2TIMOTHY 3:16 INCLUDES CHIASTIC ANALYSIS

2TIMOTHY 3:16 INCLUDES CHIASTIC  ANALYSIS

Sunday, July 06, 2014

 

“ … Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. … evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Excerpted from the Apostle Paul’s 2^nd letter to Timothy. [KJV]

 

  We are urged to study what Sovereign Jehovah says in His Word. Study is quite different than reading.

Study is work, labor this man is quite reluctant to always do. At times I’d rather weed the garden.

  We can read without diligent endeavor. Doing so we impede God’s designation for perfect living.

  Just this week during an obedient student session, reading “Part Two: MAKING THE MOST OF THE MESSAGE” in Answers In Genesis magazine I discovered something very old in Scripture. Chiasm is a Hebrew technique of arranging words to maximize effect. With practice producing ability to see, chiastic literary form highlights significance of subject.

  A chiasm in Daniel:

 

A - Babylon assumes supremacy over Israel. (1:1-2)

   B – The young men are subjected to pagan training. (1:3-7)

      C – Daniel seeks to remain faithful to God. (1:8-14)

      C – Daniel succeeds in being faithful to God. (1:15-11)

   B – The young men triumph in their pagan training. (1:17-20)

A – An Israelite proves supreme over Babylon. (1:21)

 

  Here’s one from Genesis chapters 6-9 beginning and ending with Noah and his sons:

 

A – Transitional introduction: Noah and his sons. (6:9-10)

    B – The Corruption of All Flesh. (6:11-12)

       C – God’s Resolution to Destroy the Earth by Flood. (6:13-22)

          D – God’s Command and Noah’s Response: The Entrance into the Ark. (7:1-10)

              E – The Beginning of the Flood: The Inundating of the Earth. (7:11-16

                 F – The Rising of the Waters. (7:17-24)

     Central theme of flood account à G – God’s Remembrance of Noah. (8:1a)

                 F – The Recession of the Waters. (8:1b-5)

              E – The End of the Flood: The Drying of the Earth. (8:6-14)

          D – God’s Command and Noah’s Response: The Exodus from the Ark. (8:15-19)

      C – God’s Resolution Never Again to Destroy the Earth by Flood. (8:20-22)

    B – The Covenant with All Flesh. (9:1-17)

A – Transitional Conclusion: Noah and His Sons. (9:18-19)

 

  Now, when reading Scripture, if I can see this literary structure I may gain its purpose; acquiring more from God’s Word. However, looking at the office window . . . I see a few more weeds that need pulling.  EBB4