Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 23:2 (Fall 2019)
Article: Genesis, Deuteronomy, And The Hope Of An Eschatological Mediator
Author: Jared M. August

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Genesis, Deuteronomy, And The Hope Of An Eschatological Mediator

Jared August

Abstract: This study examines the implications of the eschatological nature of Genesis upon the three mediatory roles described in Deuteronomy 17:14–18:22. It is demonstrated that, beginning in Genesis 3:15, there is an expectation that a future individual will come and succeed in the areas where Adam failed. In view of this hope, an anticipatory expectation emerges in Deuteronomy in relation to the offices of king (17:14–20), priest (18:1–8), and prophet (18:9–22). As such, it appears that these three mediatory roles are best viewed as provisional, pointing to the eventual coming of the eschatological Mediator—the Second Adam—first promised in Genesis.

Key Words: Genesis, Deuteronomy, Adam, mediator, prophet, priest, king

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As one of the most cited books in both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament, the book of Deuteronomy is frequently examined for its influence upon subsequent Scripture.2 Yet although the citations and allusions to Deuteronomy by later biblical authors are often discussed, little has been written regarding the use of antecedent revelation in

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Deuteronomy.3 That is, despite Deuteronomy’s frequent allusions to the promises of Genesis given “to our fathers,” there has been little consideration of the implications of Genesis upon the interpretation of Deuteronomy.4 Central to the relationship between these two books is the connection between the eschatological expectation of Genesis 1–3 and the three mediatory roles of Deuteronomy 17:14–18:22 (king, priest, and prophet).5 In light of this expectation, the mediatory roles of king, priest, and prophet in Deuteronomy are best viewed as

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provisional, pointing to the eventual coming of the promised eschatological Mediator.

I. Allusions To Promises Of Genesis In Deuteronomy

It is evident in the numerous allusions to the promises of Genesis in Deuteronomy that Genesis stands as the...