New Testament texts in #Messiah via AI, #Psalter

I have been without a proper office for over a year now, and all my books are either given away or in storage. So analysis of the New Testament texts is a bit of a chore and I decided to ask my open AI companion, ChatGPT - a polite chap who answers without complaint. He told me things I knew already and saved a lot of time writing. I won't pursue these in the music of the Tanach yet. It would extend my Messiah project longer than I can manage at present. But I think you can find here some interesting possible connections to think about if not to sing.

You (that's what ChatGPT calls me)
I am looking for allusions to the LXX or the Hebrew Scriptures for a new testament verse: let's try Luke 2:8 - There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

ChatGPT
Certainly, let's explore the possible allusions to the Hebrew Scriptures or the LXX (Septuagint) in Luke 2:8. This verse describes the scene of shepherds in the field at the time of Jesus' birth. While there might not be a direct quotation, there are some potential connections to the Old Testament.
Shepherds in the Field:
Possible Allusion: 

• Genesis 37:12-17 - The story of Joseph, where he is sent by his father to check on his brothers who were tending the flock in the field.

Keeping Watch over their Flock by Night:
Possible Allusion: This imagery could be reminiscent of passages describing night-time protection or watchfulness.

• Psalm 23:1: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
• Micah 7:14: "Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, which lives by itself in a forest, in fertile pasturelands."

While these connections may not be direct quotations, the image of shepherds in the field and the theme of night-time watchfulness are recurring motifs in the Hebrew Scriptures, contributing to the rich tapestry of biblical imagery. When examining allusions, it's important to consider the broader cultural and literary context of the time, as well as the theological messages being conveyed in the New Testament.

You
What do you make of that word for shepherd in Hebrew. It has the same letters as friend or associate -- also frequently translated as neighbour -- though that is not my practice. How is it that the same three consonants are the Hebrew root of these three concepts?

ChatGPT
The Hebrew language often exhibits a root-based system, where a combination of consonants forms the core meaning of related words. In the case of "shepherd," "friend," and "neighbor," the common root is ר-ע-ה (resh-ayin-hei). This root conveys the fundamental idea associated with tending, caring, or shepherding.

• Shepherd (רֹעֶה - Ro'eh): This term is used to describe someone who tends and cares for a flock of animals. Metaphorically, it can also connote a leader or guide.
• Friend (רֵעַ - Re'a): The word for "friend" is derived from the same root. It reflects a close and caring relationship, similar to the care a shepherd provides to their flock.
• Neighbor (רֵעַ - Re'a): The term "neighbor" is also rooted in the same consonants, emphasizing a sense of closeness and community, much like the care given by a shepherd to the flock.

This phenomenon is an example of how Hebrew, as a Semitic language, uses roots to convey related meanings. The context in which these words are used helps to differentiate their specific meanings, but the shared root highlights a thematic connection. It reflects the interconnectedness of concepts in Hebrew, allowing for nuanced expressions of relationships and care.

You
Back to allusions: What allusions in the Hebrew scriptures do you read for Luke 2:9? And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

ChatGPT
The verse Luke 2:9 describes the arrival of the angel of the Lord to the shepherds, accompanied by the glory of the Lord. Let's explore potential allusions in the Hebrew Scriptures:
"The Angel of the Lord":
Possible Allusions:

• Genesis 16:7-14: The Angel of the Lord appears to Hagar in the wilderness.
• Exodus 3:2-6: The burning bush incident, where the Angel of the Lord appears to Moses.
• Judges 6:11-24: The Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon.
• In each of these instances, the Angel of the Lord serves as a divine messenger, often bringing significant announcements or guidance.

"The Glory of the Lord":
Possible Allusions:

• Exodus 24:16-17: The glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai.
• 1 Kings 8:10-11: The manifestation of the glory of the Lord at the dedication of Solomon's temple.
• Ezekiel 1:28: Ezekiel's vision of the glory of the Lord.
• The imagery of the glory of the Lord often signifies the divine presence, majesty, and a sense of the sacred.

"And They Were Sore Afraid":
Possible Allusions:

• Exodus 3:6: Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God (when encountering the burning bush).
• Judges 6:22-23: Gideon realizes he has seen the Angel of the Lord and fears for his life.

Fear in the presence of divine manifestations is a common reaction in biblical encounters.

These allusions contribute to the richness of the narrative in Luke, connecting the events surrounding the birth of Jesus with significant moments in the Hebrew Scriptures where divine messengers and the glory of the Lord played pivotal roles.

You
I read Luke 2, 10–11 and I think we couldn't understand this sentence without the Hebrew scriptures in the background. What do you think? And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

ChatGPT
You are correct in observing that Luke 2:10-11 is deeply rooted in the context of the Hebrew Scriptures, and understanding these verses is enriched by considering the background of Old Testament prophecies and themes.
"Fear Not":
Possible Allusions:

• Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
• Daniel 10:12: "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard."
• The reassurance to "fear not" echoes the comforting words spoken by divine messengers in the Hebrew Scriptures.

"Good Tidings of Great Joy":
Possible Allusions:

• Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"
• The proclamation of good tidings and joy is reminiscent of Isaiah's vision of messengers bringing news of salvation.

"To All People":
Possible Allusions:

• Isaiah 49:6: "I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
• The inclusive message of salvation reaching all people aligns with the broader prophetic vision of God's plan for humanity.

"City of David" and "Saviour, which is Christ the Lord":
Possible Allusions:

• Micah 5:2: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."
• Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

These verses connect the birthplace and the messianic identity of Jesus with earlier prophecies.
In summary, Luke 2:10-11 is intricately woven with themes and language from the Hebrew Scriptures, emphasizing continuity between the Old Testament promises and the fulfillment found in the birth of Jesus, who is proclaimed as the Savior, the Christ, and the Lord. Understanding this background enhances the depth and significance of the angel's announcement.

You
Continuing with Luke 2:13-14 - you will note that I am looking at New testament passages used by Handel in Messiah. Where would I see a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and singing Glory to God, and peace on earth, good will toward men (not ignoring that this last bit is not a great translation of the Greek).

ChatGPT
The passage you are referring to, Luke 2:13-14, is indeed a central part of the Nativity narrative and is also famously incorporated into Handel's Messiah. The angelic proclamation of "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" is a significant moment in the Christmas story.
The specific reference to a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and singing about peace on earth is found only in the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 2:13-14 (King James Version) states: "13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

This particular scene, with the multitude of angels praising God, is unique to Luke's Gospel and serves to emphasize the heavenly affirmation of the extraordinary event unfolding on earth – the birth of the Savior.

Regarding your observation about the translation of "good will toward men" from the Greek, it's worth noting that the phrase in Greek is "εὐδοκία ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας" (eudokia en anthropois eudokias). The interpretation of this phrase can vary, and some suggest an alternative translation that emphasizes God's favor or goodwill among those with whom He is pleased.

While Luke 2:14 is unique to Luke, the idea of peace associated with the arrival of the Messiah is consistent with other Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 9:6-7, which foretells the birth of a child who will bring peace and righteousness to the world.

You
I wonder if we could see some roots for the multitude in the last five psalms 146-150?

ChatGPT
While the specific phrase "multitude of the heavenly host" is not found in the last five Psalms (Psalms 146-150), these Psalms do contain themes related to praise, worship, and the assembly of God's people. Let's explore some relevant themes and roots that may resonate with the idea of a multitude praising God:

• Psalms 146: Focus on trusting in God, who is the help and hope of His people.
• Psalms 147: Emphasizes God's care for Jerusalem and His power over creation.
• Psalms 148: Calls upon all creation, including angels and heavenly hosts, to praise the Lord.
• Psalms 149: Highlights the praise of God with singing and the sounding of trumpets. It mentions the assembly of the godly.
• Psalms 150: A grand finale of the Psalms, urging everything that has breath to praise the Lord.

While these Psalms don't explicitly use the phrase "multitude of the heavenly host," they celebrate the idea of a vast assembly praising and worshiping God. The emphasis on praising God with various instruments and voices, including references to angels and all creation, aligns with the joyful proclamation of the angels in Luke 2:13-14. The Psalms, especially Psalms 148-150, provide a rich backdrop for understanding the exuberant praise and worship depicted in the New Testament narrative.