MLA Religion / Theology

Cultural Backgrounds & the Meaning of a Biblical Passage

The goal of this assignment is to demonstrate how an understanding of ancient culture enhances the understanding of a biblical passage. This assignment provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate how an understanding of ancient culture, including the environmental aspects of ancient Israel, and the daily life and times of the Old Testament people aids in the understanding of a biblical passage.

For this assignment you will need to select 1 of the biblical passages listed below:

Isaiah 5:1-7Song of the vineyard (agriculture: wine and vineyards)
Isaiah 28:23-29Parable of the farmer (agriculture: farming)
Isaiah 44:12-17Idolatry polemic (craftsmen and idol making)
Jeremiah 32:6-16Sign of land purchase (land transaction)
Jeremiah 36Burning Jeremiahs scroll (writing: literacy, scrolls)
Ezekiel 27:4-9Sinking of Tyre (ship building, ships)
Ezekiel 34:1-19Good and evil shepherds (shepherding and herding)
Hosea 7:3-9Israels sins (baker and bread making)
Habakkuk 1:14-17Fishing allegory (fishing industry)
Read the passage selected from the above list and take note of any aspects of ancient Old Testament culture. Research the primary cultural references mentioned (or alluded to) in the passage. Create and upload a PowerPoint presentation (about 5-8 slides) that teaches the cultural relevance of your passage and how it enhances the understanding of the passage. Suggested points might include the following areas:

Illustrations of the cultural backgrounds of ancient Israel from the passage.
How an understanding of ancient culture enhances the meaning of the biblical passage.
An application of the passage for believers today.

Please give the Power point a cover page and make other slides creatice as well, thank you for all your hard work.