“Half the time people end up in my office, it’s because of ‘He said-She said’” 

It was my high-school administrator explaining to us that fights and arguments between students were often caused by misinterpretation of each other’s words. 

You would think that once everyone grew out of the high school bubble, such behavior would change. Not so. Even today, at least half the misunderstandings in our workplaces and homes are still caused by misinterpretation of words. And the church is not immune to it. If you have ever been part of a heated Sabbath School debate, you know what I am talking about.

In a world where words seem to be the limit of human understanding and expression, how does one go about interpreting the words of God’s messengers – the prophets? This week’s lesson suggests several elements to consider when interpreting prophetic writings:

1. Exegesis: consider the original meaning of the text
2. Homiletics: consider the usage of the text in the context of a sermon or appeal, without regard for its original meaning
3. Time and Place: consider the circumstances in which the text was written
4. Immediate Context: consider the immediate audience that the author was addressing
5. Larger Context: consider the author’s words in the grand scheme of salvation presented to us in the Scripture

These methods are just a few. One could certainly add to the list.

But the key principle to keep in mind is that studying God’s Word and His prophets is part of loving Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls. So as you go about your study, ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

There is a beautiful quote from Ellen White that says, “Allow no one to be brains for you, allow no one to do you thinking, your investigating, and your praying” (Review and Herald, 09/11/1894). Indeed, she was right. Our study of God’s Word and of His messengers ought not to be a mere matter of “He said-She said.”

Allow God’s Word to pierce your heart, challenge your thought, and renew your soul. Allow Christ to be glorified in you.