Reflecting on Personal Experiences in Biblical Studies
Biblical reflection often involves a process of self-examination and thoughtful consideration of one's actions and their alignment with divine principles. The term "Palal" in Hebrew, for instance, means "thinking" [3]. This internal process is highlighted in Psalm 119:59, where the psalmist states, "I think about my ways, and turn my feet to your testimonies" [1]. John Gill interprets this as the psalmist considering whether his ways were "right or wrong" and preferring God's ways [9]. This suggests a deliberate evaluation of personal conduct against the standard of God's commands.
The practice of self-examination is encouraged throughout Scripture. Paul urges believers to "examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5) [4]. This self-assessment is deemed necessary before participating in the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28) [4]. However, the process can be challenging due to the deceitfulness of the human heart (Jeremiah 17:9) [4]. Therefore, it should be undertaken with "holy awe" (Psalm 4:4), "diligent search" (Psalm 77:6), and prayer for divine guidance (Psalm 26:2; 139:23-24) [4]. The ultimate goal of such reflection is amendment and correction, as seen in Psalm 119:59 and Lamentations 3:40 [4].
Beyond personal conduct, reflection can also involve a broader exploration of life's experiences. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes describes how he "explored the effects of indulging my flesh with wine," guided by wisdom, to understand what is good for humanity (Ecclesiastes 2:3) [2]. This demonstrates an experimental approach to understanding life, even when it involves investigating folly.
The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of thoughtful engagement. Paul appeals to the Corinthians to use their "powers of judgment" to weigh his arguments, underscoring the responsibility of individual discernment [5]. Similarly, Timothy is exhorted to "meditate carefully upon" the things he has been taught, likening it to digestion for spiritual nourishment [8]. This involves being wholly absorbed in these matters, indicating that deep reflection is crucial for spiritual growth [8]. The "experimental proof" of Christian character, as described in 2 Corinthians 9:13, also suggests that lived experience and its evaluation contribute to understanding one's faith [6]. Even the disciples on the road to Emmaus found relief in unburdening their thoughts and feelings about Jesus, which was precisely what the Lord desired [7].
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 119:59 (LEB) — I think about my ways, and turn my feet to your testimonies.”
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 2:3 (LEB) — I also ⌞explored⌟ ⌞the effects of indulging my flesh⌟ with wine. My mind guiding me with wisdom, ⌞I investigated⌟ folly so that I might discover what is good under heaven for ⌞humans⌟ to do ⌞during the days of their lives⌟.”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Palal — thinking”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Examination — Enjoined -- 2Co 13:5. Necessary before the communion -- 1Co 11:28. Cause of difficulty in -- Jer 17:9. Should be engaged in With holy awe. -- Ps 4:4. With diligent search. -- Ps 77:6; La 3:40. With prayer for divine searching. -- Ps 26:2; 139:23,24. With purpose of amendment. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Advantages of -- 1Co 11:31; Ga 6:4; 1Jo 3:20-22.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 9:13: by--through occasion of. experiment--Translate, "the experience" [ELLICOTT and others]. Or, "the experimental proof" of your Christian character, afforded by "this ministration." they--the recipients. for your professed subjection--Greek, "for the subjection of your profession"; that is, your subjection in accordance with your profession, in relation to the Gospel. Ye yield yourselves in willing subjection to the Gospel precepts, evinced in acts, as well as in profession. your liberal distribution--Greek, "the liberality of your contribu”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 24:19: Concerning Jesus, &c.--As if feeling it a relief to have someone to unburden his thoughts and feelings to, this disciple goes over the main facts in his own desponding style, and this was just what our Lord wished.”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:15: Meditate--Greek, "Meditate CAREFULLY upon" (Psa 1:2; Psa 119:15; compare "Isaac," Gen 24:63). these things-- (Ti1 4:12-14). As food would not nourish without digestion, which assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful meditation. give thyself wholly to--literally, "BE in these things"; let them engross thee wholly; be wholly absorbed in them. Entire self-dedication, as in other pursuits, so especially in religion, is the secret of proficiency. There are chan”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:57: I thought on my ways,.... What they were, whether right or wrong; whither they led, what would be the consequences of walking in them: the Septuagint and Arabic versions read, "thy ways"; no doubt the psalmist thought of both; of his own ways, in which he had walked; and of God's ways, which he directed him to walk in: and, considering the superior pleasure and profit of the latter, he preferred them to the former. The Targum is, "I thought to mend my ways", or "make them good". Hence he took the following step: and turned my feet unto thy testimonies; betook hims”