The Teacher Of Righteousness: A Messianic Interpretation Of Joel 2:23 -- By: Michael A. Rydelnik

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 176:702 (Apr 2019)
Article: The Teacher Of Righteousness: A Messianic Interpretation Of Joel 2:23
Author: Michael A. Rydelnik


The Teacher Of Righteousness:
A Messianic Interpretation Of Joel 2:23

Michael A. Rydelnik

Michael A. Rydelnik is professor and program head of Jewish studies at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois.

This article will be included in the forthcoming Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy, ed. Michael A. Rydelnik and Edwin A. Blum (Chicago: Moody, 2019).

Abstract

The title of the Qumran leader, the Teacher of Righteousness, seems to be derived from a biblical text, but which specific text has been disputed. The most likely source of the title is Joel 2:23. The Qumran sect was accurate in their understanding of this text, but incorrect in identifying their founder as the referent. Instead, Joel 2:23 predicts the Messiah coming to Israel and ushering in a reign of prosperity and abundance.

The Qumran sect had a mysterious and revered leader. In the mid- to late-second century BC, they mention the “Teacher of Righteousness” some fifteen times in the published Dead Sea Scrolls.1 Although he does not appear to be considered the Messiah, the Teacher of Righteousness did have messianic characteristics, including the idea that “fidelity to his inspired teaching [was] considered necessary for salvation.”2 In attributing messianic qualities to this mysterious teacher, the Qumran scrolls depict him “as a new Moses,” a role also central to Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as Messiah.3

Scholars recognize the Qumran community’s source of the title Teacher of Righteousness as biblical, though the specific reference is disputed. Some attribute it to Hosea 10:12 (“until he comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain,” עַד־יָבוֹא וְיֹרֶה צֶדֶק לָכֶם), while others see it as derived from Joel 2:23 (“because he gives you the autumn rain for your vindication,” כִּי־נָתַן לָכֶם אֶת־הַמּוֹרֶה לִצְדָקָה). Still others view it as coming from both verses.4

What is pert...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()