Wooden Exegesis (2)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 ESV
Tree – Despite our examination of Peter’s motivation, that is, endurance in suffering, the claim that Yeshua died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins seems clear enough. Even if Peter uses it as an example of suffering, he still seems to claim that sins were an integral part of the crucifixion. But now we need to take a step back. We need to take off our already-formed Christian doctrinal hats and see if we can view this claim within mindset of the first century Gentile followers of the Way, followers who did not come to the Scriptures with 2000 years of cultural Christianity. In fact, since Peter is writing to Gentiles, we can’t even claim that his audience had a Jewish perspective.
Let’s consider the audience once more. Certainly they have some familiarity with the Tanakh. If they didn’t, Peter’s citations as authority for his arguments would mean nothing. But look at the argument Peter provides. To these Gentiles he says, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood” clearly citing Deuteronomy 10:15. Then he calls his readers who were once “not a people,” now “the people of God,” employing Hosea. His argument about endurance relies heavily on Isaiah’s portrait of the suffering servant. What does Peter accomplish with these references in the Tanakh? He clearly means to include the Gentiles in the commonwealth of Israel. He wants them to know they are grafted in. How will they know that these statements from the Tanakh apply to them? Not by consulting the text since it is clear from the text that the statements Peter cites are intended for Jews, not Gentiles. Peter must construct a midrash, the application of a text from one set of circumstances to a different set of circumstances. When Peter applies these texts to the Gentiles, he accomplishes two things. First, he informs these Gentiles that they have equal standing in the Kingdom. This is particularly important given Peter’s previous hypocrisy about Gentiles. Secondly, Peter’s citations demonstrate that the claims of detractors who expected Gentiles to enter as proselytes are false. What God accepts, men may not reject (the lesson on the rooftop).
The technique of midrash doesn’t stop with verse 23. Our inquiry into verse 24 is also part of the midrash. But now we need to have a better understanding of midrash itself. There are two kinds of midrashim. The first is midrash aggadah – a midrash that explains some biblical passage by adding a story to the passage. One of the best examples of this kind of midrash is the story about Abram smashing the idols in his father’s house before God called him out of Mesopotamia. The story is merely a legend, but it is a useful legend because it supplies background about Abram’s character in order for us to understand his response to God’s call. Midrash aggadah focuses on character, values, ethics and ideas that answer implicit questions posed by the text (like, “Why did Abram immediately leave Ur when God called?”).
The second kind of midrash is midrash halacha. This kind of midrash attempts to explain some passage of Scripture by elucidating what it means in practice. While aggadah is not binding on the community, halacha is. If the midrash halacha about work on the Sabbath explains what it means to carry an object to the Temple, then that explanation becomes the code of conduct for the worshipping community.
Which kind of midrash is Peter employing? Is he providing an explanatory story in order to give us non-biblical background? No, he is providing binding community exegesis and application. This is midrash halacha and it concerns the status and role of Gentiles in the Messianic community. What is the final point in Peter’s argument that the Gentiles have equal status and a God-given role to play? Yeshua died for them too. He bore their sins on the tree. Ah, but that allusion takes us back to Isaiah (which also establishes Peter’s claim that the Gentiles have always had a place in the Kingdom). We must know what Isaiah says in order to understand what Peter says.
Lancaster and Monson wrote an extended analysis of the Isaiah passage, comparing it to the oldest known copy found in Qumran (1QIsa 44:1-22). As a result of this study, they propose revisions to the much later Masoretic text. In particular, they find that Isaiah’s prophecy as known in the first century has some significant differences from the text used in standard translations of English Bibles. Isaiah 53:5-6 are crucial for our understanding of Peter’s midrash. According to 1QIsa, the text of Isaiah reads,
In reality, however, he bore our sicknesses, and our pains – he carried them. And us? We regarded him as plagued, and struck down by God and humbled. But he, yes he, is being defiled from our transgressions and is being crushed from our iniquities; even the punishment which makes our wholeness – it was upon him! And because of the bruising blows he received – healing is ours![1]
If you compare this translation with the usual English Bible translations, you will see a great deal of similarity, but also some striking differences. Nevertheless, there is certainly enough in common for Peter to apply this passage to the events surrounding the crucifixion. But notice what is not in this Isaiah text. There is no mention at all of a cross, a stake or a pole. Peter applies the Isaiah passage to the cross because he recognizes similarities and those similarities serve his purpose, namely, to show that suffering has spiritual value for Jew and Gentile alike. In other words, Peter’s intention is to use the paradigm case of Yeshua’s suffering as a demonstration that obedience leads to God’s glory even in affliction. The cross is the symbol of intense suffering, so Peter employs that symbol to make his point. And he draws on the Isaiah passage to show that there is a foundation in the Tanakh for this principle. Spiritual value is acquired even in this most hideous imposition by a pagan empire. Peter adds “on the tree [cross]” to the Isaiah text in order to set the standard of righteous suffering. He alters the Isaiah text to fit his purposes.
Does this mean that Peter’s statement is a theological proclamation that the cross is the place of atonement? Now I am not so sure.
Topical Index: 1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:4-5, 1QIsa. 44:1-22, xylon, cross, tree
SEMINAR NEWS: Skip will be back in Virginia Beach on April 11-13. The seminar is open to all who are able to come. Please contact Barry Jenkins for information. Barry Jenkins <bljenkins7@yahoo.com>
[1] Steven Lancaster and James Monson, Isaiah’s Exalted Servant in the Great Isaiah Scroll, First Fruits of Zion, Issue 107, Spring 2011, p. 8.
Well, I’m certainly intrigued, that’s for sure.
This is a lot to digest, but very captivating to contemplate!
Where did this come from? From reading somewhere? Did someone mention this to you? Did it just begin to pop out at you? I’m curious as to the origin of this idea of what happened on the cross vs what happened before the foundation of the world as you’ve laid out this proposition.
What I am curious about is the formation of this idea and how it developed and got to this point. I am challenged and mystified some times where thoughts, ideas, and statements begin. I want to think I’ve had original thoughts before but then I find I end up reading it somewhere. And most every time, what I’ve read about what I thought was original with me has already been expressed much better, much more thorough and much more finessed than anything I ever came up with.
Truly just wondering in this case.
I began this investigation when I was thinking about Rev. 13:8. If the Lamb is slain before the foundation, then the idea that his death on the cross was the place of forgiveness seems shaken. I started to look into this, and then investigated the John 3:14 passage. That led to Numbers 21:9 and many more, looking at the Hebrew imagery, words and background. So, off we go. As far as I know, I have never read anyone else’s thoughts about this.
~ and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf ~ (2 Corinthians 5.15)
My song is love unknown,
My Saviour’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My LORD should take frail flesh and die?
He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed-for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my LORD done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight.
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.
They rise and needs will have
My dear LORD made away;
A murderer they save,
The Prince of life they slay.
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes,
That He His foes from thence might free.
Here might I stay and sing,
No story so divine;
Never was love, dear King!
Never was grief like Thine.
This is my Friend, in Whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend.
(Samuel Crossman, 1664)
~ Thus says the LORD, “Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you shall find rest for your souls.” But they said, We will not walk in it ~ (Jeremiah 6.16)
~ They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten ~ (Jeremiah 50:5)
What (he inquired) is the symbol, the sign, the seal, the succour and the strong surety of this “everlasting” covenant?
Without stutter or stammer, we may (all) know Him whom to know is life everlasting: ~ What do the scriptures say?
~ But these things are eternal life: ‘They shall know You, for You alone are The God of Truth, and Yeshua The Messiah (Jesus who is the Christ) Whom You have sent.’ “ ~ (John 17.3)
~ For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known ~ (1 Corinthians 13.12)
~ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but *to save the world through Him* ~ (John 3.17)
* to save the world through Him…
Here is the scope of our salvation: “the world.” “All” are included- even those who are found “out in the highways and hedges.” ~ And the Master (Him) said to the servant, (us) ~ Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled ~ (Luke 14.23)
I am so glad God loves “big families!” For so do I! Big families have more fun! And I am so glad in tHis perfect plan of salvation-extended to “whosoever will..”- for He included me!
~ to save the world through Him..~
“He is the Stone which was rejected by the builders, but which became the very Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other Name under Heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11,12). Jesus described Himself in several different ways. He is the Good Shepherd, the Cornerstone, the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. Salvation has become a very simple matter. There are not four or five paths to Heaven and we need not be concerned with the complication of picking the best one for us. There is only one way. All the others lead in the wrong direction (Matthew 7:13,14).
Here is the (only) Source and the (only) Surety of our salvation- it (salvation) is “through Him” The very One who said: ~ “I AM the Way-the Truth and the Life,” *no man*, (no, not one) – comes to the Father, but by Me ~ (John 14.6)
That “straight and narrow way” is through Him. The One who has said, “I AM the Door of the sheep.” (John 10.7-10)
Who (he inquired) comes to the Father without Him? And the answer is?
“no man.” No, not one. Not a Jew, nor a Gentile. Salvation is the gift of God not of works, lest “any man” (Jew or Gentile) should boast.
The Law commands!
But gives me neither feet nor hands.
Far grander news the Gospel brings:
It bids me fly and gives me wings!”
~ Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other Name under Heaven given among men, whereby we (all) must be saved ~ (Acts 4.12)
An angel from long ago
Bent down to earth below,
And to Mary whispered low,
“Call His Name Jesus.”
Cherish that beautiful Name.
Cherish that wonderful Name.
Cherish that matchless name.
That name is Jesus.
“Fear not” the words I say.
God has favored you today.
You shall bring forth a Son
And call His Name Jesus.”
Cherish that beautiful Name.
Cherish that wonderful Name.
Cherish that matchless Name.
That Name is Jesus.
King of kings and LORD of lords.
He shall reign forevermore.
Come before Him and adore
That lovely Name of Jesus.
Cherish that beautiful Name.
Cherish that wonderful Name.
Cherish that matchless Name.
That Name is Yeshua-Joshua-Jesus-“YHWH is salvation”
~ May God be gracious to us and bless us, and make His face to shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations ~ (Psalm 67:1-2)
Skip, your reasoning has got me thinking and I do believe YHWH is planting new things and questions in my heart daily. For instance the whole issue of Atonement, it is something I have never questioned before. As I have looked in depth and done a study of the feasts and how they relate to a hebrew wedding, and realise that 3 feasts are yet to be fulfilled, I notice that Yom Kippur, day of Atonement is one of these. Where Yeshua has fulfilled precisely to the second the first 4 there is no evidence to say that the day of Atonement is part of Yeshua death on the cross. So this is a future event. I then went on to look at the temple design and what happens there. The high priest only enters the holy of holies once a year on Yom Kippur, day of Atonement!! Also the temple as far as I can work out has 2 curtains/veils one into the holy place the other into the holy of holies, which one was torn?? The veil that was torn could be seen from where Jesus was being looked after by the centurion, but in my research I can not see how that could be the veil to the holy of holies but can only be the curtain to the sanctuary/holy place. In my very amateur assessment of this I would like to suggest we have jumped the gun and said that atonement was fulfilled and we have access readily to the holy of holies where scripture does not show this. Any disagreements and insight would be gratefully recieved.
Marcus,
Here is a thought that might help answer the quandry of the application of the Atonement. It is found by following the chronology of God’s festivals. In God’s timeline only Passover and Shavuot (Pentecost) have been fulfilled. Truth be known, Shavuot has only been partially fulfilled at best, as Paul shows us that the first fruit called out ones have been only given an earnest of the Holy Spirit (a down payment). It is not until the Millennium that God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh.
Now to get to the point. Messiah’s shed blood at Passover has not yet been applied to humanity in a real sense, for nobody has yet been resurrected from the dead except for Yahshua. ( Sorry if you are of the “die and immediately go to heaven” persuasion! – Scripture does not teach that either – see John 3:13)
The Fall Festivals reveal the following sequence, I think! Yahshua will most likely return to earth to assume his rightful role as King of Kings on Yom Teruah (feast of Trumpets). It seems to me that Paul shows that the resurrection of the saints will take place at that time too. Paul makes this reasonably clear in 1 Corinthians 15. The saints will then be taken up to heaven and presented to the Father, just as Yahshua was himself presented to the Father for acceptance after His resurrection on Bikkurim – the day of the wave sheaf offering. So, it seems to me that it is at that point that the blood will be applied to the mercy seat in the Tabernacle in heaven on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). In summary, the blood was shed at Passover, and will be applied to the mercy seat at a future Yom Kippur. This clarifies a problem I notice some have about the difference between Passover and Yom Teruah and maybe answers your question too.
In the precise timing of everything God has recorded for us in the chronology of the death of Messiah, God shows us that He is fulfilling His Plan with astounding precision! I only have time here to give one example of this and it is the fact that the Jews killed the Passover lamb at the exact time the Savior of the world died at Golgotha!
There is much to be learned from the festivals of Yah that point to things yet to be fulfilled up ahead. That much of Christiandom teaches that these Festivals are “done away”, already fulfilled, is absured in the extreme!
Because God is “the same yesterday, today and forever” I am confident that the precise pattern we see already revealed at Passover is a dead given to be fulfilled in the precise fulfillment of His other Festivals too. This is good reason that every follower of Yahshua will do well to study the Festivals and make them part of their annual calender schedule. (and dump Easter and Christmas!)
I thank you, Skip, for delving into this topic of the tree this, the week before Passover season – surely it is the work of the Spirit.
Like
You know John we’re probably both off! 😉
Thanks, Pam for your “like” to my comments! Are we both off in our notions? Maybe in some things, but that is why we are to try to be good Bereans and search the Scriptures seeking the Truth and proving all things. Of course, we all make “many mistakes”, as James wrote in his Epistle. Today, even the great Skip Moen admitted to a small one!!What’s great about this web site is we can speculate a little and correct one another in love in our quest for Truth
Anyway, I appreciated your comments on Hebrews. It is one of my favourite books. It is sad that there are a few misguided Messianic teachers who would like to kick it out of the Canon. For sure, you are right about the first fruit saints ruling with Messiah as priest kings for 1000 years. revelation makes that clear:
“Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and they shall reign with him a thousand years.”(Rev 20:6)
What a time that will be, hanging out with Yahshua, Abraham, Moses, king David, all the great prophets and NT poineers. Hallelujah!
What a time that will be, hanging out with Yahshua, Abraham, Moses, king David, all the great prophets and NT poineers. Hallelujah!
Amein! And I’m looking forward to meeting the folks in this community as well. 🙂
One small clarification for readers. When I said “difference between Passover and Yom Teruah” I of course meant “difference between Passover and Yom Kippur”
Ok Marcus here’s a sliver of what you are beginning to look into.
He. 6:18 So that we, who have gone in flight from danger to the hope which has been put before us, may have a strong comfort in two unchanging things, in which it is not possible for God to be false;
19 And this hope is like a strong band for our souls, fixed and certain, and going in to that which is inside the veil;
20 Where Jesus HAS gone before us, as a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Heb 6:20 Where Jesus HAS gone before us, as a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Heb 9:12 And HAS gone once and for ever into the holy place, having got eternal salvation, not through the blood of goats and young oxen, but through his blood.
Heb 9:24 For Christ did not go into a holy place which had been made by men’s hands as the copy of the true one; but he went into heaven itself, and now takes his place before the face of God for us.
25 And he did not have to make an offering of himself again and again, as the high priest goes into the holy place every year with blood which is not his;
26 For then he would have undergone a number of deaths FROM THE TIME OF THE MAKING OF THE WORLD: but now he HAS come to us at the end of the old order, to put away sin by the offering of himself.
27 And because by God’s law death comes to men once, and after that they are judged;
28 So Christ, having at his FIRST coming taken on himself the sins of men, WILL BE seen a second time, without sin, by those who are waiting for him, for their salvation.
EVERYTHING WE ARE DISCUSSING IS RIGHT HERE IN THESE VERSES.
The FINAL MANIFESTATION of the fall feasts is yet to come. This is a hugely simple version of what can be seen in these feasts but consider this.
The lunar calender was spun around by seven months at the Exodus. The first month commonly known as Nisan or Aviv was originally the 7th month from creation, and the present 7th month commonly known as Tishri was originally the first month of creation. So the feast which was first is now last and the last first. The feasts were set before the foundations of the world. We see this in the 4th day of creation where the Sun was made to mark off the days (of the week) and the moon was made for the Moedim (appointed times and seasons) suggesting that they were needed to facilitate something per-existing.
With this in mind it makes sense to me that Yeshua entered into the Heavenly Holy of holies before the foundations of the world (perhaps on the Original Day of Atonement? I don’t know!
I don’t know how that happened but it seems reasonable to my goofy sense of reasoning. I’ll be the first to tell you I don’t know anything anymore. Life was so much easier when I knew everything but this is a far more exciting way to live. It’s called faith in Messiah. I don’t need to know everything I just need to do what I know and more is given as I need to know.
The day of atonement is the setting that the writer to the Hebrews uses. The High Priest only enters in on the Great Day of Atonement. That is the 10th day of the 7th month (which at creation was the 1st month).
There is so much to consider here. So many pictures. The spring and fall feasts are in a sense mirror images to each other. The 10th day of the Paschal month the Lamb is brought into the house. The 10th day of the fall feasts the Lamb is sacrificed for the nation of Israel and the blood brought into the Holiest place and sprinkled on the mercy seat. And all the nation of Israel including any who would come and be joined to Israel was saved.
Saved for what? Maybe to become the priesthood that will rule and reign with Messiah in the Millennium! Thy kingdom come! Thy will be done! WHERE? ON EARTH as IT (already)IS in heaven. Maranatha!