Psalm 110 and the Logic of Hebrews (Library of New Testament Studies | LNTS)

by Jared Compton

Publisher:

Bloomsbury

, 2015

Overview

A neglected area of study of the letter to the Hebrews is the function of the Old Testament in the letter’s logic. Compton addresses this neglect by looking at two other ideas that have themselves received too little attention, namely (1) the unique and fundamental semantic contribution of Hebrews’ exposition (vis-à-vis its exhortation) and (2) the prominence of Ps 110 in the author’s exposition. The conclusion becomes clear that Hebrews’ exposition-its theological argument-turns, in large part, on successive inferences drawn from Ps 110:1 and 4.

Compton observes that the author uses the text in the first part of his exposition to (1) interpret Jesus’ resurrection as his messianic enthronement, (2) connect Jesus’ enthronement with his fulfillment of Ps 8’s vision for humanity and, thus, (3) begin to explain why Jesus was enthroned through suffering. In the second and third parts of his exposition, the author uses the text to corroborate the narrative initially sketched. Thus, he uses the text to (1) show that messiah was expected to be a superior priest and, moreover, (2) show that this messianic priest was expected to solve the human problem through death.

Key Features

• Frames the study of Hebrew and its use of the Old Testmant in terms of its internal logic and structure
• Provides an insighting look at the author's purpose
• Extensive bibliography

Contents

• Introduction
• Messianic Enthronement and Death in Hebrews 1-2
• Messianic Priesthood in Hebrews 5-7
• Messianic Sacrifice in Hebrews 8-10
• Conclusion
• Appendix Survey of Literature on the Use of the Old Testament in Hebrews' Structure

Top Highlights

“Hebrews’ two genres—exposition and exhortation—can be separately considered.^{5” (Pages 2–3)}

“And it is the new revelation’s continuity with the old, its fulfillment of the old, that gives it a superior authority” (Page 26)

“Thus, before Jesus is the better priest, the author wants us to see that he is first the better or true Adam.” (Page 51)

“Only because Jesus is the exalted son can he be the heavenly priest (8:1–2).³³ And, since he is the heavenly priest, the one promised in the psalm (and, as the present exposition suggests, foreshadowed in Exod. 25), he must and was expected to bring a superior sacrifice to those required by the law (8:3–6a; cf. 5:1–3).” (Page 105)

“The substitution, however, did not greatly affect the meaning of the Psalm or, for that matter, the author’s argument,²¹⁹ even though σῶμα more immediately suggests messiah’s incarnation and sacrifice (v. 10).” (Page 147)

Endorsements

I commend the book to students and professors alike if they wish to delve into studying the priesthood of Christ, the use of the OT in Hebrews, or the structure of the epistle.

Evangelical Review of Theology

The monograph offers fresh insight into the use of Ps 110 in Hebrews, and the way in which such use informs the epistle's citation of other scriptural texts.

The Expository Times

Compton offers a solid reading of Hebrews' use of Psalm 110. The voluminous footnotes show a well-researched study ... This book will be an important resource both for students of Hebrews and for those interested in the New Testament's use of the Old Testament.

The Journal of Theological Studies

Compton's work is a masterful example of exegesis. Clarifying for the novice and expert alike, his book brings into focus the expositional main points in Hebrews that Jesus, the fulfillment of the Messiah Priest of Psalm 110, solves humanity's problem and opens the way back to paradise.

Catholic Biblical Quarterly

[Compton's] work will be appreciated by those who are familiar with the more difficult questions the sermon raises for contemporary readers.

BIBLICA

Product Details

• Title: Psalm 110 and the Logic of Hebrews
• Author: Jared Compton
• Series: Library of New Testament Studies
• Volume: 537
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2017
• Pages: 240
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Hebrews › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. O.T. Psalms 110 › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. O.T. Psalms 110 › Relation to Hebrews
• ISBNs: 9780567662705, 9780567662712, 9780567682673, 0567662705, 0567662713, 0567682676
• Resource ID: LLS:PSLM110LGCHBRWS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:28:43Z

About Jared Compton

Jared Compton (Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek at Bethlehem College & Seminary. Previously, he served as a Pastor for Discipleship at Crossway Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin.