HOW (NOT_) TO READ THE BIBLE!!!

Every word in the original documents of the Bible is exactly what God wanted it to say. What does that mean when someone said that because we don't have the original text. Lets look at the different forms of methods on how it was preserved:

Historical Manuscripts: Explain that although the original texts are lost, there are numerous early manuscripts and translations. Scholars can use these to reconstruct the original wording with a high degree of accuracy, helping to affirm that what we have today is very close to what was originally written.

Textual Integrity: Discuss the principles of textual criticism, which scholars use to evaluate and compare different manuscripts. This rigorous academic approach helps to identify variations and establish a reliable text that reflects the original intent.

Textual criticism is a scholarly method used to analyze and evaluate ancient texts in order to determine their original wording and meaning. Here are the key aspects of textual criticism:

Purpose: The main goal is to reconstruct the most accurate version of a text, especially when the original manuscript is no longer available. This is particularly important for religious texts, classical literature, and historical documents.

Manuscript Comparison: Scholars compare various manuscripts and versions of a text, looking for differences (variants) in wording, spelling, punctuation, and phrasing. By examining these differences, they can identify likely original readings.

Dating and Context: Textual critics consider the age of the manuscripts, their geographical origins, and the historical context in which they were produced. Older manuscripts are often given more weight, but other factors, like the quality of the copy, are also important.

Techniques: Various techniques are employed, such as:

Internal Evidence: Assessing the style and language of the text to identify what might be original.External Evidence: Evaluating the manuscripts themselves, including their physical characteristics and the context of their creation.

Establishing a Critical Text: The outcome of textual criticism is often a critical edition of a text, which includes annotations on variants and a reconstruction of the most likely original wording. This edition is used as the basis for translations and further study.

Relevance: Textual criticism is essential for understanding the transmission and development of texts over time, providing insight into how they were copied, interpreted, and used in different historical contexts.

Overall, textual criticism plays a crucial role in ensuring that we have a reliable understanding of ancient texts, including religious scriptures.

When study the Bible, we can trust that it is the Word of God and when we read the Bible one needs to understand that the Bible is a library of books, rather than a single book. It is “written for us, but not to us.” Furthermore, “never read [just] a Bible verse,” but keep the verse in the context of the storyline. And remember, Jesus is the focal point.

The phrase "the Bible was written for us, but not to us" suggests that while the scriptures are relevant and beneficial for contemporary readers, they were originally addressed to specific audiences in particular historical and cultural contexts. Here’s a breakdown of what this means:

Historical Context: The Bible was written in ancient times, addressing issues, beliefs, and situations relevant to the people of that era. Understanding the original audience—such as the early Israelites, first-century Christians, or specific churches—helps clarify the intended message.

Cultural Differences: The cultural practices, languages, and worldviews of the original audiences differ significantly from modern experiences. Recognizing these differences is crucial for interpreting the texts accurately.

Timeless Principles: Although the Bible speaks to specific situations, it also conveys universal truths and principles that remain applicable today. For example, teachings on love, justice, and faith can resonate across generations.

Interpretive Process: Readers are encouraged to engage with the text, considering both its original meaning and how it applies to their lives. This process often involves study, reflection, and sometimes guidance from teachers or theologians.

Relevance Today: The idea emphasizes that while the Bible’s specific cultural and historical contexts may differ from our own, its messages still provide guidance, encouragement, and insight for modern believers.

In summary, saying the Bible was written "for us" means it holds significance and offers lessons for today, while "not to us" acknowledges the need to interpret its messages within their original contexts to fully grasp their meaning and application.

The Bible is a Library, Not a Book:

The Bible is a collection of 66 books printed in one volume, a library of books. It contains different writing style which we would talk about and it was written in three d)ifferent languages over 1500- year period and around 40 authors. Some books were written more than a thousand years before the other books. Think about it how blessed are we to have the written Word of God in the palm of our hands. It’s like pulling ancient scrolls and tablets off shelves from various sections, each dated and categorized by genre. The 3 language that it was written in was Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, which explains why we would see different writing styles. These authors were not writing at the same time in history. The beginng of the Bible was written 1400 BC (The time of Moses) through around 100 AD ( The time following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the birth of the early church. That is why when reading the Bible we should never read and interpret something written 3400 years ago in the same way you would read a book written last week. Even tough there was many authors that wrote the Bible, there was only One Author that gave the word that we find in the Bible and that God who gave these author His word so that they could put it down for us to understand.

With out further due lets get into some scripture that people have a problem with and how they misinterpret the Word of God.

Do a quick mock debate and used someone to illustrate the Bible and what Isaiah 34: 7 (KJV) “And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.” Also, there is many passages in the Bible that uses the word “unicorn” such as Numbers 23:22 KJV “God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.” Psalms 22:21 (KJV) “Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. When face with these question how can one answer this problem if it is even a problem to answer?

Isaiah 34:7 mentions "unicorns" in many translations, which can be confusing. Here’s how to explain it:

Translation Issues: The term "unicorn" in the King James Version (KJV) reflects an outdated understanding. The original Hebrew word is "re'em," which likely referred to a wild ox or a similar large animal, possibly a species like the aurochs, which are now extinct.

Context of the Verse: In Isaiah 34, the passage speaks about God's judgment and the desolation of Edom. The mention of "unicorns" symbolizes the powerful and untamed creatures of the wild, emphasizing the totality of destruction and the reversal of natural order during this judgment.

Symbolism: Rather than focusing on the mythical aspect of unicorns, it’s important to interpret this reference as highlighting strength and ferocity, which serves to illustrate the seriousness of the prophecy regarding Edom's fate.

Modern Translations: Many modern translations (like the NIV or ESV) use terms like "wild ox" or "bull" instead of "unicorn." This reflects a more accurate understanding of the original language and helps clarify the meaning for contemporary readers.

Broader Interpretation: Encourage looking at the broader themes of the chapter, which include judgment, justice, and the sovereignty of God over nations. The specific mention of animals helps create a vivid image of desolation and the complete change in the created order.

Psalm has the same issue, and when reading it lets see what the Psalmist is really trying to convey in this text. In Psalm 22:21 the Psalmist who is King David exulting in the Lord for delivering him. He prays to be delivered from the mouth of the lion, but then says the Lord has rescued him from the horns of wild oxen. This completes a pattern often seen in the Old Testament: chiasm, or a "mirror image." David compared his enemies to bulls (Psalm 22:12), lions (Psalm 22:13) and dogs (Psalm 22:16). In this verse and the previous verse he reverses that order with prayers referring to dogs (Psalm 22:20), lions, and bulls. All of this prophetically describes the suffering of Jesus during His crucifixion. These words express not only David's gratitude to his personal God—"You"—but also Jesus' delight at being raised from the dead. The Devil, a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), was unable to defeat Jesus. In fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 the old serpent, the Devil, would bruise Jesus the Messiah's heel, but Jesus the Messiah, "the seed" of the woman, would bruise the serpent's head. David's deliverance from his foes came from the Lord who answered his prayer. The deliverance was like that of being rescued from the horns of wild oxen. Similarly, Jesus' crucifixion ended in a triumphant resurrection. Hebrews 12:2 refers to Jesus as "the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." The agony of Calvary ended; the glory of resurrection and ascension followed.

Now beside the unicorn problem that is as we could see and understand is not really a problem but lets look at Leviticus 25:44 ““ ‘Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves.” Where people say that God condones slavery and that the Bible is the evil book. This might seem like a tough one when ask this question about slavery but lets break it down.

Historical Context: Leviticus is part of the Old Testament Law given to the Israelites. It includes regulations about worship, morality, and social justice. Leviticus 25 specifically discusses the Year of Jubilee and regulations regarding land and servitude.

Understanding Slavery in Ancient Israel: In this context, the verse refers to the acquisition of servants or slaves from surrounding nations. It’s important to recognize that this form of servitude was different from the modern understanding of slavery; it often involved debt repayment or servitude for survival rather than the brutal chattel slavery seen in more recent history.

Cultural Practices: The Israelites lived in a different cultural and economic system. The laws provided a structure for maintaining social order, addressing issues of poverty, and ensuring that individuals had opportunities for restoration and redemption, such as the Year of Jubilee when debts were forgiven.

God’s Concern for Justice: Many of the laws in Leviticus, including those about servitude, reflect God’s desire for justice, mercy, and care for the vulnerable.

The Year of Jubilee is a significant concept found in the Bible, specifically in Leviticus 25. Here’s a concise overview:

Frequency: The Year of Jubilee occurs every 50 years, following seven cycles of seven years (the seventh year being a sabbatical year).

Restoration and Redemption: During the Jubilee, several important practices take place:

Land Restoration: All land that had been sold or transferred returns to its original family owner. This ensures that land remains within families and prevents permanent poverty.Freedom for Servants: Israelite servants who had sold themselves into servitude to pay debts are to be freed and returned to their families.

Economic and Social Equity: The Jubilee year serves as a mechanism for economic reset and social equity. It prevents the accumulation of wealth by a few and helps maintain a balance within the community.

Spiritual Significance: The Year of Jubilee emphasizes themes of liberation, forgiveness, and God's provision. It reflects God's desire for justice, mercy, and restoration.

Connection to Christ: In Christian theology, the Year of Jubilee is often seen as a foreshadowing of the spiritual freedom and redemption found in Christ, who brings liberation from sin and restoration to a right relationship with God.

Overall, the Year of Jubilee represents a powerful ideal of renewal, equity, and community welfare that resonates with themes of justice and compassion.

Now lets look at Psalm 137:9 “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.” Wow talk about a crazy text to could be misunderstood. However the meaning behind this text was deep emotions and the pain of exile. The verse states, "Blessed is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." Here’s how to explain its meaning: Historical Context: This psalm was written during the Babylonian exile, a time when the Israelites faced immense suffering after the destruction of Jerusalem. The psalm expresses their grief, longing for their homeland, and the trauma of displacement. Expression of Anguish: The verse is part of a lament and is not a literal endorsement of violence. Rather, it conveys the intense emotions of the exiled Israelites. They are expressing a desire for justice against their captors, the Babylonians, who had inflicted great pain on them. Poetic Imagery: The imagery used in this verse is stark and shocking, characteristic of the poetic style of the psalms. It serves to underscore the depth of sorrow and the desire for retribution. Such expressions of emotion were common in ancient poetry, reflecting a raw and visceral response to suffering. Theological Reflection: While this verse reflects deep hurt and a call for justice, it can also prompt deeper theological reflections on violence, justice, and mercy. It serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of conflict and the pain it inflicts on individuals and communities. Modern Application: In contemporary discussions, this verse can challenge readers to think about how we express our pain and desire for justice in light of Jesus’ teachings on love, forgiveness, and mercy. It invites a dialogue about reconciling feelings of anger and hurt with the call to respond in love.

In summary, Psalm 137:9 expresses the anguish of the Israelites in exile, using stark imagery to communicate their pain and desire for justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional depths of suffering and the complex nature of human responses to violence and injustice.

Again we as Christian need to understand that the Bible is written in different ways such as literal styles, poetry, hyperbole and figurative language, parables, wisdom language, prophecy, narrative, and apocalyptic literature.

Most people who try to disprove the Bible we say that the God of the Old Testament is God of Wrath and the God of the New Testament is the God of Love. First lets look at Exodus 34:6–7“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” What is happening hear is that God had given Moses the ten commandments on tablets, and Moses went down from the mountain to present them to the people. While Moses was gone, which was about 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai. The people of Israel had grown impatient and began a hedonistic party, even creating a golden calf to worship. What is crazy about this is prior to this God had rescued the people from slavery in Egypt and was bringing them to the land he had promised them. Yet in a short time they were rebelling against God. When Moses came down and say it he was upset, smashed the tablet, however God them give them another chance actually many chance for forgiveness. So one could say why didnt God give all people many chances such as what we read in Joshua 6:21 “They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.”

Context of the Verse: This verse occurs after the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, have successfully captured Jericho. The city was the first major obstacle in their conquest of Canaan after wandering in the desert for 40 years. Divine Command: God had commanded the Israelites to completely destroy Jericho and devote it to Him. This act of devotion often involved the complete destruction of a city and its inhabitants as an offering to God. The term "devoted" here means that the city was set apart for destruction as a way to fulfill God’s judgment against the Canaanites. Total Destruction: The command to destroy every living thing raises difficult ethical and theological questions. It reflects the severity of God’s judgment on the Canaanites for their sinfulness, including idolatry and other practices considered abominable in the eyes of Israelite law. Understanding the Judgment: In the context of the ancient Near East, such total destruction was not uncommon during warfare. However, it can be hard for modern readers to reconcile this with the idea of a loving and just God. Many scholars suggest that this reflects the seriousness of sin and the concept of holiness in the Old Testament. Theological Implications: The destruction of Jericho is often seen as a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, symbolizing their commitment to following God’s commands and establishing their presence in the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of disobedience to God and the lengths to which He went to fulfill His promises. Modern Reflection: For contemporary readers, this passage invites reflection on themes of judgment, mercy, and the complexities of God’s commands. It also challenges believers to consider how to understand and apply the principles of justice and mercy in their own lives. In summary, Joshua 6:21 is a crucial verse that encapsulates the themes of divine judgment, faithfulness to God's commands, and the gravity of the conquest of Canaan. It prompts deeper exploration of the nature of God’s justice and mercy in the biblical narrative.

Many people who make the claimed that this is of Genocide and its really not. The really why it is not is because Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially people of a particular ethnic group or nation. You see the Canaanites were given the opportunity to avoid war and violence, but they chose to not to respond to God’s opportunity. They were extremely wicked people, and practiced evil worship such as giving there first born to the statue of Molech.. which was throwing there babies into a burning fire and have people play drums so loud that they could not here the babies crying for help. God was using Isarlites to accomplish His judgement on them. But before He place judgment on them he gave them hundreds of years and He was very patient waiting on generations for them to change.