Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 174:693 (Jan 2017)
Article: Jesus And Possessing The Enemies’ Gate (Genesis 22:17-18; 24:60)
Author: Andrew E. Steinmann

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Jesus And Possessing The Enemies’ Gate (Genesis 22:17-18; 24:60)

Andrew E. Steinmann

Andrew E. Steinmann is Distinguished Professor of Theology and Hebrew, Concordia University, Chicago, Illinois.

Abstract

Most modern scholars agree that the reference to “seed” (זרע) in the promise to Abraham (Gen. 22:17-18) refers collectively to all of Abraham’s descendants. However, this creates a conflict with Paul’s explanation in Galatians 3:16 that זרע refers to Christ. The syntax of Genesis 22:17-18 and the use of זרע elsewhere in the Old Testament suggest that Paul was indeed correct in his understanding of זרע as a singular reference to Christ. Moreover, Jesus himself claimed in Matthew 16:18 that the second part of the promise to Abraham was fulfilled in him.

I will bless you and make your seed great like the stars of heaven and like the sand that is on the seashore. Moreover, your seed will take possession of the gate of his enemies, and all nations of the earth will be blessed by your seed because you have listened to my voice (Gen. 22:17-18).

And I say to you, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not be victorious over it” (Matt. 16:18).

When lecturing on Genesis 22:17-18, Luther began with this observation:

These words are the subject matter and the gushing fountain, as it were, of many of the prophecies and addresses of Isaiah, David, and Paul. Moreover, they agree with the preceding promises, which are found in Gen. 12:3: “In you all the families of the earth will be blessed” and in Gen. 15:5: “Look toward heaven, and number the

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stars, if you are able; so shall your descendants be.” But this promise is clearer and more explicit.

Above God said: “In you, Abraham, all the families of the earth will be blessed.” There his Seed is included, but it is not expressed. But in this passage it is expressly stated: “In your Seed.” In opposition to the nonsense of the Jews, however, Paul declares and explains that this Seed is Christ (