Welcome to Wisdom-Trek! Day 2554 Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the OT

Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation
Message 3: “The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament”
Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series with ‘The Grand Narrative of the Old Testament.’
This week, we will cover the four key themes of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation from an ancient Israelite perspective and Divine Council Worldview insights. Next week, we will begin to review the various groups of books based on their genre.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which transcends time and culture. As we gather to explore the rich tapestry of language, cosmology, geography, and interpretation in the Old Testament, guide our hearts and minds. Help us see through the eyes of the ancient Israelites, and may this understanding deepen our faith and relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Introduction
Imagine standing on the hills of ancient Israel, gazing at the horizon. The world, as you know it, is filled with tangible signs of God’s provision-the rains that water the crops, the stars that mark the seasons, and the sacred land promised by Yahweh. As an ancient Israelite, your understanding of life and faith is profoundly shaped by your language, your view of the cosmos, the land you call home, and how you interpret the laws and stories passed down through generations.
Today, we will explore these four key aspects of the Old Testament:
The Language of the Old Testament
The Cosmology of the Ancient Israelites
The Geography of the Promised Land
The Importance of Interpretation
The Language of the Old Testament
The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, a language deeply connected to the culture of the ancient Near East. It’s a language of pictures and symbols, where words evoke images and emotions. For example, the Hebrew word ruach means both “spirit” and “wind,” emphasizing the unseen yet powerful presence of God.
Object Lesson #1: The Breath of Life (Fan with Ribbons)
Bring a small fan or a balloon. As the fan blows or the balloon inflates, explain how the unseen wind represents ruach. Just as the wind is invisible but powerful, so is the Spirit of God moving through creation and history (Genesis 1:2). The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Cultural Insight
For the Israelites, language wasn’t just a means of communication; it was an act of creation and covenant. In Genesis 1, God spoke the universe into existence. The Ten Commandments, spoken by God, weren’t just rules-they were a covenant (contract) sealed by His Word. Words carried weight and authority, shaping reality and relationships.
But beyond its theological significance, Hebrew also shaped the daily lives of the Israelites. The act of reciting prayers, like the Shema, “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), was both an act of worship and a declaration of loyalty to Yahweh. Children learned these words early, repeating them in the home and synagogue. Writing Scripture on doorposts and phylacteries symbolized their dedication to God’s Word.
Illustration: The Power of Words
Consider a story of an Israelite father teaching his son the meaning of shalom-a word embodying peace, wholeness, and harmony. As they walk along the fields, the father explains that shalom is not just a greeting but a reflection of living in alignment with God’s covenant (contract).
Key Scripture: “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7, NLT).
The Cosmology of the Ancient Israelites
The cosmology of the ancient Israelites reveals their deeply rooted understanding of a world created and governed by Yahweh. Unlike their neighboring cultures, who personified celestial bodies as deities, the Israelites viewed the sun, moon, and stars as created servants of the Most High, part of His divine council. This three-tiered understanding of the universe-the heavens, the earth, and the waters below-shaped their religious practices and daily life.
Illustration: The Heavens Proclaim God’s Glory
Picture an Israelite shepherd lying under a canopy of stars, marveling at their brilliance. To him, the stars were not gods but evidence of Yahweh’s power. As Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” This awe inspired not only worship but also a deep trust in Yahweh’s sovereignty over creation.
Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments and let me know how I can serve you. I will always personally respond to your requests: [e-mail]