Purpose: To gain an overall picture or bird’s eye view of the whole book. This will provide a context for accurately interpreting the deeper meaning of the parts.

Directions:

• Use only the Bible as you work Steps 1-4, to experience the joy of personal discovery.
• Use a modern translation with title headings and paragraph divisions to grasop complete thoughts.
• Read the book several times aloud in one sitting, to grasp the main thrust, flow of thought and feeling.
• Read quickly, ignoring chapter divisions and details.
• Finally, reread the text carefully answering Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How below:
  • Underline key words, thoughts, places, and people as you go.
  • Write down questions you have, noting the text.

OVERVIEW Summary:

Author

Setting

Main Audience

DIG DEEPER:

1. What is the author writing about?

2. Why is he writing? Is it to tell his audience something; to deliver a message: to teach a principle; or to convince?

3. Identify the literary style chosen for this message, and how it impacts your interpretation? (History, Poetry, Wisdom, Prophecy, Law, Biography, Letter)

4. What is your initial reaction to the message? How might you feel if you were living at this unique time in history?

APPLICATION:

What general principles can be taken from this passage and applied to us today?

Devotional TAAP:

What does God want to say to me today, and how will I respond?

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