" does not exclude the possibility of spiritual meanings and applications.

• Generally, there is one literal interpretation, but many applications of a passage.

• A truth is like a beautiful gem—it has many facets and can be viewed from many sides.

• It is error to only take a literal view, and allow no spiritual meanings.

• Israel worshipped the emblems and symbols, but were blinded to their meanings.

• In reference to this, Paul says, "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Cor. 3:6).

• The Holy Spirit gives life and meaning to the emblems, symbols, and tangible object lessons.

• It is typical of fallen human nature to make much of a symbol and totally miss what it represents.

• Israel worshipped the Bible but could not recognize its Author when He came (Jn. 5:39,40).

• In conclusion, we should first interpret Scripture in its most literal sense.

• After viewing the Scriptures literally, then we may look for the deeper meanings.

• Still, we do not discard the literal meaning, but build upon it.

• This brings us to Rule Two—"First that which is natural, and then that which is spiritual."

Rule Two

Understand the Natural to Understand the Spiritual

" … that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual." 1 Corinthians 15:46

Earthly Things Are Emblems of the Heavenly

This next law of interpretation is very important because everything in the natural world reveals a spiritual truth. Jesus said, "If I have told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things" (Jn. 3:12). The teachings of Jesus were all rooted in the seeable, touchable, natural realm. His parables always related to the earthly realm, but they had a heavenly meaning: the sower, the wheat and tares, the lost coin. Earthly things are emblematic of the eternal. Therefore, one has to understand the natural truths before he can hope to see the divine lesson. Everything that God created has, in fact, a divine truth, a divine message.

If our eyes could be opened to see the heavenly realm, there would be nothing there that we have not already seen in one form or another here upon earth. In heaven there are beautiful mountains and rivers, green pastures, houses, buildings, and libraries. Of course, in heaven all of these are much more magnificent than those on earth. Heaven is filled with beautiful music. Those who have seen heaven will verify that the finest music here upon earth is utter discord and "noise" compared to the music in heaven. Abraham saw a city whose builder and maker is God. That city is New Jerusalem in heaven, but Jerusalem on earth is symbolic of the heavenly Jerusalem.

The Creator is Known and Understood by His Creation

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" (Rom.1:20). The character of our Creator is known by the things that He has made. Invisible things are understood by the things that are visible. This tangible world is only a shadow of the eternal.

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).

Consider the character of the Creator through His creation. He made the universe, put all of the celestial bodies into orbit and He calls them all by name (Psa.147:4). Not only is He a God of precision and order, He is a God of infinite power and understanding. Astronomers estimate that the universe spans millions of light years, and they know that this is just the beginning. If the closest star to earth burned out, it would take four years before we knew it.

We see His glory in the heavens. But the horrors of hell are also seen from beneath as the earth spews out its rivers of molten fire. This should implore us to live our lives with eternity in view! "The way of life [leads upward] to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath" (Prov.15:24).

Hell is Understood by Underground Caverns, Molten Rock and Fire

Hell is a very real place in the lower regions of the earth (Eze. 32:18), and there are many entrances into hell from the crust of the earth. In hell, certain places are far worse than others. Some of its prisoners are near the surface of the earth but others are much further down. Some people are continually tormented, while others are tormented off and on, but hell is never pleasant. Some poor souls wander about lost in the dark caverns of hell. What a terrible thing to be literally a "lost" soul.

One prominent man of the twentieth century was seen sitting in hell all alone in a formidable gloom of darkness. In life he was a great orator who championed the cause against Nazism during World War II, yet he had no regard for God. Today the soul of this great statesman who loved prestige and lived for the attention of people, sits in total solitude, engulfed in despair in one of the dark caverns of hell. Often those who are highly esteemed of men are viewed very differently by God (Lk.16:15). It may be of interest to note that this man was of the Conservative party. It does not matter whether one is a liberal or conservative; anyone who takes lightly the Son of God who was slain for our sins deprives himself of everlasting life (see Acts 13:46, Luke 13:23,24).

Everything God Made Contains a Divine Truth

"And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much …" (1 Kgs. 4:29). "And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes" (1 Kgs. 4:32,33).

There is a divine lesson in everything God has created. With the spirit of wisdom that rested upon Solomon, he was able to see spiritual truths in plants, animals, minerals, trees, fish, seasons, nature, and much more. The human body, as depicted by Paul, represents the body of Christ with each member having a special function. There are mysteries all around us that reveal the ways of God and life itself. We have barely scratched the surface of all that God has to show us. God redeemed us for an eternal purpose—to unfold the riches of His grace unto us for all eternity (Eph. 2:7). His knowledge is more vast than the universe. Is it not humbling to realize how small we are? (Psa. 8:3,4).

God is infinite. His power holds no limits. He is big enough to measure the heavens with the span of His hand (Isa. 40:12), then transform Himself into a tiny embryo and enter the womb of Mary. If we feel we have a firm grasp of the knowledge of God, it would serve us well to remember the words of the Lord to Job when He demanded, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" (Job 38:4). How absurd it is for a mortal man to challenge the wisdom of God, the One who inhabits eternity, the One who never had a beginning but has always existed!