Put on your detective's hat, part 1
Last time, we put on our reporter’s hat and asked the questions: Who?, What?, Where?, When?, and Why? Now, we’re going move to thinking like a detective so we can dig a little deeper into the text. Today, we’ll cover the first two text clues:
Text Clue #1: Look for things that are emphasized.
There are 3 primary ways Biblical authors clue us in with emphasis: what they talk about the most, when they give a purpose statement, and the order in which they present their topics.
First off, the amount of space an author uses, or what subject they talk about the most, is a huge clue. A couple of examples:
· When we think of the book of Genesis, what typically comes to mind? Creation, the fall, and the flood, right? However, all those topics take up only 20% of the book. The rest of Genesis is about Abraham, his family, and the birth of the nation of Israel. It is in these stories that we find the early steps of God’s rescue plan for humanity, and that is what God is emphasizing in the book of Genesis.
· There are 21 chapters in John’s gospel, but by the middle of chapter 12, we are already at Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Of all the things in Jesus’ life that John could have written about, his focus is most definitely on the last week of Jesus’ life.
A second way an author shows emphasis comes when the author just straight-out tells us what his reason is for writing. While we don’t find purpose statements in every book of the Bible, it is very clarifying when you find one. The classic example is found in John’s gospel:
John 20:30-31
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
John admits he could have written on many other stories from Jesus’ life – but he specifically chose seven signs to match his purpose: to show his readers that Jesus is the promised Messiah, and that you can believe in Him for His free gift of eternal life.
The last way an author shows emphasis is by the order things (lists, events, stories, etc.) in the material. Here’s one example:
God places Adam and Eve in a garden to “work it and watch over it” the text says (Genesis 2:15). Then the couple sin, and God drives them out of the Garden and curses the earth (Genesis 3:17-24). That order becomes important when we talk about work, because some people believe that work is a part of the curse. However, the order of events in Genesis prevents that interpretation.
As you can see, the first clue you look for when you come to the Scriptures is that which is emphasized. The writers have left clues that say, “Hey, this is important. Pay attention!” When you look for the kinds of emphasis we’ve discussed, you’ll quickly catch on to what matters most.
Text Clue #2: Look for things that are repeated.
When our boys were young, we had to repeat directions and rules several times a day, for many days in a row (and then again at a later date) to make sure that a particular behavior would be shaped in them. I’m sure you can relate. Similarly, we need to look for words and phrases that are repeated when we read the Bible.
Have you ever noticed how often Jesus repeats things to His disciples? The gospels record at least nine times that He said, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.” And when John was recording the Revelation, what do you suppose the Lord told him to write to the seven churches? That’s right: “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”
That’s a lot of emphasis. You get the impression that Jesus wanted His disciples (and us) to PAY ATTENTION to what He had to say. By constantly using that phrase to flag His words, He gave His listeners a clue about the significance of His teaching.
A special type of repetition is when we read the New Testament and find quotes from or references to the Old Testament. Jesus refers to Jonah, as well as Adam and Eve. Both Hebrews and Revelation are full of Old Testament quotes and references. The authors are assuming you understand their references back to OT people, places, and events – so make sure you take the time to look up what they’re talking about. It will help you understand what the NT author is saying…and if you don’t understand their references, you’ll likely misinterpret their intended point.
In short, whenever you study the Bible and notice that something is repeated – if it’s said more than once – mark it down. It’s not because the authors couldn’t think of anything else to say. It’s their way of pointing out something important.
Let’s stop here and try looking for these two Text Clues in our text from Joshua.
What things are emphasized? What is God’s purpose in giving Joshua these instructions? Is there an order to what God is saying?
What things are repeated? There’s an obvious phrase to notice here. Why would God need to repeat this to Joshua?
If you look, you may find other things that are either emphasized or repeated. Whatever you find, be sure to write it down.
Joshua 1:6-9
“Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.
This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Keep Pressing,
Ken