BIBL 104 Old Testament Narrative Bible Study Assignment ✓ Solved

```html

BIBL 104 Old Testament Narrative Bible Study Assignment

For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of The Bronze Serpent found in Numbers 21:4-9. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study.

Passage: 1 Kings 21:1-29

Your study of this passage should address the following components:

I. Observation

A. Read 1 Kings 21:1-29 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV) and list similarities and differences between the translations.

B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying including main characters, plot, and narrative structure.

C. List basic observations about the passage using key questions relating to who, what, where, when, why, and how.

II. Interpretation

A. Determine the author’s main point and explain what is being communicated in the passage.

B. Write out one principle from this passage.

III. Correlation

A. Analyze how this Old Testament narrative fits within the metanarrative of the Bible.

B. Relate your principle with scripture found elsewhere in the Bible.

C. Explain how this narrative reflects the person and work of Jesus Christ.

IV. Application

A. Make points of application using the four questions for application regarding duty, character, goals, and discernment.

Paper For Above Instructions

The study of 1 Kings 21:1-29, the story of Naboth's vineyard, serves as an essential narrative in understanding the consequences of hubris and the necessity of adhering to divine law in the biblical tradition. This passage illustrates the darker aspects of human nature, where envy and desire lead to manipulation and murder, reflecting ongoing themes of injustice and retribution within the Old Testament.

I. Observation

A. In reading both formal and functional translations, similarities include the fundamental narrative involving Naboth’s refusal to sell his vineyard and the eventual scheming of Queen Jezebel. Differences arise in the choice of language used to describe the characters' emotions; for instance, Ahab’s response is described variably as "resentful and angry" versus "angry and sullen" in different translations. These subtle differences can illuminate the emotional nuances even within a singular story thread.

B. In this narrative, key characters include Naboth, the righteous owner of the vineyard; King Ahab, the desirous monarch; Queen Jezebel, the scheming consort; and the prophet Elijah, the voice of divine judgment. The plot unfolds as Naboth refuses to sell his vineyard, Ahab succumbs to despair, Jezebel engineers Naboth’s demise, and God’s justice is ultimately revealed through Elijah’s pronouncement.

The plot can be broken down into a basic narrative structure: the introduction sets Naboth’s vineyard in context; the inciting action is Naboth’s refusal to sell; rising action encompasses Jezebel’s malicious plot; the climax occurs when Elijah confronts Ahab; falling action shows Ahab's repentance; and the resolution reveals God's mercy despite Ahab's sin.

C. Basic observations include:

  • Who: Naboth, King Ahab, Queen Jezebel, Elijah, two false witnesses.
  • What: Naboth refuses to sell his vineyard as it is his inheritance, leading to Jezebel’s conspiratorial plot to murder him.
  • Where: Naboth’s vineyard, Israel, city of Jezreel.
  • When: During King Ahab’s reign, amidst a backdrop of disobedience towards God's commands.
  • Why: Naboth's sale is forbidden as it represents God’s law regarding land ownership.
  • How: Jezebel executes her scheme by having false witnesses declare Naboth guilty of blasphemy, leading to his execution.

II. Interpretation

A. The author communicates the truth that God observes and judges human actions, particularly highlighting issues of justice and divine discipline. This narrative reveals how sin can manifest in society through covetousness and manipulation, ultimately leading to dire consequences. The underlying message emphasizes that God is not passive in human affairs; instead, He actively engages, ensuring that justice prevails.

B. A significant principle from this passage is the reality of divine justice. It teaches that God will not tolerate injustice, and though the consequences may not be immediate, they are certain. Those who exploit and harm the innocent will ultimately face the ramifications of their actions, emphasizing the value of righteousness and the urgency of adhering to God's laws.

III. Correlation

A. This story aligns with the "fall" theme in the biblical metanarrative. It exemplifies humanity’s tendency to rebel against divine commandments for personal gain, with Jezebel's unethical actions capturing the heart of sin's destructive nature in human relationships.

B. The principle of divine justice is echoed throughout scriptures. For example, in Ecclesiastes 3:17, it is written, "I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked." This reinforces the idea that justice is an inherent characteristic of God's nature throughout scripture.

C. The narrative of Naboth’s vineyard highlights contrasts with Jesus Christ, who, unlike Naboth, willingly suffered injustice. Just as Naboth was executed for his righteousness, Christ endured the cross for humanity’s redemption, providing a stark reminder of God’s justice alongside His mercy.

IV. Application

A. The question of duty: We have an obligation to advocate for fairness and uphold justice for our neighbors, resisting the temptation to exploit or manipulate as seen in King Ahab and Jezebel’s actions.

B. The question of character: Ahab and Jezebel exemplify traits of greed and malice; in contrast, Naboth embodies integrity by standing firm in his principles despite overwhelming pressure, encouraging us to cultivate similar virtues.

C. The question of goals: The conspirators pursued selfish ambitions at the cost of justice; we are challenged to align our aspirations with God's will for righteousness, reflecting on how our actions empower or exploit others.

D. The question of discernment: Recognizing the structures of oppression in our world obligates us as followers of Christ to deliver justice and support those who suffer, ensuring our actions reflect God's character of righteousness and mercy.

References

  • Holy Bible, New King James Version.
  • Brueggemann, W. (1997). The Theology of the Old Testament. Fortress Press.
  • Walton, J. H. (2008). The Essential Bible Companion. Thomas Nelson.
  • Longman, T. (2016). The Old Testament Explained. Baker Academic.
  • Gordis, R. (1974). The Book of Kings: A Commentary. Shocken Books.
  • Clendenen, E. (2010). The New American Commentary: 1 Kings. Broadman Press.
  • Rogers, J. (2013). Exploring Old Testament Narratives. Baker Academic.
  • Angel, E. (2018). Reclaiming Justice: Lessons from the Old Testament. UR Press.
  • Hays, R. B. (2018). The Conversion of the Imagination: Paul as Interpreter of Israel's Scripture. Eerdmans.
  • Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. (2009). A Biblical Theology of Justice. InterVarsity Press.

```

Related Assignments