Hebrews' Use of the Old Testament: Recent Trends in Research

Abstract

One of the most important areas of Hebrews research concerns the various ways in which the author handles the Old Testament. The past two decades have witnessed an acceleration of research on the book generally, and within the context of the heightened attention, certain trends in exploration of Hebrews' uses of the Old Testament have emerged. A consideration of these trends is carried forward in two movements. First, a brief introduction to the topic is set forth, which focuses on the phenomena surrounding Hebrews' uses of the Old Testament. Here current discussions on direct quotations, allusions, uses of biblical phrases, echoes, and general refer ences are considered, as are the author's uses of introductory formulae. Second, the article details four trends that have surfaced in the literature of recent years. The first trend concerns a movement away from focus on the question of a specific textual form behind Hebrews and a movement to consideration of the author's own minor adjustments in presentation of the text for stylistic and theological purposes. The second trend in research con cerns approaches that read the structure of Hebrews as framed by exposi tions of key Old Testament texts. The third trend involves explorations into specific exegetical methods used by the author of Hebrews, and the fourth, attempts at discerning the author's hermeneutical program. These trends demonstrate the central place in research that Hebrews' use of the Old Tes tament should hold and provide help in thinking more lucidly about the book.