Lesson 2 | The Context of Cfs
Theme Cf Context
You have heard the point made twice already in this lesson, but it bears repeating once more: Consider each cross-reference on its own terms. And, of course, you do this by noting its context. This holds true for theme-type cross-references as with the rest.
Something distinct about this type of cross-reference is what they cannot do. While other cross-reference types can serve to clarify what is meant by the word choice in your passage of study, this is not the case with theme-type cross-references. The reason is simple: this is just a thematic connection without a direct linguistic or literary point of contact.
What a theme-type cross-reference can do, however, is fill in the Bible-wide context of your passage—either historically or theologically. So ask the question, “What does this cross-reference tell me about the truths being communicated in my passage of focus?”
Example
Check out Psalm 3.
From the psalm title, we can see that David composed this song as a horrible situation was unfolding—Absalom his son was seeking to kill him. Upon checking the context of our theme-type cross-reference in 2 Samuel, we discover that it is a particular example of the cruel words of cursing hurled at David as he fled. What did David’s poetic rendition of his enemies’ words, “There is no salvation for him in God”—what did that look like in the actual course of events? This cross-reference tells us.
An insight that emerges from this connection is discovered in noting the aspect of Shimei’s (the one speaking in 2 Samuel 16:8) words that stands out most to David. After all, Shimei says several things of David: your kingdom is taken away, there is evil in you, and you are a man of blood. But the part that strikes deeply in David’s heart, so as to make it into Psalm 3, is the claim that what is taking place is God’s vengeance upon him. According to Shimei, God had no more salvation for David—only judgment upon him. But David wisely pays no heed to such an accusation, going on in verse three to declare, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” May we sing likewise when our enemies falsely accuse us!