Abstract This paper, written from a religious Christian perspective, attempts to show that the New Testament writings can be seen as the direct fulfillment of OldTestament Messianic prophesy. The author acknowledges the many problematic issues that surround the theological relationship between the teachings of Christ in the New Testament and the OldTestament Messianic vision. This paper, however, focuses on what the author considers to be the many prophetic statements of the OldTestament regarding a Messiah. Several examples of these statements are given in the text, with most coming from the Book of Isaiah.
Outline:
Introduction
OldTestament Messianic Prophesies
Genesis and Early Prophetic Statement in the OldTestament Lineage
Isaiah
The Son of God: Psalms and Proverbs
God Nature
Daniel
The fulfillment of Messianic Prophesies in the New Testament Conclusion
From the Paper "It is also an important part of the discussion of this subject to be aware of the complexities and problematics of a direct and overly simplistic linkage between Old Testament prophetic statements about the Messiah and the image and message of Jesus Christ in the New Testament texts. As the above quotation indicates, the Old Testament Messianic vision is largely related to the future history of the Jewish people and has historic and political connotations. While these problematics are largely outside of the parameters of this study as such, yet it is also important to take note of the fact that important Old Testament prophets like Isaiah saw the Messiah in possibly a different light to the way that Jesus is portrayed in the New Testament. For example, a study of the prophecies of Isaiah by Patterson (1953) states the following. "
Tags:Old, Testament, Messiah, predictions, savior, Jesus
Abstract In this essay, the writer reviews some of the main topics addressed in "OldTestament Prophecy: From Oracle to Canon" by Ronald E. Clements. The writer discusses the written preservation of prophecy leading to the apocalyptic and interpretive methodology.
From the Paper "Ronald E. Clements' Old Testament Prophecy From Oracles to Canon is a collection of Clements' formerly published writings. The essays pertain to the study of the prophetic corpus of the Old Testament. The essays are arranged in the book in canonical order with Clements' providing insights on a variety of significant issues being debated among the community of theology scholars. Old Testament Prophecy is structured in seven parts including and introduction and the following parts devoted to the prophets and prophecies Prophet King and Messiah ... "
Tags: Ronald E. Clements, Israel, religion, scripture, Jesus, Isaiah, messianic, apocalyptic, Mark, OldTestament, New Testament, scholarship, theology
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the women in the OldTestament are delegated to certain set roles, and those roles frequently center on sexuality. Given that sex was viewed as something sinful, it is not surprising that many of the women in the OldTestament, including Eve and Hannah, were cast in a negative light. The writer then points out that, as the natural result of sexuality was pregnancy and childbirth, which were both revered by OldTestament Jews, many OldTestament women were also revered in their roles as mothers. Both Eve and Hannah were celebrated mothers in the OldTestament. The writer notes that for Christians, the most important role that the women played was to contrast with the appearance of Mary in the New Testament, and one can see features of both the story of Eve and the story of Hannah in the later story of Mary.
From the Paper "Therefore, Hannah offered to give her child to God. Moreover, not only did Hannah offer her child to God, but she delivered him to the service of the Temple as soon as he was weaned, so that he could devote himself to the Lord. Later, in the New Testament, a similarly devout woman, Mary, would be approached to give a child to God. Of course, the essential difference is that Mary did not pray to become pregnant; instead, she was chosen by the Lord to carry His son. However, both women offered up their sons to the service of the Lord and did so by their faith.
"Of course, that is not the only similarity between the two women. In fact, after discovering that she was going to carry the son of God, Mary called ... "
Abstract This paper discusses the controversial question of the theological continuity between the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The writer refers to and cites from relevant literature on the subject to establish the relationship and meaning of "ruach" in the OldTestament for the Holy Spirit and "pneuma" in the New Testament. Examples are given from the OldTestament of passages where "ruach," also translated as breath or wind, refers to the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is also seen as a means of knowledge and understanding that is provided by God, as, for example, when the Spirit acts as a guide in leading Israel out of Egypt in Exodus. Another aspect is the relationship between a pure heart and the infusion of the Spirit of God, as in Psalm 51 where David pleads with God, referring directly to the Holy Spirit of God in his earnest request for inner cleansing and for the Spirit not to be taken away from him.
Outline:
Introduction: an Overview of Theological Perspectives
Examples of the Holy Spirit in the OldTestament Conclusion
From the Paper "The question of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is a matter than has raised a considerable amount of controversy. On the one hand there is the view that there are very few references to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, at least in the sense that it is referred to in the New Testament. However, on the other hand many scholars and theologians refer to a much broader and more inclusive and continuous understanding of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. This point is clearly summarized by Mcdonnell (1998) in a discussion of the terms 'ruach' and 'pneuma'."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and reviews the book "Dictionary of the OldTestament: Pentateuch" by Desmond Alexander and David Baker. The paper explains that, although the title of the book would leave one questioning what light a dictionary could possibly shed on one's theological and philosophical understanding of the OldTestament, the book does, in fact, have a lot to offer its readers and contains a clear message and mission about the OldTestament.
From the Paper "The section of the authors on the "Image of God" is perhaps the most powerful example of how a dictionary format can be instructive as a way of teaching an individual about the theological and historical nuances of the Bible. Rather than seeking the Image of God as a particular doctrine, expressed differently and piecemeal in a few texts, or pertaining only to the Genesis creation myth, the authors trace how humanity was made in the image of God, and yet connect this concept to the mention of God's image in other texts of the books of Moses, such as the condemnation of idolatry in the story of the Golden Calf and in the Ten Commandments. They stress how God's Image in the Pentateuch was also regarded as sacred thing, not a part of the idolatrous worship of the human-created image common to paganism."
Tags: biblical, text, alphabetical, format, hermeneutical, exegetical, concepts, judaism
Abstract The Biblical scholar and theologian Walter Kaiser offers an alternative thesis to the 'documentary hypothesis' commonly held amongst secular Biblical scholars in his book, "The OldTestament Documents: Are they Reliable and Relevant?" The paper shows how Kaiser suggests not only that the OldTestament documents are relevant, but also the OldTestament stories are actual historical accounts of real events that occurred in Israel's past.
From the Paper "The Old Testament books may be relevant spiritually for the moral truths that they suggest in a metaphorical way. But that does not mean they are reliable as historical, eyewitness testimony and relevance in modern terms of historical data. Kaiser does include some supporting archeological evidence for his anti-documentary thesis, such as the possibility that Sodom and Gomorrah were actual, leveled cities - but this does not mean that the ancient Hebrews did not engage in mythmaking and putting a particular spin upon these enemy cities destruction from their own historical and religious perspective."
Abstract Rituals played a vital role in the wars of the OldTestament: divine consultation, preparatory rites, scare tactics, the herem and purification rites all characterized the Israelite battles. This paper gives a systematic overview of the rituals associated with ancient Israelite warfare in the OldTestament used before, during and after battle.
From the Paper Consultation with God prior to battle was key in the pre-war rituals of the Old Testament. The Israelites would consult God to determine if they would be successful in their battle. Several methods and techniques were used to communicate with God, including simple consultations, omens/signs (sent from God), mediums, and the use of magical articles such as the ephod. An example of a simple consultation can be seen in 1 Samuel 23:2, where a report has reached David that the city of Keliah has been attacked by the Philistines. Not knowing what to do, David prays to God asking if he should go and rescue the city of Keliah. God answers, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keliah" (1 Samuel 23:2). This is the simplest form of consultation that is seen in the Israelite pre-war ritual tradition. Here, God's word is given directly from God and not through any outside source requiring interpretation.
Abstract This paper shows that the nature of God in the OldTestament is made up of His attributes, that make him at once personal and human-like, but also sets Him out as the transcendent, the absolute divinity, to which men should aspire for their own salvation. The paper shows that all these attributes are to be found in His names; God appearing thus as an abstraction, but also as something bearing a name, and therefore an identity. The paper quotes extensively from the OldTestament.
From the Paper "It is significant also, as Dyrness observes, that after the creation of the Heaven and Earth, the seventh day, the day in which God rests, is devoted to God himself, which means it is marked by his holiness. So, in the process of creation itself, the worship of God, and of his holiness , has its appointed place: " And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for that in it he had rested from all his work, which God created and made. "( Gen . 2:3 )."
Abstract This paper investigates the exact type of wisdom that was granted to certain women in the Bible, and how they achieved important things through their wisdom. The writer discusses how Michal, through her wisdom, saves the life of her husband David and how Israel is saved from the Moabites through the wisdom and actions of Deborah and Jael. The writer also relates that the two unnamed wise women in the second book of Samuel who persuade the leaders of enemy armies not to attack Israel by quoting old proverbs may point to the existence of an actual class of wise women in ancient Israelite society. Finally, the writer points out that the fact that wisdom is personified as a woman in the book of Proverbs throws some light on the other references to wisdom and women in the OldTestament, as it shows that women were associated with a high spiritual power, an attribute of God himself.
From the Paper "Deborah acts here as a divine prophetess who is advised in her actions by God himself, and Jael as the instrument through which these actions are completed. The fact that they both are women is significant in more ways than one: first of all, this points to the complete triumph of the people of Israel, and implicitly of their God and religion over the Moabites and their gods. The morale of the narrative is obviously that the strength of Israel comes from their spirituality, and this is why they are apt to vanquish their enemies without using force or weapons. Women, who are not usually associated with physical strength or with warring skills act here as the perfect instrument for the delivery of Israel: they indicate the spiritual, religious force of Israel that makes it triumph over the other peoples of the Earth."
Tags: authority, political, intermediary, inheritance, Judges, believer, understanding, godly, status
Abstract This paper explains that of all of the famous central characters of the OldTestament, King David is, without a doubt, both one of the most interesting as well as the most relevant with regard to the life of Jesus Christ. The author points out that King David is not free from controversy; many scholars have put forward theories concerning everything from his supposed homosexual tendencies to the possibility that he may not have existed at all. The paper relates that King David is chosen, not to reveal commandments concerning moral or right conduct as in Moses' case nor to "sacrifice" in order to prove his devotion and faith such as Abraham, but to be almost "installed" by God to fulfill the very temporal and practical purpose of ruling the nation of Israel, the chosen people of God, both, within his lifetime and as a function of his descendant, who will be the messiah.
From the Paper "Although one might imagine that in the face of such goodness and upright behavior, David might regain his senses, perhaps dulled now by power and privilege, and show his repentance by following Uriah's example, he, instead continues in his sin--by now approaching murder for is own selfish gains. Here, after trying once again to sway Uriah by getting him drunk, he notes with dismay that Uriah, even in his drunken state, will not betray his principles, and again sleeps at the king's door. Thus, in frustration (and, perhaps envy), David writes a letter to Joab and sends it with Uriah, himself, ordering Joab to put him in the front lines of battle and thereafter abandon him, "...that he may be smitten (11:15).""
Abstract This paper discusses the subordinate role of women in the OldTestament, noting that their main purpose in life was to become a mother. With this in mind, the writer describes the significance of the stories of two women, Sarah and Hannah, who were not able to conceive until God intervened, and explains how each in her own way took control of her destiny. The paper concludes by pointing out that in each case when a woman who was previously barren was granted the ability to have children by God, those children play a crucial role in the development of Israel.
From the Paper "A recurring theme that is seen throughout the Old Testament is a woman that does not have the ability to have children. This was at a time when it was viewed as a disgrace for married women to have no children and women were usually desperate to be able to provide their husband with children. "In Israel the influence of a man was measured by the numbers in his family rather than by riches in cattle or land. Children are evidence of luck in life; a childless man has little value for his group, and in death he loses a mysterious good, assured him in the performance by his son of certain ancestral rites." (Second Samuel I8:I8) However, the dynamic changes when in several different stories God steps in and gives a previously barren woman the ability to have children."
Tags: inferior, child-bearing, strength, inequality, gender, religious
Abstract This paper analyzes and reviews the book "You Shall Be As Gods: A Radical Interpretation of the OldTestament and Its Tradition" by Erich Fromm. The paper discusses how Fromm describes the Bible as evolving the concept of God from a tribal concept to an unknowable, nameless God. The paper also relates Fromm's personal spiritual journey; he was originally attracted to Buddhism, because it did not require belief in God, but eventually returned to the Jewish tradition. The paper concludes with the author's personal assessment of the book and Fromm's spirituality, which is based on Fromm's need for hope and his perception of the hope Judaism offers.
From the Paper "Another interesting point Fromm makes in this book is on sin and repentance. He notes that in the Old Testament story of the fall of Adam, his committing a sin is not mentioned. Fromm offers captivating evidence supporting his idea that the Old Testament never states that humans are born evil. He reads the Old Testament as saying that humans have equal ability to choose good or evil. Fromm says that the Old Testament states that humans can choose between good and evil just as they can choose between life and death, and there is no pressure or force on humans to choose one over the other. God just shows us the alternatives and asks us to choose life over death and good over evil. In Fromm's opinion, sin is not something by which humans should become depressed."
Abstract This paper analyzes the factors involved in the moral justifications of marriage, remarriage and divorce, providing OldTestament support and synthesizing the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The paper argues that certain criteria need to be met in order to justify actions involved in marriage, remarriage and divorce, paying close attention to the supporting scriptural contexts. The paper discusses how a synthesis of both the OldTestament and New Testament are necessary in formulating common denominators in examining the state of marriage in modern society, rather than narrow observations of single verses.
From the Paper "Contemporary Christian thought on marriage has been a heated topic of debate in the 21st century. Due to a rise in divorce rates, and the Catholic Church's silence on marriage, remarriage and divorce, the factors in analyzing the justification for each of these elements has been blurred (Kostenburger and Jones 2004, 25). Historically, interpretation of divorce and marriage has relied upon the moral principles outlined in the bible. However the question arises as to which scriptures provide an accurate interpretation to today's society, as both the Old and New Testament reference the issue. The difficulty of the marriage debate in contemporary society is due to the lack of education and a set of principles in which to follow."
This paper provides a condensed overview of the Biblical OldTestament, as outlined and explored in the book, "OldTestament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the OldTestament", by William Sanford LaSor, David Allan Hubbard, and Frederic Will
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, 1991, $ 55.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to provide a condensed overview of the Biblical Old Testament, as outlined and explored in the book, Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament, by William Sanford LaSor, David Allan Hubbard, and Frederic William Bush.
The first point that must be made here is that the point of view of the authors of this meaty volume is tinged heavily by their Christian evangelical attitudes. The authors consider the Old Testament to be not only a historical study of a time and place in history (the Middle East, during the two thousand years before Christ,) but also the precursor to the New Testament, in a purely religious sense.
Thus, the authors emphasize the importance of the old Testament as the foundation upon which Christianity is based, as ... "
