INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW BIBLE

MODULE 4: SESSION 20: Plots and Subplots

One way biblical narrative uses plot is through plot embedding, or layers of storylines working together to tell the overall story of the Bible. Individual narratives are framed within a larger context that gives them a meaning that transcends the individual events. It is worthy noting that the biblical plotlines of stories are complex in a way that they consist of multiple plots within plots. For instance starting from Genesis 1 God deals with Nations, later on Israel is introduced in a picture. Within Israel you find so many subplots such as Jacob and Esau stories etc. Additionally, we have the New Testament concluding to show the real Jesus that was projected by the Old Testament. Finally we come into realization that, the Hebrew Bible is about our need for the Messiah, and the New Testament reveals that Jesus is the Messiah we need. Both Jesus and the apostles appeal to the Hebrew Bible to reveal Jesus’ true identity.