When we are reading or studying the Old Testament, this should lead us to find relevant theological principles through the lens of the New Testament. That biblical interpretation differences between the old and new covenants have a bearing on how we approach and apply Scripture. Especially for Mosaic law and narrative stories, but more generally by interpretive walkthrough as it concerns all genres.
Old Testament Genres
The genres of Narrative, Law, Poetry, Prophets, and Wisdom books within the Old Testament can invite us to draw out meaning according to their typology. Each can also, in turn, somewhat overlap depending upon the author, historical conditions, cultural setting, and time frame of characters we read about. It is within these circumstances that the LORD uses the various biblical genres to record and convey meaning. So it isn’t a stretch to see that an interpretive effort itself serves as a grid or framework by which we can come to grasp God’s word.
Harvesting A Spiritual Substance
For example, think about the spiritual substance drawn from theological principles we find. While seeking and recognizing principles from the Old or New Testaments, we get to a place where we see, learn, and understand what Scripture presents as relevant to us. Not to get to the cultural or historical specifics within the OT or NT to apply them per se, but to understand basic or more involved characteristics of a total or guiding sense of a message. By whatever genre or form, it is what touches our whole person as we seek to know and understand the LORD and grow in our love for Him.
So the effort in all its forms with guidelines, questions, observations, and methods of interpretation by genre we can follow in our approach. That which is unique about Scripture types should adhere to a framework of study by which we get their meaning to understand them.
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