Genesis 19:31
And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:
Word-by-Word Analysis
Analysis
The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.
Historical Context
This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
- What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
- How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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