#98 How to Correctly Understand & Apply Bible Stories & Biblical Narrative

What is the purpose of the stories in the Bible? If someone does something that seems a bit odd, like Gideon setting out a fleece to determine God’s will or the Children of Israel walking around the walls of Jericho to conquer it.

Does that mean I should do similar things to please God?

As we start reading the book of Joshua, we move from the foundation of laws into stories, also called narratives

Let’s face it, it is a bit of a relief to be finished with the the foundation of laws and into the stories of the Bible.

For the next few months, you’ll be reading some of the most familiar stories from the Old Testament: about the walls of Jericho falling down, of Gideon setting out a fleece, of Sampson and Deliah, about David and Goliath and the other exploits of David’s life.

Though interesting reading, these books pose a major challenge.

How do we properly apply them?

The laws are easy—God says, don’t lie; I know I’m not supposed to lie.

The stories are harder—because a Bible character acted in a certain way and seemed to turn out well, should I act in the same way?

For example, in the story of Gideon, he asked God for sign that confirmed what he was supposed to do. He set out a fleece (an animal skin) and asked that the next morning the fleece be wet and the ground dry. God graciously, miraculously answered him and did that. He asked for the reverse and God again answered.

Does that mean that we should come up with tests to determine God’s will?

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