How To Study The Bible | Lenses of Context Pt 3 - Geographical | EP146

In Episode 146, Lenses of Context—Geographical, Walking the Text founder Brad Gray examines the link connection between location and memory. This link is never more apparent than when it comes to the Bible because the Scriptures are loaded with subtle hints and references to show us the connection between place and purpose. When reading the Bible, simply knowing where the passage in question is on a map and what has happened there before can unleash a wave of insight and understanding. Unfortunately, most of us know so little about the geography of the Bible that we miss out on the clues and therefore the insight.

For example, in Luke 7:11 Jesus raises a boy from the dead in a town called Nain. When you ask where Nain is on a map and if anything significant has happened there before, you learn that Elisha raised a boy from the dead in Shunem, which is just over the hill from Nain. Jesus doesn’t do anything random. In Genesis, location names reveal the 1100-mile journey of faith that Abraham made in response to God’s call. In Acts 19, the Bible uses an economy of words to convey a 600-mile journey the apostle Paul takes. If we miss the location, we miss the significance of the story.

Which is why it’s so important to know that John the Baptist is baptizing people at a place called Bethany across the Jordan. The location carries echoes of the life and ministry of Elijah. It carries echoes of Israel entering the land and failing to be God’s representatives of a totally new way of being human. And when Jesus is baptized by John in this particular location, the story explodes with new meaning. By end the end of Lenses of Context—Geographical, you’ll have a whole new set of questions to ask of any passage you’re reading so you don’t miss the connection between place and purpose.

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[kenthutchins]

Loved this teaching. So powerful. Thank you and looking forward to digging deeper into the word.

[cecilbenjamin]

Excellent Brad. Amazing connections you make and show us to be more inquiring and observant throughout the Bible. Thank you

[todddavidmoore]

Thanks. Some argue that Urkesh, a location in present day northeastern Syria, is the Ur referred to in the Biblical text. If that is correct, then traveling from Ur(kesh) through Harran to reach Canaan makes better sense, rather than traveling from the southern Mesoptamian/Sumerian city of Ur.

[donj]

I liked the teaching a lot. I am older and the moving bright light transition was distracting, so I thought I would mention it.

[kathyhuskey]

Are you going to have an Israeli study group in 2023