Psalm 110 and the Logic of Hebrews

Description

A neglected area of study of the letter to the Hebrews is the function of the Old Testament in the letter's logic. Compton addresses this neglect by looking at two other ideas that have themselves received too little attention, namely (1) the unique and fundamental semantic contribution of Hebrews' exposition (vis-a-vis its exhortation) and (2) the prominence of Ps 110 in the author's exposition. The conclusion becomes clear that Hebrews' exposition-its theological argument-turns, in large part, on successive inferences drawn from Ps 110:1 and 4. Compton observes that the author uses the text in the first part of his exposition to (1) interpret Jesus' resurrection as his messianic enthronement, (2) connect Jesus' enthronement with his fulfillment of Ps 8's vision for humanity and, thus, (3) begin to explain why Jesus was enthroned through suffering. In the second and third parts of his exposition, the author uses the text to corroborate the narrative initially sketched. Thus, he uses the text to (1) show that messiah was expected to be a superior priest and, moreover, (2) show that this messianic priest was expected to solve the human problem through death.

Jared Compton is a pastor at CrossWay Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin, USA.

I commend the book to students and professors alike if they wish to delve into studying the priesthood of Christ, the use of the OT in Hebrews, or the structure of the epistle. * Evangelical Review of Theology * The monograph offers fresh insight into the use of Ps 110 in Hebrews, and the way in which such use informs the epistle's citation of other scriptural texts. * The Expository Times * Compton offers a solid reading of Hebrews' use of Psalm 110. The voluminous footnotes show a well-researched study ... This book will be an important resource both for students of Hebrews and for those interested in the New Testament's use of the Old Testament. * The Journal of Theological Studies * Compton's work is a masterful example of exegesis. Clarifying for the novice and expert alike, his book brings into focus the expositional main points in Hebrews that Jesus, the fulfillment of the Messiah Priest of Psalm 110, solves humanity's problem and opens the way back to paradise. * Catholic Biblical Quarterly * [Compton's] work will be appreciated by those who are familiar with the more difficult questions the sermon raises for contemporary readers. * BIBLICA *