Allusions to 2 Esdras in the New Testament
Allusions to 2Esdras in the New Testament.
By
Stephen W. Kraner
Dedication:
Dedicated to the noble Bereans that study whether those things be so.
Acts 17:10, 11.
| ©Copyright by Stephen W. Kraner, 2006. Limited royalty free copy/distribution release is herewith granted to the holder of this document for ten personal copies for the purpose of distribution to friends. On condition of royalty consideration of $0.25 per copy (after initial ten free copies), copy and distribution release is herewith granted of this document. Remit royalty consideration to: Stephen W. Kraner 821 S. Williams Street, Apt. C603 Westmont, IL 60559 USA |
Allusions to 2Esdras in the New Testament.
By
Stephen W. Kraner
| Disclaimer:
This study regarding the usage or references of 2nd Esdras in the New Testament is |
Introduction.
The objective of this paper is to show the high degree of references (allusions) to the apocryphal book, “2Esdras,” found in the New Testament. The ancient
book known as “2Esdras” is found in the collection of books that have been passed down to us from the Septuagint (LXX). This collection of books is called,
“The Apocrypha.”
The Seventh-day Adventist prophetess, Ellen White, makes the following statement:
| “I then saw the Word of God, pure and unadulterated, and that we must answer for the way we received the truth proclaimed from that Word. I saw that it had been a hammer to break the flinty heart in pieces, and a fire to consume the dross and tin, that the heart might be pure and holy. I saw that the APOCRYPHA was the hidden book, and that the wise of these last days should understand it. I saw that the Bible was the standard Book, that will judge us at the last day.” Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases Volume Sixteen, page 34, A Vision Received in Oswego, New York, January 26, 1850, –Ms 4, 1850. |
In the following parallels, it is important to remember that 2Esdras was included in the Septuagint (LXX), the Hebrew Old Testament, which was translated
about 250 years prior to the birth of Christ. Internally, 2Esdras claims to have been written 400 years prior to the birth of “Jesus.” This is so because 2Esdras
contains a prophecy specifically naming our Savior and that He would die:
- “27 For My Son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and they that remain shall rejoice within four hundred years.
- 28 After these years shall My son Christ die…” 2Esdras 7:27, 28.
Only two other persons in Scripture were named more than a hundred years before they were born, Josiah and Cyrus. See 1Kings 13:2 and Isaiah 44:28; 45:1. In
the words above from 2Esdras, the Savior, as Messiah is specifically named, Yahushua [Jesus], four hundred years before His birth! [The Septuagint, within
which is contained the book of 2Esdras, was translated three hundred years before the birth of Yahushua. And, as noted above, among the Dead Sea scrolls,
fragments of 2Esdras, written in Hebrew, dating from the third century B.C. have been found.
Point: This prophecy pre-existed the birth of Yahushua of Nazareth.]
Besides prophesying the Messiah’s name would be Yahushua (KJV: Jesus), 2Esdras 7:28, 29 is a prophecy that the Messiah would be “the Son of G-d,” “My
Son.” And, it was prophesied that “My Son Messiah shall die.” The point is that “2Esdras” existed prior to the birth of Yahushua (Jesus) and prior to the
writings of the New Testament.
The New Testament allusions to 2Esdras are:
- Matthew 23:34-39 (alluding to 2Esdras 1:28-33);
- Luke 11:47-51 (alluding to 2Esdras 1:28-33);
- Matthew 24:3-8 (alluding to 2Esdras 8:61-9:6); and,
- Revelation 7:3-10 and 14:1-5 (alluding to 2Esdras 2:38-47).
Allusions 1 and 2:
1. Matthew 23:34-39 and 2, Luke 11:47-51
Alluding to 2Esdras 1:28-33.
The first New Testament allusions to 2Esdras are found in the parallel texts of Matthew 23:34-39 and Luke 11:47-51:
Matthew 23:34-39.
| Luke 11:47-51
|
Before we examine the allusion to 2Esdras, the reader should know that there are three possible sources from the regular canon of Scripture to which Yahushua
could be alluding. They are 2Kings 17:13-41; Jeremiah 7:24; and, 2Chronicles 24:18-21:
- “13 Yet YHWH testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes,
according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. - 14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in YHWH their Elohim.” 2Kings 17:13, 14 (See also verses 15-41).
- “24 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
- 25 Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending [them]: ”
Jeremiah 7:24, 25.(2) - “18 And they left the house of YHWH Elohim of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
- 19 Yet He sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto YHWH; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
- 20 And the Spirit of Elohim came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith Elohim, Why transgress ye the
commandments of YHWH, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken YHWH, He hath also forsaken you. - 21 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of YHWH.” 2Chronicles 24:18-21.
The interesting thing about the above three texts is that they seem to have been separately stated. The 2Kings statement was likely written prior to Jeremiah’s
text, and the reference to Zechariah in 2Chronicles appears to have been made after the Jeremiah text. The 2Esdras statement to follow was made AFTER the
70 years of Babylonian captivity.
Of the three canonical texts above, I believe that the 2Chronicles 24:18-21 has the greatest parallel to the Matthew and Luke texts. Note the parallel between
2Chronicles and Matthew 23 below:
|
2Chronicles 24:18-21.
| Matthew 23:34-39.
|
Besides the reference to “sending prophets,” the common mention of “Zechariah” and the parallel of “because ye have forsaken YHWH, He hath also forsaken
you” to “behold your house is left unto you desolate” causes me to believe that 2Chronicles 24:18-21 is the best canonical allusion of Matthew 23:34-39.
While researching and writing this section, I couldn’t help but wonder whether Yahushua was quoting from still yet another source that is not currently included
in our canon of Scripture. I found the extra-canonical reference in 2Esdras (known by some as 4Esdras) 1:28-33:
- “28: Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Have I not prayed you as a father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her young babes,
29: That ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that ye would be my children, and I should be your father?
30: I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out from my face.
31: When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemn feastdays, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I forsaken.32: I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands, saith the Lord.
” 2Esdras 1:28-33.
33: Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will cast you out as the wind doth stubble.
The following parallel of 2Esdras 1:28-33 and Matthew 23:34-39 shows the definite allusion of Matthew 23:34-39 to 2Esdras 1:28-33:
2Esdras 1:28-33
| Matthew 23:34-39.
|
2Esdras 1:28-33 has a greater occurrence of word parallels to Matthew 23:3439 (and also, Luke 11:47-51). Besides the phrase, “I send unto you …prophets,”
2Esdras includes the “hen gathering her chickens under her wings” phrase; and, 2Esdras includes the “requiring of the blood of the prophets” from the “slain”
[Abel] to the “torn bodies in pieces” [of Zechariah]. Further, 2 Esdras includes the specific words, “You house is left unto you desolate.”
A little more is comprehended when 2Chronicles 24:18-21 and 2Esdras 1:28-33 are paralleled:
2Chronicles 24:18-21.
| 2Esdras 1:28-33.
|
Notice in 2Chronicles 24:20, that the Spirit is speaking through Zechariah and refers to YHWH as “He.” That is, the Spirit refers to YHWH as “He,’ someone
other than the Spirit’s self.
Notice the parallel of phrases between 2Chronicles 24:20 (“because ye have forsaken YHWH, He hath forsaken you.”) and 2Esdras 1:33 (“your house is left
unto you desolate”)
Allusion 2:
Luke 11:47-51, verse 49.
An important note to the above parallel is the additional reference to 2Esdras 1:32, found in Luke 11:49, where Yahushua referred to that which He was quoting
as originating from “the Wisdom of G-d.”
- “47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
- 48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
- 49 Therefore also said the Wisdom [Sophia] of G-d, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
- 50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
- 51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.” Luke 11:47-51.
To what does Yahushua refer to when He said, “Therefore also said the Wisdom of G-d…”? Does He refer to the body of literature called the “Wisdom
literature” (Proverbs and Ecclesiastes)? (The “Wisdom literature” was included in the “Ketubim,” the “Writings.”)
The Hebrew Scriptures are divided up into three primary sections:
- The “law” (Torah);
- The “prophets” (Nebuim); and,
- The “Writings” (Ketubim),
From these words we get the acronym “TaNaK.” The “Writings” included the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the histories recorded in Kings and Chronicles.
Yahushua referred to this three division in Luke 24:44:
“44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in
the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.
The “Psalms” was the beginning book of the section of the “Writings.” Here is a problem. None of the above three possible source texts for Luke 1:49-51 belong
the to body of Scripture called, “the Wisdom literature.” The 2Kings text and the 2Chronicles text do belong to the “Ketubim,” the “Writings,” but they do not
belong to the specific body of writings called, “the Wisdom literature.” Is it possible that Yahushua was including 2Esdras among the “Wisdom literature”? If He
is, then He may be asserting the canonicity of 2Esdras.
Or, does He refer to the Divine Person, “Wisdom” who both “speaks” and “sends”? If He refers to personified Divine “Wisdom” then, according to the Savior’s
own words, the words quoted in Luke 11:49 and Matthew 23:34 from 2Esdras 1:32 were spoken by feminine Wisdom. Since the Divine person, Wisdom, is the
source for Yahushua’s statement and, since (as noted below) there is a greater quantity of word parallels between Matthew 23:34-39 and 2Esdras 8:61 – 9:6 than
any of the above possible allusions, therefore, Y’shua asserts that 2Esdras was inspired by the Divine person, Wisdom.
I conclude that Yahushua’s reference to Zechariah in Luke 11:51 and the correlation of the feminine gendered Hebrew word for “Spirit” (ruach) to the feminine
personified “Wisdom” in relationship to sending prophets make the statements from 2Chronicles 24:18-21 to be the most likely “canonical” source for
Yahushua’s statement. But, because there is a greater quantity of word parallels between Matthew 23:34-39 (and Luke 11:47-51) and 2Esdras 1:28-33, I
conclude that 2Esdras is the primary allusion.
Allusion 3:
Matthew 24:3-8 (alluding to 2Esdras 8:61-9:6).
The next New Testament allusion to 2Esdras is found in Matthew 24:3-8. In what is called the “mini-eschaton” (Matthew 24), our Savior refers to 2Esdras, as
shown in the following parallel:
2Esdras 8
2Esdras 9
|
8 All these [are] the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:3-8. |
Like as the disciples asked of Y’shua (Jesus), Ezra asks, “[N]ow hast thou shewed me the multitude of wonders which thou wilt begin to do in the last times: but
at what time, thou has not shewed me.” This question from the disciples, “When shall these things be?”, appears to be the “hook” that took Y’shua to 2Esdras
for an already existing beginning to an outline for His answer to the disciples. Other parallels between 2Esdras 8:61-9:6 and Matthew 24:3-8 include:
- Ezra is cautioned to “measure thou the time diligently” and the disciples are cautioned to “let no man deceive” them. At minimum a “caution” is paralleled.
- In Matthew 24:8, Y’shua states that His preceding comments denote “the beginning of sorrows.” In 2Esdras 8:63; 9:2 and 9:5-6, Ezra is also told that there
are plain beginnings to the last times. (Note: the disciples included the “end of the world” in their question in Matthew 24:3.) Therefore, at minimum, we have
a thematic parallel of “the beginning of the end of the last times.” - Specific parallels within the general parallel of the theme of “the beginning of the end of the last times” include:
- Earthquakes. Compare 2Esdras 9:3 to Matthew 24:7. And,
- ‘Uproars of the people in the world,” compares to “wars and rumors of wars” and to “nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
See 2Esdras 9:3 and Matthew 24:6-7.
I conclude that Y’shua, when beginning to answer His disciples question, “when shall these things be…the end of the world?”, He purposefully drew upon the
already existing outline given to Ezra who had a similar question. This intentional use of 2Esdras for His response regarding the “end of the world” makes
2Esdras to have a bearing upon that subject. We would do well to heed the association that our Savior made to 2Esdras!
Allusion 4:
Revelation 7:3-10 and 14:1-5 (alluding to 2Esdras 2:38-47).
The following parallel from John the Revelator to 2Esdras 38-47 shows still another distinct allusion to 2Esdras:
2Esdras 2:38-47:
42 I Esdras [Ezra] saw upon mount Zion a great people, whom I could not number, and they | Revelation 7:
|
2Esdras:
|
|
Remembering that in Revelation 1:1, the whole of the book of Revelation was given to John from Yahushua (Jesus), thus making the following allusions to
2Esdras to have their first source from Y’shua, the following are parallels between 2Esdras 2:38-47 and Revelation 7:1-10; 14:1-6.
- Sealed. Both 2Esdras and Revelation refer to “sealed” persons. Compare 2Esdras 2:38 to Revelation 7:3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and, 8.
- Number (of those sealed). Both 2Esdras and Revelation call attention to the “number” of those that are “sealed.” Ezra does not specify the number. Yet,
that there is a “number” is significant to both Ezra and John. Compare 2Esdras 2:38, 40-41 to Revelation 7:4, 5, 6, 7 and, 8. - A great multitude that no man can number. Compare 2Esdras 2:42 to Revelation 7:9. Though there is a controversy as to whether the “144,000” and the
“great multitude” are the same group, both 2Esdras and Revelation take specific note that there is a “great multitude which no man can number.”Most scholars hold that the “144,000” and the “great multitude” are two separate groups. Though it appears that Ezra makes them to be one group, it is not
necessarily conclusive. There are a number of places in Scripture where brevity in one text seems to describe a scene one way, while other texts add additional
information that explain more fully the scene and its participants. I hold that the “144,000” can be understood as a subset of a “great multitude that no man
can number’, i.e. it require One who is “no man” to number them. Further, there are several prophecies about literal Israel that because of their apostasy they
would be scattered to the nations and would be caused to loose their naive tongue and their identity. But, I also hold that the “great multitude that no man can
number” is a specific reference to Genesis 15:5; 32:12 (compare to Deuteronomy 1:10; 10:22; 1Kings 3:8; Hosea 1:10) and especially to Genesis 48:16-19,
where Ephraim is prophesied to become “a multitude of nations.” Additionally, there is a special typology in relationship to the sacrifices offered by Solomon
at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, “which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.” 2Chronicles 5:6. See also 1Kings 8:5. - “Clothed in glorious apparel” cf. “Clothed with white robes.” Compare 2Esdras 2:39, 40, 45 to Revelation 7:9. See also Revelation 3:4-5, 18.
- Crowns. Note 2Esdras 2:43, 46. While Revelation 7:1-10 and 14:1-6 does not mention “crowns,” taking all of Revelation as a general context, Revelation
4:4 specifically associates “white raiment” to “crowns” relative to the twenty-four elders; and both Revelation 2:10 and 3:11 refer to members of the churches
of Smyrna and Philadelphia as having crowns. - Palms. Compare 2Esdras 2:45, 46 to Revelation 7:9. In the second temple (Herod’s Temple) both priests and attending Israelites would hold palm branches,
while dressed in white during the Feast of Tabernacles. - Singing songs (Psalms) of praise. Compare 2Esdras 2:42 to Revelation 7:10; 14:2-3.
- Mount Zion. Compare 2Esdras 2:42 to Revelation 14:1.
- The Son of Elohim (the Lamb) stands in the midst of them. Compare 2Esdras 2:42, 43, 46, 47 to Revelation 14:1, 4. Note the typology of Solomon in
the midst of Israel in 1Kings 3:8. - The name of YHWH, cf. “Father’s name.’ Compare 2Esdras 2:45, 47 to Revelation 7:3; 14:1. See also Revelation 2:13; 3:1, 8, 12.
Conclusion.
Second Esdras prophecies four hundred years prior to the birth of Yahushua (Jesus) of Nazareth that the name of the Messiah, would be Yahushua (Jesus); that
YHWH says that the Messiah is “My son”; and, that this Yahushua ha’ Messhiach would die! The Savior Himself quotes from 2Esdras, then Matthew and Luke,
quoting the Savior allude to 2Esdras, and John the Revelator quotes from 2Esdras in two different chapters of Revelation. Alluding to 2Esdras, Yahushua refers
to it as being sourced from the Wisdom of Elohim, indicating that either He was including 2Esdras among the Wisdom literature of Scripture or, that the Divine
Person, Wisdom, had spoken the words from 2Esdras. In the New Testament few Tanak (Old Testament) Scriptures are quoted to the degree that 2Esdras is
alluded to or, quoted in the New Testament. Therefore, it is evident that Yahushua ha’Messhiach and Matthew, Luke and John all believed 2Esdras to be
Divinely inspired and authoritative. Therefore, 2Esdras deserves our own respect. In light of this, attention needs to be given to the various teachings and
prophecies in the book of 2Esdras. Among those teachings are statements such as:
- “30: And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven days, like as in the former judgments: so that no man shall remain.
31: And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall be raised up, and that shall die that is corrupt
32: And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her, and so shall the dust those that dwell in silence, and the secret places shall deliver those souls that were committed unto them.
33: And the most High shall appear upon the seat of judgment, and misery shall pass away, and the long suffering shall have an end:” 2Esdras 7:30-33.
Or prophecies such as the prophecy of the three-headed eagle found in 2Esdras, chapter 11.
Further, what is the truth about the 70 hidden books (in addition to the canonical 24 of the Hebrew Scriptures) mentioned in 2Esdras 14:37-47? The books of
Maccabees cannot be included among the “hidden writings” (apocrypha), for they were written after the account recorded in 2Esdras 14. The books that are
called “apocrypha” do not even add up to 70, and it is evident that at least some of them cannot belong to the 70 referred to by 2Esdras. Where are these 70?
How can we confirm that certain “outside’ of regular canon books belong to these seventy which were set apart for the wise, especially of the last generation?
Could the Books of Enoch belong to these 70?
Surely, YHWH will perform His word. He will reveal to His appointed ones the books that have been hidden and preserved for them.
Endnotes:
1. “When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1948 they contained Hebrew copies of 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Sirach, and Psalm 151.” Source:
http://www.biblefacts.org/history/apoc.html.
2. The Greek word translated “apostle” means; “one sent with a message.” Thus, the phrase, “I will send prophets and apostles,” in Luke 11:49 may have its
basis in the Jeremiah 7:25 phrase, “…I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending [them]:”
