Bible Mapping is a fun exercise in Bible Study. You take a concept or a thread or a subject that you want to study and you examine it as it occurs throughout the scriptures.
For example, if you want to discover how the city of Jerusalem was laid out, you might find scriptures that give physical descriptions of the city. As you collect and write out these verses, you can begin to draw a diagram of the city.
If you want to discover the genealogy of a particular person, you would find every place where a genealogy is given, or parentage and descendants are outlined, and make up a pedigree using scripture as references.
This may seem like a simple, straightforward exercise, but there is much more to it.
Levels of Understanding
You see, the Bible is a book of great depth and can be understood on four distinct levels:
1) The historical, literal meaning of what really happened;
2) The allegorical /prophetic level;
3) The moral level;
4) The mystical level.
For most of us, we don’t get into the mystical level because it involves knowledge of the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages. Usually, we let the language scholars give us insight at this level.
Level of Historical Understanding
This leaves us with three levels to explore. When you are mapping, you begin by mapping the first level, the actual historical event: What actually happened, where it happened, what were the details, who was involved, what were the dimensions, etc. We are admonished to study the scriptures in several places in the Bible:
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
Prophetic/Allegorical Level of Understanding
The second level is the allegorical and prophetic level. For example, for something that is mapped in the Old Testament, what is its significance under the New Covenant? How does it point to Jesus? How do we fit in?
Scripture reveals that the events of the Old Testament point to spiritual realities and principles, and they point to Jesus. They are called Types and Shadows and are referred to in several places.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:11
1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Hebrews 10:1
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. Hebrews 8:5
9 Which was a figure for the time then present…. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us… Hebrews 9:9, 24
Moral Understanding
The third level, the moral level, gives us instructions for life. The Bible is the ‘Creator’s Handbook’. It gives us detailed instructions for living a victorious life.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16,17
Long-Term Exercise
Bible Mapping is an in-depth long-term study. It not only involves scripture, but prayer for revelation. You will find that you will receive insight at odd times, like in the middle of the night or in the shower. It is a good idea to keep a pad and pen handy for such revelations. Outside study is also helpful. For example, in order to have a better understanding of scripture, it is helpful to be familiar with customs and traditions of the times, so good adjunct helps may be a Bible Dictionary and Bible Commentary.
From time to time, I will add a new Bible Map. Feel free to add your own scripture verses to expand on what I have done.
Blessings Your Way,
Chandra Lynne
