Hymnic, Prophetic, and Apocalyptic Literature

Bruce Waltke analyzes the prophetic and apocalyptic literature in the Old Testament.

Introduction to the Old Testament Lesson

  • The Davidic Covenant and Psalms
  • The role of the King as the Messiah
  • The concept of messianism in the Old Testament

Discussion of Anointing in the Old Testament

  • Explanation of the term "Messiah" (Anointed One)
  • Importance and symbolism of anointing (public declaration, divine ownership, authority, and gifting)
  • Historical and theological significance during the monarchy

Messianic Expectation and Exile

  • The shift in the meaning of "anointed" after the exile
  • The development of messianic hope and the ideal king in the Psalms

Detailed Examination of Messianic Psalms

  • The Psalms as reflections of the royal ideology and the King’s divine role
  • The King as a superhuman figure endowed with God's spirit and representing the people

Typology and Messianic Interpretation in the Psalms

  • The Psalms’ prophetic nature, foreshadowing Christ
  • The continuity between the historical King and the Messiah, who fulfills the Psalms’ royal ideals
  • Prophetic details in the Psalms that surpass the historical experience of David

New Testament Interpretation of the Psalms

  • Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the royal Psalms
  • Christology and how the New Testament expands the understanding of “Son of God”
  • The connection between Old Testament messianic prophecies and their realization in Jesus

Transition to Prophetic Literature

  • Definition of prophets in the Old Testament: God's mouthpiece, representing His word
  • Introduction of Moses as the first prophet and the model for future prophets

Role of the Prophet in Israel’s Covenant Relationship

  • Prophets as covenant enforcers, often delivering oracles of judgment or salvation
  • Their role in calling Israel to repentance or pronouncing judgment for covenant violations

Call of Isaiah as a Prophet

  • Isaiah's vision of God's holiness and his cleansing and commissioning as a prophet
  • Prophetic commission to deliver messages of judgment or comfort to Israel

Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature

  • Overview of the nature of apocalyptic writings (e.g., Daniel, Revelation)
  • The difference between prophecy and apocalyptic: determinism and the intrusion of the future into the present
  • Apocalyptic themes of divine intervention and the end of the current age

Conclusion

  • Summarizing the distinct role of prophets and apocalyptic literature in conveying God’s plans
  • Closing remarks on the interplay between prophecy, judgment, and salvation

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.

About the Contributors