Biblical Teachings Influenced by Ancient Cultural Context
Biblical teachings are frequently shaped by the ancient cultural contexts in which they originated, reflecting the societal norms, historical events, and daily life of the people. This influence is evident in various aspects, from military practices and educational approaches to religious customs and theological concepts.
The concept of war, for instance, is deeply embedded in the ancient world described in the Bible. War is presented as an ancient phenomenon, originating in human desires [2]. The Bible records instances where God commanded warfare, such as against the Amalekites or the inhabitants of Canaan [2]. God is also depicted as teaching His people the art of war, strengthening them for battle, and granting victory [2]. Ancient armies were often numerous, composed of various specialized troops like bowmen, slingers, spearmen, and cavalry, and utilized war chariots [3]. These armies frequently consisted of the entire effective male population of a nation and were accompanied by provisions and standards [3]. Before engaging in battle, consultation and great preparation were common practices [2]. This cultural reality of frequent warfare and the detailed descriptions of military organization highlight how deeply this aspect of ancient life influenced biblical narratives and divine commands.
Education in ancient Israel primarily focused on moral and religious discipline, with parents responsible for teaching the law [4]. While Solomon is noted for writing on scientific subjects, suggesting broader intellectual pursuits, the core of early Hebrew education was the transmission of wisdom and instruction through familial teaching [4]. This emphasis on parental instruction is reflected in the upbringing of figures like Timothy, who from childhood was taught the Old Testament Scriptures by his Jewish grandmother and mother [6, 7]. This early religious education provided a foundation for understanding Christian doctrines by comparing them with Old Testament prophecies and types [7]. The idea that the Old Testament Scriptures offer wisdom to receive Christ Jesus, and that Christ is needed to fully understand the Old Testament, underscores the continuity and development of religious understanding within this educational framework [6].
Religious practices also show the impact of cultural context. The worship of idols in "groves" is a recurring theme, with these groves often located on hilltops and used as resting places [5]. The Bible explicitly forbids planting groves near God's altar and commands the destruction of Canaanite groves used for idol worship [5]. The establishment of such groves by figures like Ahab and Manasseh, and their subsequent destruction by reformers like Gideon, Hezekiah, Asa, and Jehoshaphat, illustrates a persistent struggle against syncretistic religious practices prevalent in the ancient Near East [5].
Even theological concepts, such as the resurrection, are presented within a historical and cultural dialogue. The resurrection was a doctrine known in the Old Testament, referenced in passages like Job 19:26 and Daniel 12:2 [1]. It was an expectation among Jews, though denied by groups like the Sadducees [1]. The New Testament further develops this concept, presenting it as a foundational principle of the gospel and something assumed and proved by Jesus [1]. The apostles preached the resurrection, and Paul addressed those in the church who questioned it, arguing it was not incredible or contrary to reason [1]. This demonstrates how an existing cultural or religious concept was affirmed, clarified, and expanded upon within the biblical narrative.
The "traditions of the elders," particularly concerning dietary laws and fasting, are presented as "new things" compared to God's commands, with some being of recent origin [8]. This highlights a tension between long-standing divine law and newer cultural interpretations or additions, which Jesus often challenged [8]. The importance of remembering "the days of old" and God's providences concerning ancestors like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as Moses urged, emphasizes the value of historical memory and tradition in understanding God's continuous work [9]. This historical consciousness shaped the understanding of God's covenant and His relationship with His people.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resurrection, The — A doctrine of the Old Testament -- Job 19:26; Ps 16:10; 49:15; Isa 26:19; Da 12:2; Ho 13:14. A first principle of the gospel -- 1Co 15:13,14; Heb 6:1,2. Expected by the Jews -- Joh 11:24; Heb 11:35. Denied by the Sadducees -- Mt 22:23; Lu 20:27; Ac 23:8. Explained away by false teachers -- 2Ti 2:18. Called in question by some in the church -- 1Co 15:12. Is not incredible -- Mr 12:24; Ac 26:8. Is not contrary to reason -- Joh 12:24; 1Co 15:35-49. Assumed and proved by our Lord -- Mt 22:29-32; Lu 14:14; Joh 5:28,29. Preached by the Apostles -- Ac 4:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: War — Antiquity of -- Ge 14:2. Originates in the lusts of men -- Jas 4:1. A time for -- Ec 3:8. God Frequently ordered. -- Ex 17:16; Nu 31:1,2; De 7:1,2; 1Sa 15:1-3. Taught His people the art of. -- 2Sa 22:35. Strengthens His people for. -- Le 26:7,8. Gives the victory in. -- Nu 21:3; De 2:33; 3:3; 2Sa 23:10; Pr 21:31. Causes to cease. -- Ps 46:9. Scatters those who delight in. -- Ps 68:30. Large armies frequently engaged in -- 2Ch 13:3; 14:9. Weapons used in -- Jos 1:14; Jdj 18:11. Preceded by Consultation. -- Lu 14:31; Pr 24:6. Great preparation. -- Joe 3:9. Rumors”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Armies — Antiquity of -- Ge 14:1-8. Ancient, often numerous -- Jos 11:4; 1Sa 13:5. Of different nations often confederated -- Jos 9:2; 10:5; Jdj 3:13; 1Ki 20:1. Troops often hired for -- 1Ch 19:7; 2Ch 25:6. Were composed of Bowmen and slingers. -- 1Ch 12:2; Jer 4:29. Spearmen or heavy troops. -- Ps 68:30; Ac 23:23. Cavalry. -- Ex 14:9; 1Ki 20:20. War chariots. -- Jos 17:16; Jdj 4:3. Often consisted of the whole effective strength of nations -- Nu 21:23; 1Sa 29:1. Furnished with standards -- Song 6:4; Isa 10:18; Jer 4:21. Accompanied by beasts of burden and wagons for”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Education — There is little trace among the Hebrews in earlier times of education in any other subjects than the law. The wisdom therefore and instruction, of which so much is said in the book of Proverbs, are to be understood chiefly of moral and religious discipline, imparted, according to the direction of the law, by the teaching and under the example of parents. (But Solomon himself wrote treatises on several scientific subjects, which must have been studied in those days.) In later times the prophecies and comments on them, as well as on the earlier Scriptures, t”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Groves — Antiquity of -- Ge 21:33. Often on tops of hills -- 1Ki 14:23; Ho 4:13. Often used as resting places -- 1Sa 22:6. Idols were worshipped in -- De 12:2. Not to be planted near God's altar -- De 16:21. Of Canaanites, to be destroyed -- Ex 34:13; De 7:5; 12:3. For idol worship planted By Ahab. -- 1Ki 16:33. By Manasseh. -- 2Ki 21:3. By Israelites. -- 2Ki 17:16. Fondness of Israel for -- Jer 17:2. Punishment for making and serving -- 1Ki 14:15; Isa 1:28,29; Mic 5:14. Destroyed by Gideon. -- Jdj 6:25-28. Hezekiah. -- 2Ki 18:4. Asa. -- 2Ch 14:3. Jehoshaphat. -- 2Ch”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:14: 3:14-15 from childhood: Timothy’s Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice (see Acts 16:1-3), provided his education in the Old Testament Scriptures (see 2 Tim 1:5), and their lives reinforced their teaching. • The Old Testament Scriptures give the wisdom to receive . . . Christ Jesus. In turn, Jesus Christ is needed to understand the Old Testament Scriptures fully.”
- 2 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Timothy 3:15: From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures - The early religious education of Timothy has been already sufficiently noticed; see Ti2 1:5, and the preface to the first epistle. St. Paul introduces this circumstance again here for the confirmation of Timothy's faith. He had learned the doctrines of Christianity from a genuine apostle; and, as Christianity is founded on the law and the prophets, Timothy was able to compare its doctrines with all that had been typified and predicted, and consequently was assured that the Christian religion was true. Able to mak”
- Mark (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Mark 2:20: No man also seweth a piece of new cloth, The traditions of the elders are meant, particularly concerning eating and drinking, and fasting, things before spoken of; and which occasioned this parable, and which were new things in comparison of the commands of God: some of them were of very short standing, devised in, that age; and most, if not all of them, were since the times of Ezra. On an old garment; the moral and ceremonial righteousness of the Jews, in obedience to the law of God; signifying, that the former were not to be joined with these, to make up a justifyin”
- Deuteronomy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 32:7: Moses, having in general represented God to them as their great benefactor, whom they were bound in gratitude to observe and obey, in these verses gives particular instances of God's kindness to them and concern for them. 1. Some instances were ancient, and for proof of them he appeals to the records (Deu 32:7): Remember the days of old; that is, "Keep in remembrance the history of those days, and of the wonderful providences of God concerning the old world, and concerning your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; you will find a constant series of mercies at”