[The progression of Saul’s sins from 1 Samuel 13 are easily documented]: First comes the tyranny of the urgent, the encroaching pressure from surrounding circumstances. This is followed by the insecurity and self-doubt arising from a lack of total reliance on God. Finally, there follows the rebellion itself – the pitiful human attempt to take matters into our own hands, which is tantamount to usurping, or at least presuming upon, the authority of God.

Bill T. Arnold (b. 1955), Alttestamentler und Altorientalist

Related Bible passage: 1SA.13.8-14

Topics: Temptation & Struggle, Guidance & God's Will, Guilt & Forgiveness

Occasions: For Reflection

Bill T. Arnold

Bill T. Arnold (* 1955) ist ein US-amerikanischer Alttestamentler, Altorientalist und methodistischer Theologe, der seit 1995 am Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky forscht und lehrt. Er steht für eine Verbindung von altorientalischer Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft mit klassisch-evangelikaler Schriftauslegung und verfasste einflussreiche Lehrbücher sowie Bibelkommentare. Heutigen Bibellesern eröffnet er einen historisch wie sprachlich fundierten Zugang zum Alten Testament, der altorientalische Kontexte verständlich macht, ohne die theologische Verbindlichkeit der biblischen Texte aufzugeben.

All quotes by Bill T. Arnold (3)

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