Hebrew & The Greek New Testament

The Old Testament Hebrew (or the New Testament Greek/Old Testament Septuagint for that matter), often uses several different means to describe/command the same thing.  This demonstrates emphasis and not necessarily a sequence of things to do or particularly look for. It may show sequence, but, in prophetic literature, such constructions are often used to magnify a particular point and not many.

For example, Isaiah uses a litany of phrases when he commands the people to repent in light of God's coming judgement, for he may use many lines to say the same thing about how wretched the people are as opposed to how righteous God is.  This is important because emphasis occurs not only with the repetition of the same word like Holy, Holy, Holy, but it is also brought out by using different words and phrases when describing a particular event or a command to do something.  For this reason, word studies are useful but must be used with caution because 1) the word can be very interchangeable and/or 2) the writer is simply using several different words or phrases in a close context to magnify the situation.

A further issue arises in the realm of eschatology because some expositors tend to take a prophetic passage (which uses a tremendous amount of allegorical and figurative language) and parcel it out into a whole list of things to note versus seeing the list as an extended metaphor for the magnitude of an event that will indeed come about. For example, if speaking of judgment, said judgment is real and inevitable, yet the descriptions are often there to bring attention to the gravity of a situation and not necessarily provide elaborate details. However, when the prophet explicitly explains what the figurative language represents in detail (like Daniel often does), then the passage is not simply magnifying a situation; rather, a detailed list is also in mind. When comparing prophetic or poetic literature with narratives, the situation is different.  For example, when God gave Joshua a sequential plan to take out Ai, He meant for Joshua to follow this sequence of events, though narratives can use repetition and emphasis to magnify a point. Context is key. 

How does this relate to the Greek New Testament?  Most of the writers were either Jewish/Semitic or were heavily influenced by Jewish/Semitic thinkers. For this reason, understanding Hebrew provides critical insight into the mind of a Jewish thinker who is writing in Greek. Though he is writing in Greek, he will still think like a Semitic/Hebrew minded person. For example, when I speak or write in Spanish, it will still have an English taste because I am most trained to think in English syntax and grammar.  My Spanish will be correct, but it will contain a strong flavor of American English thought.  Such was the case in the First Century with the Greek New Testament, and this language relationship is predicated upon the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), which was translated into Greek from Hebrew just before the time of Christ.

Therefore, when I observe strong language, intentional repetition, or other Hebrew syntactical grammatical flavors in the Greek New Testament (which is usually hit upon in a well translated English version as well), I  take notice and become keenly aware of what the author intends to convey. That is when the hard work of linguistic study starts to pay off and become useful in exegesis, exposition, and ultimately application.

The Rise of Expository Preaching

In the place of sound verse by verse expository preaching has come a montage of topical sermons. Topical sermons aren't bad, they just get worn out because topics are limited.  Their greatest deficiency is when large portions of rich Scriptural texts are inevitably passed over, sometimes on purpose.  Even moreso, many of these topical sermons have become ineffective because they have turned from merely topical to altogether superficial.  It's one thing to preach on the issue of debt on a given Lord's Day (which is badly needed), yet it is another thing to talk endlessly about money and how God is going to give you a boatload of it.

In spite of all the bad topical sermons and even an overabundance of good ones, there has been a return in orthodox circles to sound verse by verse expository preaching.  Expository sermons, when crafted and delivered well, have tremendous impact because they bring full exposure to the Word of God. Each section is read and preached through carefully, which reduces the amount of eisegesis (a reading into the text what is not there).  This takes extensive time and effort, yet its fruit is far more plentiful.

Expository preaching also protects the pastor from false charges, and, likewise, it keeps the pastor from maliciously directing sermons towards any given person.  Because the expositor is preaching through a large text (perhaps a book of Scripture), everyone knows what the next sermon will be about, so accusations to embarrass a particular sheep from the pulpit will generally reduce and/or go unfounded. In the same way, if someone has a beef against the pastor before the sermon, an effort by the pastor to attack individuals personally from the pulpit will be prevented because that is not part of the expected sermon.

Therefore, let us preach expositorily for the betterment of both the Church and its pastor.

Studying the Old Testament to Understand the New Testament

Many people come to the New Testament and become lost in its many allusions to the Old Testament.  However, a thorough understanding of the Old Testament is critical in understanding the Person and Work of Christ in the New Testament.  Christ is the fulfillment of the New Testament because He is the Messiah who came in space and time to redeem a people to Himself.

A helpful way to understand the New Testament is to read the context of the passages that are alluded to from the Old Testament.  For example, Romans Chapter 4 speaks at length of Abraham and his justification by faith, so a good way to better comprehend the gravity of this passage is to go back and read through the accounts of Abraham in Genesis.

Because the Old Testament is most of the Bible, a regular digestion of the Old Testament is required to further grasp the glories found in the Work of Christ. As we chew upon the many accounts, prophetic passages, etc., we see how awesome Jesus Christ is, and so we are all the more thankful for what He has accomplished for His beloved sheep.  In turn, this roots out bitterness, envy, gossip, and all other forms of idolatry and wickedness.

Go now, and read your Old Testament!

Ye Idolatrous Generation: Part III

Ye Idolatrous Generation

Understanding Luke 4:16-30 In The Context of Elijah and Elisha

Part III: Elisha Heals the Gentile Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-27)

The Hardness of Jews Opens the Door to the Gentiles

--Many Jews had a great hatred for the pagan Gentiles in general, even their kin, the Samaritans.

--They were hypocritical in their worship of God, for their hearts were far from Him.

--They were not judged because of the detestation of godless pagan practices, but were judged because of their arrogant hypocritical hearts.

--They become enraged when their hardness was compared to the generation of Elijah and Elisha, for it meant that God would turn from them and bring salvation to the Gentiles, who were unworthy.

--In the account with Elisha and Naaman, we see the mercy and grace of God to a pagan, while judgment rested upon the Israelites. Such would soon happen to them in a short time.

The Love of God to Naaman, The Leprous Gentile

--The idolatry of Israel is great, and the people are hardened, yet God turns to the Gentiles to display His love and glory, which shames the nation given the Law of God.

--The Lord had given Naaman great victory for the Syrians, yet he was a leper.

--In one raid, they took an Israelite girl who, in God’s Providence, was used to direct Naaman to Elisha.

--This Israelite girl was concerned for the welfare of this Gentile man, yet she was a slave and did not withhold such knowledge to her mistress.

--Naaman requests leave from the King, and the King of Syria obliges and sends a letter with him.

--Naaman brought much wealth with him, yet the King of Israel saw this as provocation and tore his clothes, a sign of immense distress, for only God could do such a miraculous healing.

--When Elisha hears of the King’s distress, he sends word to the King to send Naaman to him.

--Notice that Elisha wants Naaman to know that there is a prophet in Israel, of which will ultimately show the glory of God against the pagan idols.

--Naaman came in his earthly glory to meet Elisha, yet he is angered in that Elisha does not come to the door. He has come all this way, and Elisha tells him what to do via another.

--Naaman storms out, yet his servants urge him to do as Elisha has commanded him.

--Naaman humbles himself and goes into the Jordan River as prescribed.

--Not only was he cleansed, but his flesh was restored as to that of a child!

--One can only imagine the joy, relief, and thankfulness that came from Naaman, the pagan Gentile!

--He offered gifts, but Elisha was pointed in that this was to be shown as the free gift of God.

--Interestingly, he was distraught about his paganism, and even asked for forgiveness in advance for assistance of the King in the pagan temple. Even so, Elisha told him to go in peace.

--Ironically, Elisha’s servant went before Naaman to claim some prize, yet his greed resulted in leprosy.

Application

--God is not a respecter of wealth, language, ethnicity, etc in the giving of His grace, which leaves no room for bitterness or envy.

--God is Sovereign, and He is active and not merely reactive in bringing His purposes about, so this should drive us to humility and comfort as we rest in the arms of a Mighty and Gracious God.

--God is Love, and He magnifies His love to those who deserve it the least, namely sinful man from all tribes, nations and tongues, so let us love, rejoice, and worship Him with great reverence and humility.

--God’s grace is freely given, ultimately in Christ, so it is not to be bought with silver and gold, and to think we can profit from God’s grace is greedy and deserves condemnation.

Ye Idolatrous Generation: Part II

Ye Idolatrous Generation

Understanding Luke 4:16-30 In The Context of Elijah and Elisha

Part II: Drought, Fire From Heaven, and the Coming of Rain (1 Kings 18)

The Angry Mob in Luke 4: What Drove Them to Such Rage?

--Though the specific account of Mt. Carmel is not mentioned in Luke 4, the drought era in which it referred clearly compared the angry mob to the apostate Israelites that lived during Elijah’s era.

--They detested Jesus’ proclamation of Messiahship, and they despised Christ for comparing them to an era that was judged harshly because of idolatry, an era of evil magnified at Mt. Carmel.

--Instead of repenting, they expressed hostility, yet God uses their hardness to reach Gentiles.

--Likewise, we can receive the admonition and repent or seek to drive Christ off of the cliff in rage.

--As we study Fire From Heaven, might we repent when our sin is exposed and not rebel, lest we come under judgment, for this ancient Biblical admonition against idolatry is just as relevant today.

May The True God Come Forth!

The Drought Is Severe: 1 Kings 18:1-20

--Elijah has now been commanded by God to confront King Ahab and tell him that rain was coming.

--The drought is strong and Elijah has a strong confrontation with Ahab exposing his sin.

--Elijah then charges Ahab to send all Israel and the false prophets to Mt. Carmel.

The Confrontation: 1 Kings 18:20-40

--Elijah condemns their wicked attempt to worship the LORD and Baal, and commands them to choose.

--They remain silent and have no idea what is about to take place.

--Elijah admits that he is outnumbered by an incredible margin, yet he is unmoved in his faith.

--Two bulls are prepared, one by the false prophets unto Baal and one by Elijah to the LORD.

--The hand of man shall set no fire; a plea to the divine is the only acceptable means for ignition.

--They are given the choice of which bull to prepare but are commanded again not to light it.

--They called out to this vain idol from morning until noon but to no avail.

--Elijah mocks them with several sharp remarks thereby magnifying their ludicrous efforts.

--Their efforts become desperate as they lacerate themselves in futile attempts to light the sacrifice.

--Man in his depravity would rather mutilate himself rather than bow to God Almighty.

--There was still no response from Baal; now it was Elijah’s turn.

--Elijah calls the people in. He rebuilds the altar, digs a trench around it, and places the sacrifice on it.

--Three times he commands them to pour water on the sacrifice and the wood; Elijah is determined to make a point about who the real God is.

--Giving all worship to God, Elijah now beseeches the LORD to make it known that He is God in Israel.

--With ferocity, the Fire of the LORD falls from Heaven, and even the water in the trench is licked up!

--The people fall on their faces declaring twice that the LORD is God, and the prophets of Baal are killed.

The Coming of Rain: 1 Kings 18:41-46

--The LORD in His mercy brings forth rain as he promised.

--God is a Just Judge, yet his mercy and grace are abundant all the more.

Application

--God always meets idolatry with severe judgment, so do not presume upon the grace of God, O sinner.

--No generation is without blemish, so do not turn from the conviction of the LORD.

--There is no salvation in idolatry, only judgment and despair.

--Ask God to expose the idols of your heart, and repent from them; put off sin and put on Christ.

--Meditate upon the justice and holiness of God that you might be ever thankful of His Sovereign Grace.

Ye Idolatrous Generation: Part I

Ye Idolatrous Generation

Understanding Luke 4:16-30 In The Context of Elijah and Elisha

Part I: Elijah Goes to Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-17:24)

Christ Condemns an Idolatrous Nation

--Jesus was admired from a young age, and many were glorifying Him in His official ministry, yet, in Luke 4, the crowd wanted to cast Him off of the cliff. Why?

--He never ceased to challenge the status quo, and He commanded their attention when he announced the fulfillment of the ancient Messianic prophecy.

--Furthermore, not only does He equate Himself with God, but He then implicitly compares them to the Israelites of old who lived during the age of the prophets Elijah and Elisha.

--They are enraged, yet the admonition against idolatry and hypocrisy is just as clear today.

--For this reason, examining the three particular accounts involving Elijah and Elisha mentioned by Christ will likewise warn us to take heed lest we fall.

Elijah Heads to the Gentiles

Background

--The days are heavy with idolatry, and now the rains of heaven have been shut up, even the dew!

--They will be shut up until the showdown occurs at Mt. Carmel.

--The drought has now become severe, for the water source that Elijah was using has dried up.

The Divine Plan: Mercy to the Gentile Widow and Her Son but Condemnation to Israel

--God sends Elijah out to Zarephath, which is in a pagan region, and a widow will feed him.

--God could have sent Elijah anywhere, but He uses this to condemn that generation and one to come.

--Elijah heads out in great faith, for he is in dire need himself, and he meets this Gentile widow at the gate just as God has promised. What a faithful God we serve! Amen!

--He told her to bring him some water, and then food, but, when he asked for food, she turned sullen.

--She was on her last batch of flour, and she was hopeless.

--It might seem that God has brought Elijah to a woman who could not provide for his needs. You would be right because it is God that provides for needs, and He was about to show His power and great glory!

--Elijah does not blink. Immediately, he gives a word of comfort, for the Living God is merciful.

--She will not lack, yet she is to bring him some food first and then bake for her and her son.

--In baking for Elijah first she shows her faithfulness, for she had so little left, but God delivered.

--She not only had plenty for the immediate future, but the oil and flour was not spent for a long time and would not be spent until the Lord sent rain after the glory at Mt. Carmel.

--Remember, Israel is under heavy drought, and, because of the context of the passage and close proximity of this pagan land to Israel, this land was under drought as well.

--God did not send Elijah to a poor widow in Israel that was in great need, but He has shown mercy to this pagan woman instead! Woe to those who have known God’s Word and rejected it!

--Elijah continues his stay with this household, and the son becomes severely ill, yet the widow is stricken with grief as she sees this as punishment for past sin. The widow saw her sin, and God was gracious to her, but Israel did not see her sin, nor did many in the generation of Christ.

--God uses Elijah to bring this child back from the dead, which is a powerful miracle of the LORD.

--She now extols the One True God all the more. This is a Gentile, but Israel remains hardened and stiff necked under its godless rulers suffering under immense judgment.

Application

--God is serious about his holiness, and will not tolerate idolatry in any form or generation.

--God is faithful to his sheep and provides for them according to His good will and purpose.

--The Gentiles are included in the God’s Elect, so let us humbly repent and be thankful to God.