Naked Bible 417: Paul’s Use of the Old Testament Series: The Messiahs in Daniel 9
Mar 19, 2022
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Dr. Matt Halstead, a scholar focusing on the historical and messianic implications of biblical texts, delves into the rich landscape of Daniel 9. They explore how the concept of the 'anointed one' connects to Jesus and the messianic expectations of the time. The podcast examines the historical context of Onias III's assassination and its relevance to these prophecies. Halstead emphasizes the interconnectedness of servanthood and kingship in scripture, highlighting cultural influences on biblical interpretation and the continuity from Daniel to the New Testament.
Daniel 9 is pivotal in shaping messianic expectations by linking various interpretations of the 'anointed one' across historical contexts.
The reinterpretation of prophetic texts, particularly by Gabriel, emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical narratives within their historical and covenantal frameworks.
Deep dives
Importance of Daniel 9 in Messianic Prophecy
Daniel 9 plays a critical role in understanding messianism as it contains pivotal references to anointing and the anointed one. Within just a few verses, key terms like 'anoint' and 'anointed one' arise, suggesting a significant linkage to messianic expectations in the Old Testament. Scholars often debate whether these references are intended to refer to historical figures or future messianic promises, highlighting a preterist versus a futurist perspective. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of Daniel 9 allows for exploration of how these texts inform Jewish expectations of the Messiah and connect to later interpretations.
Hermeneutics and Historical Context
Understanding how Daniel interprets earlier prophecies, particularly those from Jeremiah, reveals deeper layers in biblical hermeneutics. Gabriel’s interpretation of Jeremiah’s seventy years of exile expands it to seventy weeks, tying the prophetic narrative to themes of judgment and restoration. This fresh interpretation remains consistent with the Torah, noting that rebellion against God leads to increased punishment, thus allowing for the extension of the exile. It emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating prophetic texts in light of historical and covenantal contexts rather than viewing them in isolation.
The Dual Role of Anointed Figures
The references to the 'anointed one' in Daniel 9 spark robust discussion regarding the identification of these figures. Many scholars suggest characters like Zerubbabel or Onias III, who fit the historical narrative of the second century BCE, align with the messianic expectations articulated in the text. The term 'cut off' further invites exploration of its implications for various interpretations, whether relating to specific historical events or the broader concept of the Messiah. This complex identity of the anointed figures underscores the layered meanings of the messianic language throughout scripture.
Reinterpretation and Theological Implications
Daniel 9’s prophetic utterances are seen as symbols that transcend their immediate historical context, inviting new applications that connect to Jesus Christ’s ministry. Jesus’ references to the abomination of desolation exemplify how earlier prophecies can be repurposed for contemporary relevance, offering deeper theological insights in the first-century context. The interconnectedness of Old Testament prophecies encourages understanding Messiah figures as not simply tied to specific events but also as part of an ongoing narrative. This invites reflection on the nature of biblical prophecy as a dynamic interplay between past, present, and future interpretations.
Like the previous episode, this discussion with Dr. Matt Halstead takes us to Daniel 9, a passage that uses mashiach (“anointed one”) twice, as well as the verb mashach (“to anoint”). The passage has historical fulfilment roots in the second century B.C., but also is referenced later by Jesus as something awaiting fulfillment. In this episode we consider what Daniel 9’s contribution to the messianic profile we’ve been building in this series.
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