The Law, Literarily

 

   As promised, here is a mini literary lesson about genre. Followers of Inside Story are reading Leviticus this week. One of the five books in the Bible categorized as “Law.”  These books were written by Moses between 1445 and 1405BC,  also called the Pentateuch. The laws recorded here can be sorted into three categories: moral, civil, and ceremonial. Understanding these categories help  us understand which laws apply to today.

   When reading or studying any book of the Bible, it is helpful to remember that the Bible was written to be read  aloud. It did not have chapter or verse breaks; it was on long scroll. Translators added chapters and verses much later. Moses read the laws to the people;  they didn’t have a hard copy in their hands.

Secondly,  the Bible is primarily written as stories, speeches, or poetry. It will aid your understanding  to know which you are reading.

   And finally; as you read,  think about the connecting theme of the passages in the genre.

       The Law books consistently focus on a Sovereign God, the great I AM. And every law points to the sin of putting any other Gods before Him.

   It’s obviously overwhelming and all-consuming to think through the following suggestions for every passage of the law, so,   choose one chapter from Leviticus this week and consider the following questions.

  DIVE DEEP  

·       Decide if the passage is a speech or a story.

·       Imagine what is happening to the people at this time in history.

·       How does this speech or story connect to the theme of  ‘no other Gods” ?

·       Why did God make this law?

·       Does He repeat it anywhere else?

   Comment on my FB or message me through TonyaAnn.com.

  Keep Reading!