Interpretation of Old Testament passages reflects evolving community inclusivity and exclusion dynamics.
New Testament authors draw from pre-interpreted Old Testament texts to continue exegetical patterns.
Canonical consciousness within Hebrew Scriptures shapes Israel's identity and influences New Testament interpretation.
Deep dives
Interpreting Deuteronomy 23 in Isaiah
In the podcast episode, the discussion delves into the interpretation of Deuteronomy 23 in Isaiah. Deuteronomy 23 prohibits certain individuals from entering the assembly of Israel, but in Isaiah 52, it is stated that the uncircumcised and defiled will not enter Zion again. However, Isaiah 56 opens up the inclusion of foreigners and eunuchs, urging acceptance rather than exclusion. The tension between these passages reflects the complex nature of community inclusion and exclusion.
Use of Scripture in the New Testament
The implications of the study for understanding how the New Testament interprets the Old Testament are addressed. The conversation highlights that many similarities between Second Temple Judaic interpretations and the New Testament arise from both groups interpreting the Hebrew Scriptures in a similar manner. New Testament authors often gravitate towards Old Testament texts already interpreted within the Hebrew Scriptures, continuing and enhancing existing exegetical patterns.
Refracted Interpretations in New Testament
The episode explores why New Testament authors read texts through a refracted interpretive lens, such as quoting Psalms instead of directly from the Pentateuch. This tendency to draw from pre-interpreted texts indicates a wider network of allusions and exegesis within the Old Testament impacting the interpretation of New Testament passages.
Significance of Canonical Consciousness
The podcast delves into the significance of canonical consciousness found within the Hebrew Scriptures. It highlights how biblical authors maintain identity and convey messages relying on traditional, authoritative teachings from their Scriptures. This enduring connection to scriptural traditions shapes the identity of Israel through a deep engagement with canonical texts.
Enhancing Understanding of Biblical Scholarship
The episode emphasizes the need for scholars to pay attention to the scriptural use of scripture within the Old Testament to enhance our understanding of the New Testament's interpretive methods. Through a deeper exploration of how internal interpretation within the Hebrew Scriptures influences the New Testament, scholars can gain a richer perspective on biblical exegesis and textual connections.
Matt Lynch speaks with his former professor and friend Gary Schnittjer about his massive new book on the Old Testament's use of the Old Testament. They talk about exegetical updates to earlier texts, the rich networks of quotation and re-use that cluster around certain texts, and the ways that Gary's work on the OT use of the OT shapes his understanding of what the New Testament is doing.
