Biblical Narrative- Character Sheet Examples
Biblical Literature-Narrative
When we are aware of the type of biblical literature we are reading, we can understand the context so much better. It is crucial to understanding the text. Depending on who you ask, there are 3-11 different types of literature ranging from narrative, poetry, songs, prophecy, discourse, letters, and even wisdom. Reading a book written in a poetic style and expecting instructional discourse is like watching Avengers End Game and expecting The Notebook. Two very different things. I want to help give you the practice and exposure to see these themes and patterns in scripture. First off is simply narrative. Narratives are just stories. They are stories in the Bible about God and particular people. The issue comes in when we use narratives like instructional discourse. They are stories about how God interacted with those particular people. We can infer God’s character from these stories but it is unwise to glean instruction from the people in these narratives. How do you know if you are reading narrative? Ask these simple questions:
-Is there poetic (similes, metaphors, hyperbole) language?
-Are there particular characters present?
-Is there a description of a setting (time or place)?
-Is the author relaying events that have already happened?
Narratives are stories about particular people in particular places doing particular things. We use narratives to see God’s reactions and consistent character throughout the whole Bible. We can say with confidence that God loves His people because of the way He reacts to His people from the garden to Egypt to the Pharisees to the cross. I have included some examples of how I keep track of characters throughout the narratives. A good inductive study method is to research names and make lists. This is meant to be a guide for you. It is by no means the perfect or only way to make notes. Sometimes, we just need a visual guide to get things started. Make note of what a character does and how God reacts to their decisions. Make lists of their given attributes and decisions. Observe their reactions to God. By making simple lists, we gain valuable insight on multiple levels. After you make observations and take notes, remember the most important thing is to pray. Take what you have learned to God. Ask Him your questions and bring Him those things you don’t like or don’t understand. Just like any friend, you need to tell God what you are thinking and what you found in your time together. Happy Study!
Mary, mother of Jesus G 3137 - maria (H 4813 mirjam)
Mary or Miriam 15x "rebellion"
↳ their rebellion 54 X - fem noun
Scripture References
Matthew 1:18 betrothed / pregnant from Holy Spirit/virgin
Luke 1:29 troubled by angel's greeting/
30 found favor with God
31 conceive, carry, name Jesus
34 questions the angel "how"
38 speaks to being "a servant''
46-55 Mary's song of praise
• • •
Joseph - G 2501 greek H3130 hebrew
"let him add" "Jehovah has added"
Scripture References:
Matthew 1:19 - called ''just"
^ G1342- righteous; keeps commands of God
unwilling to shame Mary
(How did he not feel shame?)
was going to leave Mary
1:20-he’s considering things
angel appears to him in a dream
told to not fear
1:24-he’s obedient
• • •
Herod -king of Jerusalem
G 2264
"heroic"- dynasty name for many kings among the Jews
Herod the great
Herod Agrippa 1 & 2
Herod Antipas
Scripture References:
Matthew 2: 1 - intro
3- "troubled" at the news of a new king born
(where's the joy? why troubled?)
4- assembles priests & scribes
7 - summons wise men secretly
(why did he need to summon them in secret?)
• • •
Wise Men - (magi) 43097
teachers/ priests/physicians/ astrologers/seers/dream interpreters/ augers/soothsayer/socerer
Scripture References: recurring theme-east
Matthew 2: 1 -came from the "east"
2-they ask to see the born new king and worship him
7 - summoned in secret by King Herod and sent to Bethlehem (They knew to come to Jerusalem, but not Bethlehem?)
10-rejoiced exceedingly with great joy
(why are these foreigners more excited about the born savior than the King of Jerusalem?)
