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.
