RST | HE03 — Observation, Genesis 16, and Reading with the Church
Redemption School of Theology: Hermeneutics & Exegesis · Fall 2026
Class 3 · September 20, 2026 · Session A · Kevin R. Amundson
Assigned textbook reading: Poythress chapters 1–6, with focus on the three simple steps (observation, elucidation, application). Review of observation questions from the Shema. Case study: Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16), belief in the promise without understanding what obedience looks like. Why we need other readers. Assembly, congregation, and qahal, from the tent of meeting through Solomon’s dedication to Qoheleth. Dominion mandate and the end of Revelation as the same picture if the first pair had obeyed.
Key texts: Deuteronomy 6 / Matthew 22 · Genesis 16 · Genesis 1:28 · Revelation 21–22
Outline
Prayer and logistics; textbook chapters 1–6
Observation questions when you come to a text (Shema review)
Genesis 16 — Sarah’s faith in the promise vs. her application
Why hermeneutics is communal — other people’s insights
Assembly / congregation / qahal in Israel’s worship
Dominion mandate and Revelation’s filled earth
Chapters
00:00 Prayer and assigned reading
10:30 Observation questions (Shema)
20:30 Genesis 16 — promise and misapplied obedience
30:30 Reading with the church; other interpreters
40:30 Assembly, congregation, qahal
50:30 Dominion mandate and Revelation
Resources
Course page: https://www.redemptionrochester.com/redemption-school-of-theology
Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19HuTO5gVQUG0veD2j6LwwgcWLbWb_D7CIKqD14LOmF8/edit
Class page: https://www.redemptionrochester.com/2026-hermeneutics-exegesis
Audio archive: https://www.redemptionrochester.com/2026-hermeneutics-exegesis-audio