Biblical Interpretation Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 863 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 3

Biblical Interpretation

In religious doctrine, formalism is a process of shifting concepts away from abstract or spiritual principles toward specific objects, structures, dress, languages or diets. It has often been challenged, as to if these ideas are supporting theological beliefs and principles in Christianity. To see their different interpretations requires carefully examining the examples from Jacob, Esau, Laban and the Gibeonites. These elements will illustrate how they are applied and if these concepts are considered to be an acceptable part of divine practices. (Holy Bible New International Version, 2007)

Jacob and Esau

In the case of Jacob and Esau, formalism appears in the form of a birthright. This occurs when Esau believes that he is entitled to be the carrier of Abraham's (i.e. God's) ideas. The problem is that Esau is immoral and will often make up his own interpretations. They are based upon what he wants and the different sins he goes through. The result is that he is rejected from breaking biblical laws and is engaging in actions. That is knowingly challenging established theological doctrine. (Holy Bible New International Version, 2007)

Jacob was Esau younger brother. He did not have any kind of birthright and was purer than Esau. In this situation, he did not associate religious thinking to specific personal philosophy. Instead, he was concerned about following God's practices as they were written.

Stuck Writing Your "Biblical Interpretation" Essay?

View All Our Example Biblical Interpretation Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

This meant that Jacob was considered to be more wholesome by not utilizing formalism to influence his thoughts. Evidence of this can be seen in Genesis 25:23 -- 34 which says, "The Lord said to her, 'Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.' When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, 'Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!' (That is why….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


Related Essays

Meaning of a Biblical Passage

who or what determines the meaning of that passage from the Bible. There are several exegetical methodologies and methods for Biblical interpretation that help in in-depth study of Scripture in order to know its meaning. Biblical Interpretation There are different methods of Biblical interpretation that are utilized to help in determining the meaning of a passage from Scripture. These different methods have been developed by Biblical scholars in attempts to help the reader understand the Bible. Additionally, the development of these different methods of Biblical interpretation is geared towards ensuring that the in-depth study is carried out in line with exegetical processes and interpretation for orthopraxy and orthopathy. When studying… Continue Reading...

sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Biblical Interpretation" (2014, March 18) Retrieved June 30, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/biblical-interpretation-185385

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Biblical Interpretation" 18 March 2014. Web.30 June. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/biblical-interpretation-185385>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Biblical Interpretation", 18 March 2014, Accessed.30 June. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/biblical-interpretation-185385
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example