I blogged yesterday about literal biblical interpration, and how the principle for interpretation is "interpret literally, unless there is a good reason not to". The reason for this is that there are passages in the Bible that can be interpreted literally, but it does not make sense to do so in the light of other passages.
For example, in Jeremiah 31:31-34 we read of the prophesy of the new covenant. This covenant is clearly stated as being with Israel and Judah. This passage can be interpretated literaly without contradiction or incoherance.
But then Hebrews 8 applies this passage to the church, not just to the nation of Israel. It spiritualises Israel, to refer to all believers, not just to physical descendants of Jacob. If we interpret it literally, then we have a contradiction in scripture.
That is why I advocate interpreting literally, unless there is a good reason to not do so. Here we have a good reason not to, so a literal interpretation is not appropriate.
For example, in Jeremiah 31:31-34 we read of the prophesy of the new covenant. This covenant is clearly stated as being with Israel and Judah. This passage can be interpretated literaly without contradiction or incoherance.
But then Hebrews 8 applies this passage to the church, not just to the nation of Israel. It spiritualises Israel, to refer to all believers, not just to physical descendants of Jacob. If we interpret it literally, then we have a contradiction in scripture.
That is why I advocate interpreting literally, unless there is a good reason to not do so. Here we have a good reason not to, so a literal interpretation is not appropriate.
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