Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Intertestamental Literature Paralleling Hebrews 2:14

 In his commentary on Hebrews, James W. Thompson noted the following about Heb 2:14:

 

The claim that he destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil (2:14c), is reminiscent both of Paul’s declaration that Christ, at his resurrection, destroyed death (1 Cor 15:26, 54–55; cf. 2 Tim 1:10) and of ancient apocalyptic portrayals of the Messiah’s victory over demonic forces (cf. As. Mos. 10.1; T. Levi 18.2; T. Dan 5.10; T. Jud. 25.3; Attridge 1989, 92). (James W. Thompson, Hebrews [Paideia Commentaries on the New Testament; Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2008], 75)

 

Here are the texts of the intertestamental literature referenced:

 

Then his kingdom will appear throughout his whole creation.

Then the devil will have an end.

Yea, sorrow will be led away with him. (Assumption of Moses 10:1)

 

And then the Lord will raise up a new priest

to whom all the words of the Lord will be revealed.

He shall effect the judgment of truth over the earth for many days. (Testament of Levi 18:2)

 

And there shall arise for you from the tribe of Judah and (the tribe of) Levi and the Lord's salvation.

He will make war against Beliar;

He will grant the vengeance of victory as our goal. (Testament of Dan 5:10)

 

"And you shall be one people of the Lord, with one language.

There shall no more be Beliar's spirit of error, because he will be thrown into eternal fire. (Testament of Judah 25:3)

 

Further Reading

 

Thomas J. Farrar, "The Devil in the General Epistles, Part 1: Hebrews"

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