UNIT 3 CHAPTER 7
SESSION 7 7.1 - 7.3 GENRES: HISTORICAL NARRATIVE, STORIES OF
HISTORY
SEPARATE THE ENDURING FROM THE TEMPORARY. .............................. 50
DISCERN THE AUTHOR’S PURPOSE: PART 1. ............................................. 51
DISCERN THE AUTHOR’S PURPOSE: PART 2. ............................................. 52
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE IS A LITERARY GENRE THAT DOES NOT JUST TELL
US THE TRUTH—IT SHOWS US THE TRUTH.
What is the difference between a normative action and a descriptive action?
A normative action is one meant to be a pattern for all believers. Other
actions and commands simply describe what happened as a background to the
story—these are not set forth as a pattern for us today
Ex: Is a believer allowed to marry an unbeliever as Esther did (Esther 2)?
Should a new convert divorce an unbelieving mate as Ezra commanded the
Jews to do (Ezra 9:1–2; 10:10–11)? Will a Christian leader be punished as
David was (1 Chronicles 21) if he or she counts the people who attend
church?
N
NORMATIVE OR DESCRIPTIVE –3 QUESTIONS TO ASK:
1. Does other direct teaching in the Bible condemn the action?
2. Is the action, promise, or command confirmed and repeated in other passages of
the Bible?
3. Is the action or command only part of a cultural practice of the biblical
person/specific story and situation?
What are some Old Testament practices that are normative—that set a
pattern to be followed by believers today?
DISCERN THE AUTHOR’S PURPOSE:
Ex: Indirect approach –David and Nathan in II Sam 12: 1-7
The stories of the Bible are historical narratives, not allegories. When we
try to find the author’s purpose, we avoid applying or searching for
hidden meanings that the author never imagined. We can avoid much
error when we do not try to suggest what a story means to us today
until we first understand what the story meant to the writer and those
who first heard it.
DISCERNING
THE
AUTHOR’S
PURPOSE –7
POINTS OF A
PLOT
Part of the Story Description Genesis
Introduction Abraham settles in Philistine lands as a worshiper of God. 21:32–34
Problem God requires Isaac as Abraham’s sacrifice. 22:1–2
Rising action Abraham prepares for & walks to the mountain. 22:3–7
Turning point The final ascent to the act of sacrifice is begun with Abraham
committed to obedience. 22:8
Problem increases Abraham prepares Isaac to die as a sacrifice. 22:9–10
Climax Abraham is interrupted and his obedience is recognized. 22:11–12
Result A substitute sacrifice is provided. 22:13–18
Post-script Abraham is promised blessing for his obedience and faith. 22:19
Part of the Story Description 1 Kings
Introduction Elijah challenges Ahab concerning the true God. 18:16–20
Problem The prophets of Baal are assembled and Elijah tries, but fails, to rally the
people to loyalty to God. 18:20–21
Rising action The Baal prophets attempt to get a response from Baal. 18:22–29
Turning point Elijah rebuilds the altar in preparation for victory. 18:30–31
Problem increases Elijah increases the difficulty by pouring water on the altar. 18:32–37
Climax The fire of the Lord falls and consumes the altar. 18:38–40
Result The Baal prophets are killed and rain comes to the land. 18:41–45
Post-script Elijah was empowered to outrun Ahab’s chariot. 18:46
THREE QUESTIONS FOR CHARACTERS:
1. Is the character flat or round? Flat characters are minor characters who do not change or
grow much; round characters are major, complex characters who grow or change by the
story’s end.
2. Is the character dynamic (changing) or static (staying the same)? The Bible has many stories
of people who change greatly during a story. Seeing how they change helps us discern the
writer’s purpose. A person may change for the better or for worse. If a main character’s choice
results in a negative result, it shows that the biblical writer is opposed to the character’s
decision.
3. Is the character contrasted with a foil? Biblical authors use contrast to emphasize good and
bad. A foil is a person used as a contrast. The contrast may be of persons, actions, or attitudes,
as Herod is contrasted with the wise men. These foils serve to emphasize the characteristics
of the hero.
Literary Vocabulary:
1. Fables: a short story, typically with animals as characters, teaching a moral
thought – Aesop’s fables
2. Myths: a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being
(person) or hero or event, not necessarily based on facts or a natural
explanation; an invented story; imaginary story or an unproved/false
collection of beliefs
3. Legends: a story from the past that is believed by many people but cannot
be proven to be true
The non-believers often call the Bible one or two of these terms. II Tim 3:16
