Hermeneutics and the Exegetical Method

Abstract

The chapter details the method of research employed. This research embraces the employment of various elements of qualitative, phenomenological, exegetical and hermeneutical approaches toward document analysis. The method employs sociorhetorical criticism, which involves a four-arena approach to interpreting Scripture; inner texture, intertexture, social and cultural texture, ideological texture in exegetical interpretation and sacred texture analysis in exegetical interpretation (Robbins in The Tapestry of Early Christian Discourse: Rhetoric, Society and Ideology. Routledge, New York, 1996a). The significance of this study concerns reporting accurately with trustworthiness and authenticity the ability toward researching, analyzing, with neutrality, the effect of providing insights from Exodus 18 toward leaders, specifically the small group leadership selection and development. The leadership principles mined through this study are correlated to contemporary leadership theories, specifically AL and SL theories. Moreover, the sociorhetorical analysis employed is guided by the admonitions of Scripture (Duet. 12:32; Prov. 30:6; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Peter 3:16; Rev. 22:18–19) and scholars alike (Osborne in he Hermeneutical Spiral. Inter Varsity Press, Downers Grove, IL, 2006; Ramm in Protestant Biblical Interpretation. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1984; Vanhoozer, 2009).