Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 179:716 (Oct 2022)
Article: Echoes Of Scripture In The Prophecy Of Jeremiah
Author: Kenneth E. Guenter

BSac 179:716 (October-December 2022) p. 437

Echoes Of Scripture In The Prophecy Of Jeremiah

Kenneth E. Guenter

Kenneth E. Guenter is Associate Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History at Briercrest College and Seminary, Caronport, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Abstract

Echoes of Deuteronomy 30:3–10 in Jeremiah 32:37–41 offer a striking example of intertextuality within the Tanak. These and surrounding echoes in Jeremiah reveal the covenantal lens of Mosaic promises through which the prophet viewed YHWH’s restoration of Israel. Without citing or quoting Moses, Jeremiah reiterated his ideas, reusing significant Hebrew roots and repeating syntactical rhythms. His method and the reiterated covenant promises merit broader recognition in current studies of intertextuality within the Tanak.

Hays observes: “To understand what the New Testament writers were doing theologically—particularly how they interpret the relation of the gospel to the more ancient story of God’s covenant relationship to Israel—we cannot avoid tracing and understanding their appropriation of Israel’s Scriptures.”1 Equally, to understand what Jeremiah was writing and doing theologically—particularly how he interpreted the relation of Israel’s hopes of restoration to the more ancient story of YHWH’s covenant with Israel—we cannot avoid tracing and understanding his reiterations of Moses. Just as Jesus began with Moses when he interpreted the Scriptures concerning himself for his disciples, so also his disciples today should begin with Moses to interpret all that Jeremiah saw concerning Judah’s future. This article proposes that reiterations of the restoration promises from the Mosaic covenant were central to Jeremiah’s oracles of Israel’s restoration.

BSac 179:716 (October-December 2022) p. 438

Echoes Of Moses In Jeremiah 32:37–41

As the Babylonian army besieged Jerusalem, Jeremiah was imprisoned for predicting the city’s destruction by sword, famine, and pestilence (32:36). That event might have ended YHWH’s relationship with Judah, but he directed Jeremiah to buy his clansman’s field in Anathoth as a sign that “houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land” (v. 15). As the deed was sealed and stored, Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem’s exiles would be regathered, transformed, and planted in their land as his people (vv. 37–41