Bible Study Prep with ChatGPT part 2
Interpreting a "Law Text" within the Old Testament... It's actually questions that COULD be used as prompts...
I've decided to suggest a few interpretive questions that you could use to guide you towards understanding how a biblical law text might apply to your life in the 21st century.
Starting point:
I would personally suggest that a person open up a Bible to a law text such as Exodus 21 and begin reading. That’s right start out reading the text and see what you can comprehend yourself. Then, I suggest you utilize those little references in a chain-reference Bible, or the ones that appear in your app. They will point you toward other relevant verses in Scripture. In that way, you’ll be letting Scripture interpret Scripture.
My next suggestion would be for a reader to consult others. So you might ask another believe, a pastor, or even a published commentary (what I make my students do). Nowadays you can even ask an AI chatbot (like chatGPT), which will answer you with varying degrees of success. You should be asking them a few main questions to help guide your interpretation.
The 5 main questions:
What are some unique Ancient Near Eastern cultural institutions or Ancient Near Eastern customs present within Exodus chapter 21?
Does the New Testament mention these laws?
· Are any of the laws found within Exodus 21 confirmed or made stricter in the New Testament? (I don’t think this happens for Exodus 21)
· Are any of the laws found within Exodus 21 reinterpreted or rejected in the New Testament? (I don’t think this happens for Exodus 21)
What sort of timeless principles might be found in the interpretation of Exodus chapter 21?
What are some ways that 21st century Christians can apply the timeless principles of Exodus 21 today?
Is there any way in which Christians consider Jesus Christ to have fulfilled the laws of Exodus 21?
Closing Suggestions:
These 5 main questions can help you arrive at the author intended meaning of the text, and whether or not that meaning is to be applied in the 21st century. You might even use these questions as the basis for a small group Bible study discussion of the law text found within the Old Testament.
I would love to hear your questions or comments!