Stephen suggested I do a ‘cast about the Babel story, so here it is… a first ‘cast about Babel. In this one I’ll begin with points of view and language. Since this will have to be a series we’ll follow up from there later!
For more about “point of view” and “frames” you could see my Introduction to Narrative and Narrative Poetics which is not as technical as it may sound!
Eric Auerbach’s famous quote about Biblical Narrative being “fraught with background” can sound puzzling. Here I’ll try to explain it with reference to some trivial but intriguing details in Genesis 24. Reading the chapter in the Hebrew class we spotted several minor details in the telling that suggest, or hint… well, listen and find out what!
Biblical Narrative: Fraught with Background: Genesis 24 [ 6:35 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadIn What is the Bible (Part 1) I talked of the Bible as witness, and mentioned stories where Abraham and Amos haggle with God, and ended with a reference to arguing with God in the Bible. Here I’ll begin to explore Jeremiah’s side of the conversation from Jer 12:1-4 (we’ll get to God’s reply later!)
How do we picture Scripture? That is what is/are the (unconscious) models in our heads as we read and use the Bible?
This ‘cast refers particularly to Gen 18:20ff. and Amos 7.
This ‘cast continues the theme of Jesus as the “fulfilment” of Scripture, looking at one topic that’s been settled for decades, and another that’s as hot as today’s headlines. (At least here in NZ where a bill to criminalise parents spanking children is set to become law
Matthew often says that Jesus “fulfilled” some passage from the Old Testament. What does he mean? This ‘cast begins to explore this question.
Spotting the exaggerations and humour in the book can help us understand, but it also acts as a warning!
I am trying to provide an iTunes compatible RSS feed for this material. If anyone either uses iTunes or knows a way to check such feeds could you try this one and let me know…
This chapter is the beginning of the Bible, and beginnings are important. We learn why the world was made, and how God is “different”.
Among other structural details we will notice is this one (the diagramme may help as you listen):
| Day | Creation | Day | Creation | |
| One | Light | Four | Luminaries | |
| Two | Water and Sky | Five | Birds and Sea Creatures | |
| Three | Land and Vegetation | Six | Land animals (inc. Humans) |
This latest one is aimed at real beginners in biblical study and addresses why multiple contexts are important for reading/hearing texts, particularly the Bible.
