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Using Historical Figures and Events to Teach Biblical Principles

Biblical principles are frequently taught through the lives and experiences of historical figures and events, serving as illustrations, warnings, and examples of faith. This method of instruction is evident throughout scripture and in subsequent theological reflection.

One prominent example is the use of parables, which are comparisons or similitudes that illustrate one subject by another [1]. While the term "parable" in the New Testament often refers to Jesus's teachings, it also encompasses broader applications in the Old Testament, including proverbs, prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, and expanded metaphors [1]. These narratives, whether short or extensive, draw on relatable scenarios to convey deeper spiritual truths.

The Old Testament itself provides numerous historical accounts that serve as foundational lessons. For instance, the doctrine of the resurrection is present in Old Testament texts such as Job 19:26, Psalm 16:10, and Daniel 12:2, indicating an expectation of future life [2]. These passages, rooted in the experiences and prophecies of historical figures, lay groundwork for later New Testament teachings. The expectation of resurrection was also held by many Jews, as seen in John 11:24, though it was denied by groups like the Sadducees (Matthew 22:23) [2]. Jesus himself used historical and contemporary events to affirm and prove the resurrection (Matthew 22:29-32) [2].

The concept of sin is another core biblical principle illuminated by historical events and figures. The "first pair" in Genesis, Adam and Eve, committed a "heinous and aggravated" sin, described not merely as eating forbidden fruit but as a profound act of disobedience, ingratitude, and preference for the creature over the Creator [7]. This foundational event illustrates the origin of sin and its nature. Subsequent biblical narratives consistently portray humanity as born into sin, with the wicked indulging this nature while the godly strive against it (Psalm 58:3, Romans 7:19-23) [5]. Deliberate sins are characterized by an insolent or arrogant attitude, representing rebellion against God (Psalm 19:13) [8]. Paul, in Romans 1:18–3:20, systematically demonstrates the universal sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews, establishing that all are "under sin’s power" and cannot earn God's favor through their own actions [9]. This comprehensive argument relies on observations of human behavior and historical patterns of sin.

Liberality, or generosity, is presented as a principle pleasing to God, with Christ himself serving as the ultimate example (2 Corinthians 8:9) [3]. The Old Testament provides numerous injunctions for liberality towards the poor, strangers, and even enemies (Deuteronomy 15:11, Leviticus 25:35, Proverbs 25:21) [3]. These commands are often embedded within historical laws and narratives concerning Israel's conduct as a nation.

Afflictions, though painful, are frequently depicted as beneficial in biblical history. They are shown to promote God's glory (John 9:1-3), exhibit His power (Psalm 34:19-20), teach His will (Psalm 119:71), and turn people back to Him (Deuteronomy 4:30-31) [4]. Historical accounts of individuals and nations enduring hardship often highlight these spiritual outcomes.

The importance of teaching and instruction is also demonstrated through historical figures. King Jehoshaphat, for example, established an "itinerant ministry" involving princes, Levites, and priests to instruct the people in the cities of Judah [10]. The princes likely taught civil law, the Levites focused on temple service and ritual law, and the priests provided instruction on the nature of God and His worship [10]. This historical precedent underscores the value placed on systematic education in biblical principles.

Theological reflection on these historical narratives often emphasizes their ongoing relevance. Augustine, for instance, commenting on 1 John 3:8, distinguished between being "born of God" and becoming a "child of the devil" through imitation rather than generation, using the devil as a historical figure to illustrate the nature of sin [6]. Similarly, Calvin, in discussing the "principles of the doctrine" in Hebrews 6, used the analogy of building a house to explain that while foundations are crucial, one must move beyond constantly re-laying them to progress in understanding [11]. These examples demonstrate how historical figures and events, both biblical and illustrative, are continuously employed to convey and reinforce biblical principles across generations.

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. 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:”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
  5. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
  6. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
  7. Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
  8. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
  9. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  10. 2 Chronicles (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Chronicles 17:7: To teach in the cities of Judah - "To teach the fear of the Lord in the cities of Judah." - Targum. In these verses we find a remarkable account of an itinerant ministry established by Jehoshaphat; and in this work he employed three classes of men: 1. The princes. 2. The Levites. 3. The priests. We may presume that the princes instructed the people in the nature of the civil law and constitution of the kingdom; the Levites instructed them in every thing that appertained to the temple service, and ritual law; and the priests instructed them in the nature and de”
  11. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
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