Welcome to Day 2554 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2554 – Old Testament Orientation – The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament– Joshua 1:8

Putnam Church Message – 01/26/2024

Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation
Message 3: “The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament”

Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series with ‘The Grand Narrative of the Old Testament.’

This week, we will cover the four key themes of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation from an ancient Israelite perspective and Divine Council Worldview insights. Next week, we will begin to review the various groups of books based on their genre.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which transcends time and culture. As we gather to explore the rich tapestry of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation in the Old Testament, guide our hearts and minds. Help us see through the eyes of the ancient Israelites, and may this understanding deepen our faith and relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction

Imagine standing on the hills of ancient Israel, gazing at the horizon. The world, as you know it, is filled with tangible signs of God’s provision—the rains that water the crops, the stars that mark the seasons, and the sacred land promised by Yahweh. As an ancient Israelite, your understanding of life and faith is profoundly shaped by your language, your view of the cosmos, the land you call home, and how you interpret the laws and stories passed down through generations.

Today, we will explore these four key aspects of the Old Testament:

1. The Language of the Old Testament
2. The Cosmology of the Ancient Israelites
3. The Geography of the Promised Land
4. The Importance of Interpretation
5. The Language of the Old Testament

The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, a language deeply connected to the culture of the ancient Near East. It’s a language of pictures and symbols, where words evoke images and emotions. For example, the Hebrew word ruach means both “spirit” and “wind,” emphasizing the unseen yet powerful presence of God.

Object Lesson #1: The Breath of Life (Fan with Ribbons)

Bring a small fan or a balloon. As the fan blows or the balloon inflates, explain how the unseen wind represents ruach. Just as the wind is invisible but powerful, so is the Spirit of God moving through creation and history (Genesis 1:2). The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

Cultural Insight

For the Israelites, language wasn’t just a means of communication; it was an act of creation and covenant. In Genesis 1, God spoke the universe into existence. The Ten Commandments, spoken by God, weren’t just rules—they were a covenant (contract) sealed by His Word. Words carried weight and authority, shaping reality and relationships.

But beyond its theological significance, Hebrew also shaped the daily lives of the Israelites. The act of reciting prayers, like the Shema, “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. ⁵ And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), was both an act of worship and a declaration of loyalty to Yahweh. Children learned these words early, repeating them in the home and synagogue. Writing Scripture on doorposts and phylacteries symbolized their dedication to God’s Word.

Illustration: The Power of Words

Consider a story of an Israelite father teaching his son the meaning of shalom—a word embodying peace, wholeness, and harmony. As they walk along the fields, the father explains that shalom is not just a greeting but a reflection of living in alignment with God’s covenant (contract).

Key Scripture: “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7, NLT).

2. The Cosmology of the Ancient Israelites

The cosmology of the ancient Israelites reveals their deeply rooted understanding of a world created and governed by Yahweh. Unlike their neighboring cultures, who personified celestial bodies as deities, the Israelites viewed the sun, moon, and stars as created servants of the Most High, part of His divine council. This three-tiered understanding of the universe—the heavens, the earth, and the waters below—shaped their religious practices and daily life.

Illustration: The Heavens Proclaim God’s Glory

Picture an Israelite shepherd lying under a canopy of stars, marveling at their brilliance. To him, the stars were not gods but evidence of Yahweh’s power. As Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” This awe inspired not only worship but also a deep trust in Yahweh’s sovereignty over creation.

Story: Creation and the Sabbath

Consider the creation account in Genesis 1. Each day unfolds with intentionality, culminating in the Sabbath—a day of rest and reflection. For the Israelites, this narrative wasn’t just a story; it was the foundation for their weekly rhythm. The Sabbath reminded them that Yahweh was the supreme ruler who brought order out of chaos, unlike the unpredictable gods of their neighbors.

Cultural Insight: The Firmament as God’s Canvas

The firmament, described in Genesis 1:6-8, symbolized God’s separation of the waters above and below. This division was not merely physical but spiritual to the Israelites, emphasizing God’s ability to establish boundaries and maintain order. The firmament also reflected God’s authority over rain and seasons, which were critical for their agrarian lifestyle.

The cosmos for the Israelites was not random but ordered by Yahweh. The sun marked days and seasons, the moon signaled festivals, and the stars reminded them of Abraham’s descendants. These celestial bodies were signs of God’s covenant faithfulness, not objects of worship, which was the case in the surrounding nations.

The Israelites’ cosmology was deeply symbolic, reflecting their understanding of God’s sovereignty. They envisioned a three-tiered universe: the heavens above, the earth beneath, and the waters below (Exodus 20:4). Unlike their neighbors who worshiped the sun, moon, and stars as gods, the Israelites saw these as creations of Yahweh.

Expanded Example: Festivals and Celestial Signs

The Israelites’ agricultural calendar revolved around the movement of the heavens. Festivals like Passover and Sukkot were tied to the lunar cycles. These observances reinforced their reliance on Yahweh, who orchestrated the cosmos. For example, the new moon signaled the beginning of a month and was marked with special sacrifices (Numbers 28:11-15).

Story: Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven. Despite their frantic prayers, Baal remained silent. When Elijah prayed, Yahweh answered with fire. This story highlights the Israelites’ understanding of God as the supreme ruler of the cosmos, unlike the impotent gods of their neighbors.

Key Scripture: “But the Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King” (Jeremiah 10:10, NLT).

3. The Geography of the Promised Land

The geography of ancient Israel was not just a physical reality but a canvas on which God painted His promises and interacted with His people. The land’s features—mountains, valleys, rivers, and deserts—were constant reminders of the Israelites’ dependence on Yahweh. For instance, Mount Sinai became a symbol of covenant and revelation, while the Jordan River marked the threshold of new beginnings.

Illustration: The Geography Shapes Faith

Imagine a family of Israelites traveling to Jerusalem for one of the annual feasts. As they journey up to the city, the father points out the hills and explains Psalm 121:1-2, “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” The physical act of ascending to Jerusalem mirrors the spiritual journey of drawing closer to God.

Cultural Insight

The land of Israel, situated at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, was both a blessing and a challenge. Its fertile valleys and strategic location made it a target for empires but also a stage for God’s redemptive plan. The Israelites saw every geographical feature as part of God’s provision and purpose.

Expanded Example: The Wilderness Experience

The wilderness, often harsh and barren, became a place of testing and reliance on God. When the Israelites wandered for forty years, they learned to depend on daily manna and water provided miraculously (Exodus 16:35). This barren landscape symbolized their spiritual growth and dependence on Yahweh, shaping their identity as God’s chosen people.

The geography of Israel was more than physical terrain; it was a spiritual inheritance. The land was central to God’s covenant with His people. Situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, Israel was both a strategic and a sacred space.

Object Lesson #2: The Seed and the Soil

Show a small plant. Explain how the Israelites relied on seasonal rains for agriculture. Just as a plant depends on soil, water, and sun, the Israelites depended on God’s provision in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 11:10-12). Key Scripture: For the land you are about to enter and take over is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you planted your seed and made irrigation ditches with your foot as in a vegetable garden. ¹¹ Rather, the land you will soon take over is a land of hills and valleys with plenty of rain— ¹² a land that the Lord your God cares for. He watches over it through each season of the year!

Cultural Insight

Mountains, rivers, and deserts carried symbolic meanings. Mount Sinai was a place of divine revelation, while the Jordan River represented transition and renewal. The Dead Sea, a place of desolation, contrasted with the life-giving waters of the Sea of Galilee.

Story: Crossing the Jordan

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 3), it was more than a physical journey. It symbolized entering into God’s promises. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river, and the waters parted, affirming God’s presence and power.

Illustration: The Promised Land Today

Imagine standing on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem. The ancient paths and landmarks remind us that the physical land carried spiritual significance. For the Israelites, every step affirmed God’s covenant.

4. The Importance of Interpretation

To understand the Old Testament, we must interpret it within its original context. The Israelites viewed the world through the lens of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, shaped by their language, culture, and history. Misinterpretation can easily distort the meaning of Scripture, which is why understanding context is essential.

Illustration: Reading Glasses

Hold up a pair of reading glasses. Explain how interpretation is like wearing the right glasses to see clearly. Without understanding the ancient context, we risk misinterpreting the Bible’s message, much like trying to read fine print without the correct prescription.

Story: Jonah’s Flight

Consider the story of Jonah. When he fled from God’s command (Jonah 1), he tried to escape Yahweh’s presence by leaving Israel. In the ancient worldview, gods were thought to have jurisdiction over specific territories. Jonah’s attempt to escape reflects this belief, but his experience with the storm and the fish demonstrated Yahweh’s universal sovereignty. This story illustrates how interpreting the text through its cultural lens provides a richer understanding of God’s omnipresence.

Cultural Insight: Misinterpretations Then and Now

Even in ancient times, misinterpretation was a risk. For example, Deuteronomy 14:21 forbids boiling a young goat in its mother’s milk—a command deeply tied to avoiding pagan rituals. Without understanding the cultural context, one might assume it to be a dietary law rather than a prohibition against idolatry. Similarly, modern readers may misapply Scripture without appreciating its original intent. (While God’s Word was written for us, it was not originally written to us.)

The Israelites understood Scripture as a living narrative. Every story, law, and prophecy was a thread in the tapestry of God’s covenant. Misinterpreting these threads could unravel the meaning of the whole story.

Example: Psalm 23 Misunderstood

A contemporary example of misinterpretation is Psalm 23. The phrase “The Lord is my shepherd” evokes pastoral care. However, in its original context, it was a declaration of trust in God as a provider and protector, a powerful assurance for people living in a perilous and uncertain agrarian society.

By examining the historical and cultural backgrounds, we uncover layers of meaning that deepen our understanding and application of Scripture. Interpretation is not merely academic but a faithful act of seeking God’s truth.

Key Scripture: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT).

Through these lenses, we’ll uncover how the Israelites understood their God and their world, and what that means for us today.

To understand the Old Testament, we must interpret it within its original context. The Israelites viewed the world through the lens of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, shaped by their language, culture, and history.

Application: Three Takeaways

1. God’s Word Shapes Our Lives

• Summary Narrative: The Israelites’ lives revolved around the spoken and written Word of God. From the Shema to the commandments inscribed on stone tablets, God’s Word was not merely instruction but life itself. It directed their paths, shaped their identity, and called them to holiness. In the same way, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to mold and guide us in every season of life.
• Expanded Story/Illustration: Imagine an Israelite family gathering around the evening fire. The father unrolls a scroll to Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and reads the Shema aloud, “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. ⁵ And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Children listen intently, reciting the words back, their voices rising in unity. Centuries later, a modern believer finds solace in those same words during a difficult season, reflecting on God’s unchanging nature.
• Another example could be the testimony of a young woman who discovered Psalm 23 during a personal crisis. She began reading, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” As she meditated on the passage daily, it brought her peace amidst anxiety, reminding her of God’s provision and care. These stories demonstrate the timeless relevance of Scripture and its power to transform lives across generations.

• Key Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105, NLT).
• Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

2. God is Sovereign Over All
   • Summary Narrative: The Israelites’ understanding of Yahweh as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe taught them to trust His sovereignty. They recognized His power in nature, His providence in their victories, and His presence in the Tabernacle. For us, God’s sovereignty means we can trust Him in every situation, knowing He rules over all creation with love and justice.
   • Expanded Story/Illustration: Consider the story of King Hezekiah during the siege of Jerusalem by Assyrian forces (2 Kings 19). Facing impossible odds, Hezekiah prayed, and God answered by sending an angel to strike down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, demonstrating His unmatched sovereignty. Similarly, think of a modern family experiencing the uncertainty of unemployment. Despite their fears, they faithfully prayed and trusted God to provide. In time, they witnessed His provision in unexpected ways, affirming that His sovereignty extends to every aspect of life.
   • Key Scripture: “The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything” (Psalm 103:19, NLT).
3. Understanding Scripture Requires Context

• Summary Narrative: Misinterpretations of Scripture have led to misunderstandings and even conflict. The Israelites knew the importance of careful interpretation, as they lived out their covenant with God in a cultural and historical framework. Today, understanding Scripture’s original context deepens our insight and helps us apply its truths accurately in our lives.
• Expanded Story/Illustration: Another illustration is the ancient Israelite practice of leaving the edges of their fields unharvested (Leviticus 19:9-10). While it might seem like an agricultural guideline, this law embodied God’s provision for the poor and foreigners. Understanding this cultural practice reveals the broader principle of God’s justice and care for the vulnerable, which can guide us in addressing modern social issues.| In modern times, consider the frequently misunderstood verse, For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13). When seen in its context, this verse speaks not of limitless power| but of contentment and perseverance in God’s strength. We unlock Scripture’s profound and relevant meaning by grasping the historical and cultural settings.

• Key Scripture: Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do (Joshua 1:8, NLT).

As we reflect on four key themes of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation from an ancient Israelite perspective, let us apply the three takeaways to our lives, which are God’s Word Shapes Our Lives, God is Sovereign Over All, and Understanding Scripture Requires Context.

Closing Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the richness of Your Word and the wisdom it imparts. Help us to seek understanding with humble hearts and to live out the truths we’ve learned today. May our lives reflect Your glory and draw others to Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next Week: we will consider “The Books of the Pentateuch”
Join us as we delve into the creation narrative and God’s covenant with humanity through the wanderings in the wilderness. Our core verse will be Deuteronomy 4:13