Lesson 10 - Jewish/NT exegesis

Question 1

Define inner-biblical exegesis and give an example.

Answer 1

Definition: Use of earlier Scriptural texts by later Scripture writers, reapply that text to his own day as he writes Scripture

• • Newer OT texts reusing and reapplying Older OT texts
• • This just includes texts in the OT itself

Example
– Ezekiel 20:41 and Leviticus 1 - “sweet aroma”

Question 2

Be able to describe the Rabbinic texts.

Answer 2

1. ) Mishnah (oral instruction)
   - - A compilation of the written records of oral discussions of various laws
2. ) Apologia and articulation of the Mishnah
3. ) The Talmund - The primary Rabbinic literature compiled from the 3rd to the 6th century
   - - Purpose: to connect the laws in the Mishnah with statements in Scripture to show that the oral Torah rests on the foundation of the written Torah
4. ) Commentaries on the Text (explanatory midrash)

Question 3

What are the differences between Rabbinic and non-Rabbinic interpretation?

Answer 3

1. ) Key differences with non-Rabbinic interpretation
   - - Fewer allusions to Biblical text
   - - Doesn’t retell Biblical stories
   - - Uses formula: “it is written”
   - - Clear distinction between the OT text and their comments
   - - Not for general population (just for Rabbis)

Question 4

Discuss how Midrash works in terms of its goal and methodology (include halakhic and aggadic interpretation).

Answer 4

Midrash: a slippery term

• • Can refer to a particular way to interpret Scripture (not always literal)
• • Can refer to a distinct form of Rabbinic literature (compilation of interpretations)
• • Everything in the text carries meaning:
    1. No contradictions in Scripture
    2. Goes back to Hebrew Bible is divine revelation
    3. Not a literal approach

Question 5

What are the assumptions of Qumran exegesis? Give an example of how it works.

Answer 5

The Qumran community rejected the apostasy at Jerusalem and the temple and went into the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord.

Assumptions

1. ) Biblical writer (OT) referred in his prophecy to the later days, not just his own day.
2. ) Community in Qumran was living in the last days (prophecies were being fulfilled in the community of Qumran)
3. ) God had revealed the mysteries of the prophets to a particular teacher of righteous in the Qumran community.

Question 6

Describe the basic approach of apostolic exegesis (Christological, Eschatological, and Ecclesiocentric) with examples.

Answer 6

1. ) Christological
   - - The NT writers did not find texts and then find Jesus. Rather, they found Jesus and then saw how the OT fit with him.
   - - They started with Jesus.
   - - He claims to be God and the fulfillment of the OT.
   - - Examples:
   a. ) Deut. 30:11-15, Romans 10
   b. ) Mark 1:1-4
2. ) Eschatological
   - - The end times have arrived - For us, the end has already arrived in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his sending of the spirit
   - - Inauguration with his death
   - - Continuation with outpouring of Spirit at Pentecost and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit
   - - Consummation when Jesus comes again
   - - Examples: 1 Cor. 10:11
3. ) Ecclesiocentric
   - - Since we are united with Christ, the OT applies to us
   - - The OT is fulfilled in the NT community
   - - Examples: Leviticus 1, Ezekiel 20, 2 Corinthians 2 – sweet aroma

Question 7

What are some of the different ways that the NT uses the OT?

Answer 7

1. ) Historical-Grammatical Method (especially in quotations)
   - - Use to prove a theological point
   - - Explicit quotations: “it is written”
   - - The NT represents God acting in history to redeem his people
2. ) Allusions to the OT
   - - Difference between Philippians and Galatians
   - - Philippians has not direct reference to the OT, but talks about the OT a lot.
   - - Phil. 2:14-15, Deut. 32:5 – crooked generation
   - - Echoes of the OT
3. ) The NT might make casual references to the OT for rhetorical effect
   - - Modern day example using 1 Cor. 14:6
   - - Someone complaining about the weather: “Today is the day that the Lord has made.”
4. ) Typology
   - - The interpretation of earlier events, persons, or institutions in biblical history which anticipate later events, persons, or institutions
   - - Institution of Sacrificial System (Leviticus 1-7)
   - - Substitution of the ram for Isaac’s Life (Gen. 22)
   - - Abraham’s life is an embodiment of the life of Israel
5. ) Sensus Plenior (Fuller Meaning)
   - - Different from typology in that it deals with words, not things or events.
   - - Examples
   - - Matthew 2, Hosea 11 – “Out of Egypt, I call my son”
   - - Son is both Israel and Jesus
   - - Hosea could not forsee that his words have fuller meaning to the messiah
   - - Psalm 2, Acts 4
   - - Psalm 2 – enemeies are the nations because they stand against God’s anointed
   - - Acts 4 – enemies are Israel because they stand against God’s annoited

Question 8

Define Typology. What are its assumptions? Be able to show how it works, with examples.

Answer 8

The interpretation of earlier events, persons, or institutions in biblical history which anticipate later events, persons, or institutions

Assumptions:

1. ) Have to believe in God (divine author)
2. ) Have to believe He’s directing the future (sovereignty, providence)