Step 2. Read the text in its literary context.
Preaching OT Narratives • Sermon • Submitted
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Read and reread the text in its context and jot down initial questions. These questions guide further investigation and may have to be answered in the sermon if your hearers have similar questions.
Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method Second, Read and Reread the Text in Its Literary Context
As we carefully read and reflect on the text, we listen not only for ourselves but also for the congregation. We may involve the congregation even more directly by reading the selected passage in pastoral calls. How does a parishioner dying in a hospice hear this text? How about a single parent? What questions does it raise for a troubled teenager? As we listen to the text by ourselves or possibly with a few members of the congregation, we should jot down these initial questions.
Connections and themes from the passage before your text. Any implications for the meaning/purpose of narrative?
Gen. 21:1-7 - birth of Isaac, fulfillment of God’s promise, 25 years later. After waiting for so long for the promised child, the test in Gen. 22 becomes more difficult, and seemingly unreasonable.
Gen. 21:8-21 - Hagar and Ishmael sent away, Isaac “only son”
Isaac in Gen. 22 - early teens? How does this inform his response to his father’s actions?
Connections and themes from the passage after your text. Any implications for the meaning/purpose of narrative?
Gen. 23 - death and burial of Sarah; in Gen. 22 near death of Isaac
Gen. 24 - search for a bride for Isaac; continuation of line
List down initial questions about the text that you and your congregation/audience might have about this text?
Why would ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac - “only son, whom you love”?
burnt offering (v. 2). Child? Human sacrice? God forbids human sacrifice (Lev./Deut).
Why did God select such a distant place (a three-day journey, v. 4) instead of nearby?
Why is there not a word about Sarah in this text?
come again to you (v. 5). Does Abraham really believe that he will return with his son?
“God will provide” (v. 8). Was Abraham not telling the truth to Isaac?
Why was Isaac not resisting?
Who is the angel of the Lord (vv. 11, 15)?
Why would the Lord use a divine oath (v. 16)?
What is the significance of this story to “all nations” (v. 18)?