The Torah and the Author’s Intent

The Torah and the Author's Intent

During a teaching session at Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explored the significance of understanding the author's intent when reading the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. He emphasized that the biblical authors were not simply recording random events, but rather carefully and intentionally selecting what to include in their writings. Every word, every shift in perspective, and every focused detail serves a purpose in conveying a deeper message.

The speaker highlighted that readers should move beyond a superficial understanding of biblical narratives and recognize the deliberate choices made by the inspired writers. Just as a film director focuses the camera on specific aspects of a scene to draw the audience into the story, the biblical authors used their writing to highlight particular truths and encourage readers to become part of the narrative. By understanding this, we can move away from treating the Bible as a mere divine encyclopedia filled with disconnected facts. Instead, we can appreciate the trajectory of the literature and the wisdom it aims to cultivate in our lives, ultimately centering around the figure of Yeshua (Jesus).

One key aspect discussed was the importance of noticing changes in perspective within the biblical text. For example, in Exodus 32:14, which recounts Moses's plea for Israel after the golden calf incident, there is a shift from a first-person perspective of Moses speaking to God to a narrator describing the outcome. This change in viewpoint, the speaker suggested, is a deliberate artistic choice to provide a different lens through which to understand the event. To illustrate this point, he referenced Jacques-Louis David's painting "The Death of Socrates," where the artist includes Plato, even though Plato was not physically present at Socrates's death. This inclusion, the speaker proposed, might be to deepen the emotional impact or to symbolize Plato's role in documenting the event. Similarly, biblical authors make choices about what to include and how to present it to convey their intended meaning.

The teaching also delved into the use of metaphor in the Bible to add richness and depth to its message. A metaphor uses an object or concept in a non-literal way to create a more vivid and impactful understanding. The speaker cited examples such as describing an early riser as an "early bird" to illustrate how metaphors bring imagination into communication. In the context of Scripture, he highlighted Jesus being called "the bread of life," which conveys more than just the idea that Jesus gives life; it speaks to sustenance, vitality, and the very essence of life in the first-century context. Another powerful metaphor discussed was in 2 Timothy 3:16, which states that "all scripture is God-breathed." This doesn't literally mean God has lungs, but it powerfully conveys that Scripture originates from the very life and essence of God.

A specific metaphor in Exodus 34:6, describing God as "slow to anger," was examined in its Hebrew context. The Hebrew words "arech afayim" literally translate to "long nostrils" or "big nose." The speaker explained that in the ancient world, heavy breathing and flushing were associated with anger. Therefore, the metaphor of God having "long nostrils" suggests His capacity for patience and not being easily overwhelmed by human failings. This understanding adds a profound dimension to God's character as described in the Torah.

The narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, particularly the transition from slaves in Egypt to an organized army in the Book of Numbers, was also highlighted. This shift signifies a change in their identity and status – no longer were they defined by their bondage, but by their belonging to God. The census taken at the beginning of Numbers, while seemingly mundane, represents the organization of God's people into a fighting force, commissioned by Him. The speaker encouraged listeners to imagine the pride and honor felt by those who were once slaves now being recognized as soldiers in God's nation. This story, he argued, is meant to be engulfing, allowing us to feel the transformation and the significance of belonging to God.

Drawing a parallel to the New Testament, the speaker explained that the story of Israel is a precursor to the coming of Yeshua. Just as Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the glory of God, ushering it into the tabernacle, Yeshua also manifested God's glory. Furthermore, just as the Israelites received a new status and life after their exodus from Egypt, believers in Yeshua receive a new status and eternal life, freed from the slavery of sin and death. This is portrayed through baptism, symbolizing dying to our old selves, just as the Israelites symbolically died to Egypt by crossing the Red Sea. The giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, with the imagery of fire, mirrors the glory of God descending on the tabernacle, signifying God's presence dwelling with His people.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Read the Bible intentionally: Recognize that every part of Scripture, especially the Torah, was carefully written with a specific purpose and perspective.
• Seek deeper meaning: When reading biblical narratives, ponder the reasons behind the author's choices in focus, detail, and perspective shifts.
• Engage with the stories: Allow yourself to be drawn into the biblical narratives, experiencing the emotions and significance of the events alongside the characters.
• Understand metaphors: Pay attention to the metaphors used in Scripture to gain a richer understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
• Reflect on identity: Just as the Israelites' identity transformed from slaves to soldiers, recognize your new identity as a child of God and a follower of Yeshua.
• Invite God into daily life: Don't limit your experience of God to special "mountaintop" moments, but invite Him to be present in the mundane and challenging aspects of your everyday life.
• Live as image bearers: Consciously strive to reflect God's character – His mercy, grace, and forgiveness – in your interactions with the world, allowing others to see whose you are.
• Embrace your status in Christ: Recognize that through Yeshua, you have a new status, freed from the bondage of sin, and are part of God's kingdom.
• Be empowered by the Spirit: Remember that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within you, enabling you to live boldly and fulfill your calling.
• Continuously grow: Avoid spiritual stagnation by consistently seeking a deeper relationship with God and allowing His presence to transform every area of your life.

References

• Exodus Biblehub.com
• Judges Biblehub.com
• Matthew 18 Biblehub.com

Books and Resources Mentioned

• The Art of Biblical History by Dr. Phil Long
• Books by John Walton on the Bible
• The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
• Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

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