Hello, John and Doves,

 

Here is some information about the Judaic approach to biblical exegesis:

 

From Wikipedia:
Pardes refers to (types of) approaches to biblical exegesis in rabbinic Judaism (or - simpler - interpretation of text in Torah study). The term, sometimes also spelled PaRDeS, is an acronym formed from the name initials of the following four approaches:

• Peshat (פְּשָׁט) — "plain" ("simple") or the direct meaning.^[1]
• Remez (רֶמֶז) — "hints" or the deep (allegoric: hidden or symbolic) meaning beyond just the literal sense.
• Derash (דְּרַשׁ) — from Hebrew darash: "inquire" ("seek") — the comparative (midrashic) meaning, as given through similar occurrences.
• Sod (סוֹד) (pronounced with a long O as in 'bone') — "secret" ("mystery") or the esoteric/mystical meaning, as given through inspiration or revelation.

more:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pardes_(Jewish_exegesis)

 

The foundation of biblical knowledge is the basic, plain, simple, and direct meaning of a verse.

 

The Peshat of the Tanakh (OT) and Brit Chadashah (NT) is what most home bible studies teach, one chapter at a time.

 

There are classes, forums and blogs for those who want to dig deeper.

 

I am one of those who dig deeper on their own time, always bearing in mind that any remez, derash, or sod must be rooted in the peshat of some related scripture.

 

~Blessings,

Mike