"BIBLICAL" Biblical Interpretation 101

Biblical Biblical Interpretation 101

“I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” – King Saul

“What then is the bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen
which I hear?” – Samuel the Prophet

There are those among us who look at straight lines and see circles. Many have become confused because they no longer study, care about or practice BIBLICAL Biblical interpretation. Of course, adherents to Origen’s circular and allegorical methods will quickly jump up and proclaim that the Bible does not have anything to say regarding interpretive methods, each person interprets the Scripture for themselves. (The Apostle Peter would STRONGLY disagree! II Peter 1:19-21) With all due love and respect, the Bible DOES teach proper interpretive methods. There are many examples.
I Samuel 15 is clearly one such model.

The clear Word of God was given to Samuel. The same clear Word of God was given to King Saul. The Word of God given to both men was identical, no variances, changes or exceptions. That Word clearly, and without ambiguity, required King Saul to “utterly destroy” the Amalekites.

“Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.” – I Samuel 15:3 NKJV

How could King Saul misinterpret the above portion of God’s Word? God spoke a straight line, Samuel saw a straight line but King Saul saw a circle. Samuel used linear methodology while Saul used circular. Linear interpretation asks the question, researches the Word of God, hears the Word of God and comes to a correct and verifiable answer. Circular interpretation, on the other hand, asks the question, brings up life experiences and emotional feelings, filters the Word of God through these experiences and emotions, comes up with multiple “truths” and literally manufactures it’s own “truth.” King Saul changed the Word of God to suit his pragmatic plans for military glory and honor. When challenged by Samuel, Saul blamed the people and made up excuses. His circular defense utterly failed. Saul lost the kingdom to his rival that very day.

Theology has consequences.

Yes, the Bible teaches proper interpretive methods, illustrates said methods and shows us consequences of changing the Word of God. And yet, many among us are turning lines into circles. The greatest challenge to the 21st century church of Christ is this; “Are we going to be Samuel or are we going to be Saul?” Are we going to hear and obey or are we going to hear and ignore?