As you read a passage of Scripture, it's helpful to stop and ask a few questions to make sure you have the gist of things. The old news reporter formula – Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? – is a great way to interrogate your text and get the details you need. Once you have the details, it's much easier to interpret the passage correctly. This week we'll look at the first two- who and what.
Who/To Whom/For Whom
- Who is speaking?
- Who is this about?
- Who else is involved?
- To whom is this written or spoken?
- For whom are the instructions or warnings given?
What
- What happened?
- What is the subject?
- What facts or instructions are given?
Try questioning this passage from Exodus 14 (one of my favorites) or try it on your own study text this week. Let me know what insights you gain.
(v.13) And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. (v.14) The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (v.15) And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.