Yes, you’re absolutely right! I think we can all fall into this at times. I think part of the problem is that our Bible reading culture is we’re looking for a full throated application for each verse. Especially with something like narrative we may need several verse, paragraphs, or chapters to get the intended application. Like you said that’s where the true beauty and real force of the text comes through. I love how you pointed out too that this is done by faithful people! Sometimes we force an application because we don’t know better or we’re just desperate to hear God. Thanks for the thoughts and encouragement!!

Thanks bro! If you vote for me all your wildest dreams will come true. 🤓

Yes! Good point too!

Well said - within biblical studies, the maxim “the method is often the magic” is perhaps especially applicable in biblical studies, where (regrettably) an unusual glut of research is encased in so-called “echo chambers,” often creating a dismal “silo” effect. Arthur Keefer (Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life) states: “Biblical study only gets so far when speaking its own language and drawing on its own resources" (8). Would that more Bible scholars followed suit in doing interdisciplinary research.