As a guitarist, I often need to learn songs without written music. Online tutorials have helped immensely, but many times I’ve needed to figure the part out on my own. At first, I was lost as to where to start. As my musical ear developed, I learned to listen closely and identify the root note, the note that resolves the song and feels like “home.” Knowing this note makes it much easier to determine the key the song is written in. Once I know the key, determining the rest of the notes in a progression is much more achievable, as most worship music follows predictable patterns of notes called scales.

As many of us are starting new Bible studies and reading plans this month, the same concept can be applied when we approach a difficult passage of scripture. Commentaries can be useful, but often the best way to interpret scripture is with scripture. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Tim. 3:16 NIV). As with music, we have to “listen closely” and identify the “root note.” What is the context of this passage? When and why was it written? Next, we can determine the “key.” What is the main idea of the passage? Then, if the meaning is still unclear, we consult the “scales” – examine the patterns that are evident in other passages of scripture. So, the next time you are stuck, listen closely and ask, “What is the root?”

Renita