Using Historical and Cultural Examples to Illustrate Scripture
The use of historical and cultural examples is a common method for illustrating biblical scripture, providing context and deeper understanding. This approach can be seen in various aspects of biblical interpretation and the scriptures themselves.
One significant way historical and cultural examples illuminate scripture is through the use of parables. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [3]. In the New Testament, this term had a broad application, referring to short proverbs, prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, or extended metaphors [3]. For instance, the concept of a race is used as a metaphor for the need for endurance in life in Greco-Roman literature, where extra weight hinders a runner, much as sin can impede spiritual progress [7].
Cultural practices also provide insight. The act of a victorious king placing his foot on the neck or back of a defeated enemy as a symbolic act of domination helps to understand the imagery of Christ's enemies being a footstool under his feet, representing their absolute subjugation [5]. Similarly, the practice of hospitality, commanded in Romans 12:13 and 1 Peter 4:9, was a significant cultural value, exemplified by figures like Abraham, Lot, and Jethro [2]. This practice was considered a test of Christian character and was to be extended particularly to strangers and the poor [2].
The scriptures themselves offer numerous examples of individuals whose lives illustrate specific virtues or actions. Early rising, for example, is presented as requisite for devotion and the discharge of daily duties, with Christ himself setting an example (Mark 1:35, Luke 21:38, John 8:2) [1]. Figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David are also noted for their practice of early rising [1].
Even the language used in scripture can be understood through the lens of human experience. Abraham Ibn Ezra notes that "Scripture employs human language so that those who hear will understand," suggesting that divine communication is often framed in terms accessible to human comprehension [6].
Furthermore, the history of the biblical text itself is rooted in cultural practices. The Old Testament, for instance, was typically written on skins, rolled into volumes similar to modern synagogue rolls [4]. The preservation of these texts and their transmission through generations reflects the cultural importance placed on sacred writings [4].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Old Testament — I. TEXT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.-- + History of the text. -A history of the text of the Old Testament should properly commence from the date of the completion of the canon. As regards the form in which the sacred writings were little doubt that the text was ordinarily were preserved, there can be written on skins, rolled up into volumes, like the modern synagogue rolls. (Psalms 40:7; Jeremiah 36:14; Ezekiel 2:9; Zechariah 5:1) The original character in which the text was expressed is that still preserved to us, with the exception of four letters, on the M”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 1:13: 1:13 In climactic fashion, the author ends his string of Old Testament quotations (see study note on 1:5-14) by quoting from Ps 110:1 in celebration of Christ’s exaltation (see also study notes on Luke 20:42-43; 22:69; 1 Cor 15:25; Eph 1:19-22). • The image of the Son’s enemies as a footstool under his feet represents their absolute subjugation (see Heb 2:8). In the ancient world, a victorious king would place his foot on the neck or back of an enemy as a symbolic act of domination.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Deuteronomy 4:34: ASSAYED. Scripture employs human language so that those who hear will understand.”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”