7. Language, Text, and Context

Memory Verse:

• "Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee. " Deuteronomy 31:26

Prayer Thought:

• God has made known His will, and it is folly for man to question that which has gone out of His lips. After Infinite Wisdom has spoken, there can be no doubtful questions for man to settle, no wavering possibilities for him to adjust. All that is required of him is a frank, earnest concurrence in the expressed will of God. Obedience is the highest dictate of reason as well as of conscience. {AA 506.2}

A. Language: Acts 26:14

“And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”

Why did God want the Bible to be written?

1. To testify of His work through history.

a. The textbook of Jesus.

His [Jesus'] education was gained from Heaven-appointed sources, from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures, from nature, and from the experiences of life-- God's lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding heart. {CG 50.2} b. The essential knowledge of the past.

In the Bible the whole duty of man is defined. Solomon says, "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." [Ecclesiastes 12:13.] The will of God is revealed in his written word, and this is the essential knowledge. Human wisdom, familiarity with the languages of different nations, is a help in the missionary work. An understanding of the customs of the people, of the location and time of events, is practical knowledge; for it aids in making the figures of the Bible clear, in bringing out the force of Christ's lessons; but it is not positively necessary to know these things. The way-faring man may find the pathway cast up for the ransomed to walk in, and there will be no excuse found for any one who perishes through misapprehension of the Scriptures. {CE 84.1}

2. To make His salvation Plan known.

a. Guide to human family to heaven.

What book can compare with the Bible? An understanding of its teachings is essential for every child and youth, and for those of mature age; for it is the word of God, given to guide the human family to heaven. In the world today there are gods many and doctrines many. Without an understanding of the Scriptures it is impossible for the youth to understand what is truth, or to discern between the sacred and the common. 108 {CSA 69.6}

b. Have the counsel of God upon all important subjects of eternal interests.

In searching the Scriptures, in feeding upon the words of life, O consider it is the voice of God to the soul. We may be confused sometimes over the voice of our friends; but in the Bible we have the counsel of God upon all important subjects which concern our eternal interests, and in temporal matters we may learn a great deal. Its teaching will be always suited to our peculiar circumstances and calculated to prepare us to endure trial and fit us for our God-given work. {CSA 69.4}

c. The Bible is its own expositor.

The apostle says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." [2 Timothy 3:16, 17.] The Bible is its own expositor. One passage will prove to be a key that will unlock other passages, and in this way light will be shed upon the hidden meaning of the word. By comparing different texts treating on the same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning of the Scriptures will be made evident. {CE 85.1}

d. The Well of Salvation

Drink deep of the well of salvation. Go to the fountain for yourself, that you may be filled with refreshment, that Jesus may be in you a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life. Only Bible truth and Bible religion will stand the test of the judgment. We are not to pervert the word of God to suit our convenience, and worldly interests, but to honestly inquire, "What wilt thou have me to do?" "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price." [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] And what a price! Not "with corruptible things, as silver and gold, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ." [1 Peter 1:18, 19.] When man was lost, the Son of God said, I will redeem him, I will become his surety and substitute. {CE 119.2}

3. To teach us how to act with justice.

a. The noble deeds of noble men are portrayed

As an educating power the Bible is of more value than the writings of all the philosophers of all ages. In its wide range of style and subjects there is something to interest and instruct every mind, to ennoble every interest. The light of revelation shines undimmed into the distant past, where human annals cast not a ray of light. There is poetry which has called forth the wonder and admiration of the world. In glowing beauty, in sublime and solemn majesty, in touching pathos, it is unequaled by the most brilliant productions of human genius. There is sound logic and impassioned eloquence. There are portrayed the noble deeds of noble men, examples of private virtue and public honor, lessons of piety and purity. {CSA 69.1}

b. Elevate the thoughts and give vigor to the faculties.

There is nothing more calculated to energize the mind and strengthen the intellect than the study of the Word of God. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God’s Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these times. The search for truth will reward the seeker at every turn, and each discovery will open up richer fields for his investigation. {CSA 69.2}

B. Words: Psalms 63:3

"Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee."

Search the Hidden Treasure (rich depths of meaning).

The Bible is the only rule of faith and doctrine. And there is nothing more calculated to energize the mind, and strengthen the intellect, than the study of the word of God. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose, that is rarely seen in these times. Thousands of men who minister in the pulpit are lacking in essential qualities of mind and character, because they do not apply themselves to the study of the Scriptures. They are content with a superficial knowledge of the truths that are full of rich depths of meaning; and they prefer to go on, losing much in every way, rather than to search diligently for the hidden treasure. {CE 118.2}

The mental powers will surely become contracted, and will lose their ability to grasp the deep meanings of the word of God, unless they are put vigorously and persistently to the task of searching for truth. The mind will enlarge, if it is employed in tracing out the relation of the subjects of the Bible, comparing scripture with scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual. Go below the surface; the richest treasures of thought are waiting for the skillful and diligent student. {CE 119.1}

There are words in the original Hebrew and Greek that have several meanings and it transmit diverse concepts.

1. Chesed

Which means grace, goodness, kindness, mercy, piety, favor, righteousness, graciousness and compassion.

2. Shalom

Renders different meaning such as, peace between two parties, inner peace, serenity, wholeness, completeness and well-being.

3. Remnant

This English word had been translated from the original words such as she'ar, palot, malat, yathar, sarid and aharit. All these words in original Bible text denotes the same meaning - the remnant.

C. Repetition: Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

The Bible authors used other ways to emphasize ideas - one of this is to repeat a word. {Isa. 6:3; Jer. 7:4}

This was the work God gave man to do. He created the earth to be inhabited. It was the duty of Adam and Eve to replenish the earth with saints and to bare rule over all the earth. Obviously this work has not yet been finished, for not all on earth is yet under subjection to man as God intended. The earth was originally created and provided with righteous people, but because Adam sinned all his children were born in sin. Had our first parents been faithful there would have been only righteous inhabitants. Since all born of Adam are sinners, there is therefore need for all to be born again. Then because sin entered all man's work is multiplied, for the additional labor to bring salvation by preaching the Word became necessary. {11SC 6.10}

Faith and Work Bring Rest

There was light before the fourth day when the sun and the moon were created. Light was the first to be created. At this point it is interesting to notice how the days of creation and the seven trumpets somewhat coincide:

(1) First day -- Spirit moved upon waters and light was created; First trumpet -- hail (water) and fire cast upon the earth representing the Truth preached by Noah to enlighten the people to escape the destruction by flood.

(2) Second day -- waters divided by the firmament; Second trumpet -- affected the "sea."

(3) Third day -- sea and earth divided and vegetation created; Third trumpet -- Star fell into waters.

(4) Fourth day -- sun, moon, and stars created; Fourth trumpet -- sun, moon, and stars smitten.

(5) Fifth day -- fowl created; Fifth trumpet -- concerned locusts having wings.

(6) Sixth day -- beast and man were created; Sixth trumpet -- concerned horses and men, and it is in the sixth trumpet that God's Kingdom is to be restored and man is to fill the place that was intended that he should fill.

(7) Seventh day -- rested; Seventh trumpet -- Mystery of God finished.

God finished His work on the sixth day of creation, and man will finish his part of the work in the sixth trumpet. Just as God rested from His work on the seventh day, so man, in the seventh trumpet at the close of probation when the gospel work is finished, will receive the rest of which Paul spoke. By this we see that it took God six days to do His work and it is taking man 6,000 years to do his. Then comes the millennium. All God's people are to keep the seventh-day Sabbath in commemoration of the completion of God's work before they will receive the rest which they themselves have earned. To enter into their rest, however, requires faith and belief which our forefathers did not possess. {11SC 6.16}

Like Daniel, he emphasized how Nebuchadnezzar challenged God by repetition {Daniel 3:1,2,3, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 18}

D. Context: Genesis 5:2

Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

In addition to understanding the meaning of the original words, we should also understand how they’re used in their literary and historical context.

A good example is the Hebrew word “adam”, which can be translated both as Adam’s name (Genesis 5:3; cf. 2:23) and as humanity (Genesis 5:2; cf. 1:27).

1. Some Willfully Pervert God's Word

In order to sustain erroneous doctrines or unchristian practices, some will seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half of a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the meaning to be quite the opposite... Thus do many willfully pervert the word of God. Others, who have an active imagination, seize upon the figures and symbols of Holy Writ, interpret them to suit their fancy, with little regard to the testimony of Scripture as its own interpreter, and then they present their vagaries as the teachings of the Bible. {DD 7.3}

2. Theories vs. Scientific Facts

To many, scientific research has become a curse. God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the world in discoveries in science and art; but even the greatest minds, if not guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered in their attempts to investigate the relations of science and revelation. {DD 8.2}

Many accept mere theories and speculations as scientific facts, and they think that God's word is to be tested by the teachings of "science falsely so called." 1 Timothy 6:20.

3. No Shield from Delusion

Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which they are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve their carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance, they have no shield from delusion... The apostle Paul, speaking of a class who "received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved," declares: "For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. With such a warning before us it behooves us to be on our guard as to what doctrines we receive. {DD 9.3}

E. Authorship: Amos 1:1

The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

To better understand the Bible, we need to know who wrote each book different ages and styles, how the books were written.

Finite Wisdom

But the mere reading of the word will not accomplish the result designed of heaven; it must be studied, and cherished in the heart. The Bible has not received the close attention it deserves. It has not been honored above every other book in the education of children and youth. Students devote years to acquiring an education. They study different authors and become acquainted with science and philosophy through books containing the results of human research; but the Book that comes from the divine Teacher has, to a great extent, been neglected. Its value is not discerned; its treasures remain hidden. {CT 423.1}

1. Several Authors

2. Several Ages

3. Several Styles

There are but few of the brethren who have taken more time to read different authors than you have, and yet you are very deficient in the qualifications necessary for a minister teaching the truth. You fail to quote, or even read, the Scriptures correctly. This should not be. You have not advanced in mental culture and have not secured a growth of grace in the soul which would shine out in your words and deportment. You have not felt the necessity of reaching up for higher and holier attainments. {3T 465.3}

The Bible as the Word of God

"The Word of God is the most perfect educational book in our world."--Sp. Test., page 19. {PH124 20.2}

"The word of God is to stand as the highest educating book in our world, and is to be treated with reverential awe."--Sp. Test., p. 233. {PH124 21.1}

"If used as a textbook in our schools, it will be found far more effective than any other book in the world."--C. Ed., p. 108. {PH124 21.2}

"It is the Word of God alone that gives to us an authentic account of the creation of our world. This Word is to be the chief study in our schools." --Review and Herald, Nov. 11, 1909, art. "Counsel to Teachers." {PH124 21.3}

"The Bible should not be brought into our schools to be sandwiched between infidelity. God's Word must be made the groundwork and subject-matter of education."--Counsels, p. 16. {PH124 21.4}

"Let teachers be employed who will give a thorough education in the common branches, the Bible being made the foundation and the life of all study."--Test., Vol. VI, p. 198. {PH124 21.5}

"The cross of Christ,--how many believe it to be what it is? How many bring it into their studies, and know its true significance? There could not be a Christian in our world without the cross of Christ. Then keep it before the schools as the foundation of all true education. Turn from the examples of the world, cease to extol the professedly great men; turn the mind from the glory of everything save the cross of Christ. Said Paul, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.'"--Youth's Instructor, July 7, 1898, art. "God's Word our Study Book." {PH124 21.6}

The Holy Scriptures were the essential study in the schools of the prophets, and they should hold the first place in every educational system; for the foundation of all right education is a knowledge of God. Used as a textbook in our schools, the Bible will do for mind and morals what cannot be done by books of science and philosophy. As a book to discipline and strengthen the intellect, to ennoble, purify, and refine the character, it is without a rival."--Counsels, p. 422.

“Written in different ages, by men who differed widely in rank and occupation, and in mental and spiritual endowments, the books of the Bible present a wide contrast in style, as well as a diversity in the nature of the subjects unfolded. Different forms of expression are employed by different writers; often the same truth is more strikingly presented by one than by another.

[...] a different aspect of the truth in each, but a perfect harmony through all. And the truths thus revealed unite to form a perfect whole, adapted to meet the wants of men in all the circumstances and experiences of life.” {GC, Introduction, p. vi}