Read It
Like a
Rabbi
Read It Like A Rabbi
The Bible was written in a very different culture and time, and our modern attempts to read and understand it often fall a little flat. In this class, we will learn and practice some ancient ways to read the Bible so that we can find even more beauty and treasure in God's Word.
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1. Introduction
In this section, we look how the Bible is a different type of literature than what we usually read, and we introduce the reading method PaRDeS.
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2. Peshat
In this section, we look at the first level of understanding: Peshat. This is the plain, natural reading of the text. We also discuss some of the challenges we face in reading literature from a very different, ancient culture.
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3. Remez
Here we look at the second level of understanding: Remez. A remez is a hint, kind of like an easter egg. We also talk about making Biblical memes, and how one text can influence and change the meaning of another text.
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4. Derash
The third level of understanding is called Derash, which means "seek," "dig," or "expound." In this level we notice details, ask questions, and stretch the text into our world so that we can apply it to our lives.
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5. Sod
The last level of understanding is Sod - the secret. We talk about how the secret is found in Jesus and revealed by the Holy Spirit.
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6. Practice Set 1
In this section, we use the PRDS method and go through a practice set of Scriptures about how the righteous man is like a tree.
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7. Practice Set 2
In this section, we use the PRDS method and go through a practice set of Scriptures about the path of sin.
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8. Bonus text
Here we look at one final text from Job and discuss how it relates to Jesus.
Get the Class NotesWe recommend downloading and printing the class notes so that you can refer to them as you watch the videos.
Your TeacherJosh Graber
Josh Graber
joshgraber@newheightschurch.com
Josh has been in full-time Christian ministry since 2002 and currently serves as Director of Technology and Communications at New Heights. He loves studying the ancient cultural context of the Bible.