IMPORTANT NOTE: It is important to study Scripture verses, passages and stories within their context. Taking verses out of context leads to all kinds of error and misunderstanding. Understanding context requires the principles of (1) literal meaning, (2) historical events leading up to the story and how the event was understood at the time, (3) grammar (the immediate sentence and paragraph within which a word or phrase is found) and (4) structure (cross-referencing verses with other similar verses).