On Wednesday evenings I have been teaching the Book of Genesis. We have been exploring the central theme of the biblical narrative, which is of course, “Covenant.”

In addition to teaching the content of scripture, I have also been introducing bible study methods. My hope is that people here will begin to read the Bible with greater understanding.

It seems to be working.

Throughout the study one parishioner sent me a series of emails as he wrestled with the biblical material. Scott Boding, Cristopher Robinson, Bill Dolby, Joanna Shreve, and Dave and Anne Wilde will see that this parishioner also, has been bitten by the Bible bug.

Check it out:

March 16,

Kevin,

Last night was really interesting -- I never heard about chiasmus before, so of course I had to do a little Googling. I found a (seemingly) user-friendly site for understanding chiasmus, which also contains several examples:

http://www.inthebeginning.org/chiasmus/introduction/chiasmus_intro.htm

Will I miss on something by using this as a crutch?

(I had introduced the principle of “chiastic structures.” His website link is actually not a bad introduction to the topic. K.)

March 22

Kevin,

While studying the life story of Abraham (for the very first time I will confess), I was fascinated by the number of appearances God made to Abram/Abraham, as well as the wildness of humanity that occurred during his life's journey. The parallel of Abraham's willingness & obedience to sacrifice Isaac -- seemed to be a parallel of God's willingness to allow Jesus to be killed on the cross. Finally, after blatantly plagiarizing/cutting/pasting other people's work on the chiasmus in the Abraham story, here's what I came up with (attached).

(I opened the attachment. It showed every sign that he was beginning to understand the chiastic principle. K.)

March 23,

Kevin,

After last night, no googling, no websites, no academic quests, just reflection and meditation.Thanks for helping me to refocus and get to the heart of the message.

March 28,

Kevin,

I'm still trying to figure out the chiastic structure (of the Jacob story), but the most significant point in the story to me now seems to be God changing Jacob's name to Israel during the wrestling match with God. This seemed to be a point where Jacob truly "Let Go!" – Plus, there is surely great significance in the origins of Israel and things to come.

(Here he is responding to what seems most compelling to him. He has not yet discovered the chiastic structure. K.)

March 29,

Kevin,

You may it look so easy - any hints in working through the Joseph Cycle?

(I coached him on a few techniques that I have found helpful. K.)

April 2,

Kevin,

Here's what I came up with. Caveat -- my chiasm findings don't totally support my instincts that the essence of the Joseph cycle is about "God's saving the Israelites from extinction (starvation) in His working through Joseph." (in order to fulfill His promise). So now that I have my caveat out of the way, here goes: Am I close? If not, any suggestions?

(Alas, his chiastic analysis fell a little short. But it also showed improvement and great attentiveness to the text, which is where good bible study always begins. In my responding email, I gave him a little help. K.)

April 4,

Kevin,

Thanks for the tips - I'll take another look. I didn't think about the Tamar twins reversal paralleling Manasseh/Ephraim blessing reversal - that's pretty cool. When I was reading the Manasseh/Ephraim blessing section, I immediately thought of Jacob being the younger twin, and how he manipulated Jacob's blessing of himself over Esau. I'll try to find the two sub-set chiasms that you mentioned, too. I find this exercise somewhat addicting. Plus it helps me to dig deeper into the meaning in the scripture.

April, 5

Kevin,

I didn't have much time to work through this last night, but I'm kind of now thinking that the overarching center might be in chapter 45 when Joseph revealed himself (and also revealed God's purpose) to his brothers after having just tested them. In particular, 45:7 "But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance" seems to sum up the essence of the Jacob story.

This also seems key to God keeping His Covenant with Abraham. Anyway, I look forward to your teachings tonight.

Unfortunately he missed again. But, he is working at it and that is the most important thing. The more time he spends with the Biblical narrative, the more he will can begin to see connections and relationships he has never seen before.

Thanks to the parishioner for permission to share his email. I am confident he will someday successfully penetrate the chiastic structure of a text. And when he does, I will post it here. And be proud.