1. 2: Background Studies
Hermeneutics 1

2. The Importance of Background Studies
“Remove not the ancient landmarks which your fathers have
set.”
– Proverbs 22:28
Possible Answers:
1. Do not make changes from the way we have always done
things.
2. Do not steal.
3. Do not remove the guideposts that direct travelers from town
to town.

3. The Importance of Background Studies
“Remove not the ancient landmarks which your
fathers have set.”
– Proverbs 22:28
Ancient Landmark = Boundary Marker
#2 is Correct: “Do not steal”

4. Historical-Cultural Context
1. What is the general historical situation
facing the author and his audience?
• Political, Economic, Social Situations?
• Main source of livelihood?
• Major threats and concerns?

5. Historical-Cultural Context
2. Knowledge of Customs will clarify the meaning
of given actions.
Example: Mark 7:9-13
Corban: Practice of declaring that all money
would go to temple treasury when you died. No
longer responsible for aging parents. Violated
5th Commandment.

6. Historical-Cultural Context
Example: Mark 14:12-14
• Men didn’t carry water jugs.
Example: Matthew 25:1-13
• Bridegroom watches for several hours.
• Tiny Lamps – hold several in palm of your
hand.

7. Historical-Cultural Context
3. What was the level of spiritual
commitment of the audience?

8. Specific Historical-Cultural Context
1. Authorship
2. Audience
• Internal Evidence: Refs in Text
• External Evidence: Historical Refs
Example: Book of Hebrews
Audience: Jewish
Author: Unknown

9. Specific Historical-Cultural Context
3. Writer’s Purpose
• Note author’s explicit statement or repetition of
certain phrases.
• Luke 1:1-4 & Acts 1:1 – Luke’s purpose
• Repetition: “These are the generations of” 10
times in Genesis. Purpose = Record earliest
development of humankind and God’s
interventions.

10. Specific Historical-Cultural Context
• Observe the Writer’s Exhortations
• Observe points that are omitted or issues
that are focused on.
– 1 & 2 Chronicles: Incomplete History.
Selects events which illustrate that Israel
can endure only as she remains faithful.
– Sum it up in One Sentence