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.
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:
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.
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."
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.
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:
Possible Allusions:
Possible Allusions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Possible Allusions:
Possible Allusions:
Possible Allusions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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:
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.
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