The Old Testament in the Book of Revelation

Abstract

Though once neglected, the study of the Old Testament in the book of Revelation has received a great deal of attention in recent years. The reason for the neglect was that John does not actually quote the Old Testament but uses its language to construct his visions. His favorite books are those of the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, along with the Psalms. The sheer density of allusions and echoes has led some scholars to call it a “midrash,” though others do not think this does justice to the originality of John’s composition. The chapter begins with the question of the language of the allusions and echoes and then moves on to John’s use of particular books (Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah), his fusion of allusions and echoes in particular passages (1:12–16; 5:5–6; 12:1–18; 15:3–5) and his use of common Old Testament themes (Worship God alone/New Exodus/God’s abiding presence).