Hebrew Narrative: Theory for Proclamation

While acknowledging (enthusiastically!) the close relationship between homiletics and exegesis, this paper will approach Hebrew narratives from the vantage point of the exegete, specifically, that of the Lutheran exegete who confesses Scripture as God\u27s Word of both Law and Gospel. From this point of view, this thesis will posit a hermeneutical understanding of Hebrew narratives as Scripture that will be of value for the preacher. A fundamental presupposition that this paper shares with the likes of Thompson, Gowan and others, is that it is important to preach on Old Testament texts. It is no secret that this assumption has not been wide-spread and that there has been a lack of Christian preaching on Old Testament pericopes. Several reasons for this phenomenon may be cited: lack of familiarity with the texts and their contexts (on the part of parishioners and pastor); inability to work in the original languages; or perhaps even more fundamental misunderstandings concerning the relationship and relative importance of the two testaments