DeRouchie, Jason S. “Understanding and Applying Exodus 19:4–6: A Case Study in Exegesis and Theology.” Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies 6.1 (2021): 85–134.
This essay seeks to interpret Exodus 19:4–6 passage within its immediate and broader biblical context, understanding and applying it as the Christian Scripture God intended (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11; 2 Tim 3:16–17; 1 Pet 1:12). The study also supplies a case study in exegetical and theological inquiry following the twelve steps outlined in my book, How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament. These twelve steps fit within five broader categories and provide the following outline for this article:
- Text: “What is the makeup of the passage?”
- Genre of Exodus 19:4–6
- Literary Units and Text Hierarchy of Exodus 19:4–6
- Text Criticism in of Exodus 19:4–6
- The Translation of Exodus 19:4–6
- Observation: “How is this passage communicated?”
- Clause and Text Grammar in Exodus 19:4–6
- Argument-Tracing in Exodus 19:4–6
- A Word and Concept Study from Exodus 19:4–6
- Context: “Where does this passage fit?”
- The Historical Context of Exodus 19:4–6
- The Literary Context of Exodus 19:4–6
- Meaning: “What does the passage mean?”
- Biblical Theology in Exodus 19:4–6
- Systematic Theology in Exodus 19:4–6
- Application: “Why does the passage matter?”
- Practical Theology in Exodus 19:4–6
Recognizably, the nine steps of exegesis and three steps of theology are all interrelated, and distinguishing them is somewhat artificial to the process of interpreting the Bible. Nevertheless, using a single passage to walk through the twelve steps should help students understand better the various aspects of exegesis and theology that are necessary for rightly handling God’s word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).
Besides providing a helpful exegetical guide for students of the OT, the article contributes new insights into Exodus 19:4–6’s syntax and translation. The article also discusses Exodus 19:4–6’s function within the Bible’s storyline and import for soteriology and missiology.
To read the full article, click on this PDF and enjoy learning a method for interpreting Old Testament passages.
DeRouchie, Jason S. “Understanding and Applying Exodus 19:4–6: A Case Study in Exegesis and Theology.” Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies 6.1 (2021): 85–134.
