Sensory Experience And The Contrast Between The Covenants In Hebrews 12 -- By: David H. Wenkel

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 173:690 (Apr 2016)
Article: Sensory Experience And The Contrast Between The Covenants In Hebrews 12
Author: David H. Wenkel


Sensory Experience And The Contrast Between The Covenants In Hebrews 12

David H. Wenkel

David H. Wenkel is adjunct faculty in New Testament for Moody Bible Institute.

Abstract

Studies of the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion in Hebrews 12:18-24 have overlooked the key element of sensory experience. On this basis two propositions are set forth. First, the Mosaic covenant is a covenant of the senses because Mount Sinai was unapproachable yet perceivable by the senses. Second, the new covenant’s Mount Zion is superior because it is unperceivable by the five senses while being approachable.

Introduction

The rhetorical climax of the Epistle to the Hebrews (12:18-24) features an indirect and thematic contrast between the holy mountains of Sinai and Zion.1 This contrast should be understood as indirect because “Mount Sinai” is never named directly in verses 18-24.2 Even so, the references to “Moses” in 12:12

and the “new covenant” in 12:24 establish a relatively clear contrast between the Mosaic covenant and the new covenant established through Jesus.

Despite the clarity of the broad ideas at work, problems continue to plague interpreters. Hebrews 12:18-24 is a difficult text because it is difficult to relate obvious themes to the list of obscure references. It may be true that the characteristics of the two covenants are “summed up in the words ‘terror’ and ‘grace.’ ”3 But this large brush does not easily explain the details. One commentator expresses how difficult the matter is and concludes that “there is no close parallel between items in each list.”4 This means that the contrast between Sinai and Zion is only “loosely balanced.”5 Another commentator looks for balance between the two sections of verses 18-24 and finds that they “fail to correspond at every point.”6 This study agrees with Ellingworth that each item is part of a strategy of “rhetorical heaping rather t...

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