The Kingdom of God The Mediatorial Kingdom in Old Testament Prophecy Part I

Last Week The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses to Saul The Mediatorial Rulers from Moses to Saul The Monarchial Form of the Mediatorial Kingdom in History The Monarchial Form of the Mediatorial Kingdom in History The Decline and End of the Mediatorial Kingdom in History The Decline and End of the Mediatorial Kingdom in History

United King. Northern Kingdom Southern Kingdom 722 BC 586 BC The Role of the Prophets During the Decline of the Kingdom Prophets

This Week Introduction – The nature, interpretation, and extent of kingdom prophecy. McClain calls OT prophecy the largest and most important area of investigation regarding the future mediatorial kingdom. Introduction – The nature, interpretation, and extent of kingdom prophecy. McClain calls OT prophecy the largest and most important area of investigation regarding the future mediatorial kingdom. The prophetic kingdom is related to history. Why does McClain emphasize this? The prophetic kingdom is related to history. Why does McClain emphasize this? The Mediatorial ruler in the prophetic kingdom. The Mediatorial ruler in the prophetic kingdom.

Introduction The Nature of Kingdom Prophecy The Nature of Kingdom Prophecy Prophecy arises out of a definite historical situation existing before the eyes of the prophet; there is always a connection with the past.Prophecy arises out of a definite historical situation existing before the eyes of the prophet; there is always a connection with the past. Prophecy and Time – events which appear together in prophecy may in their fulfillment be widely separated in time (e.g., the two comings of Christ Isa 9:6-7, the 70 weeks of Daniel 9). The sequence of events may also be reversed (e.g. new heavens and new earth mentioned before millennial conditions in Isa 65:17-25).Prophecy and Time – events which appear together in prophecy may in their fulfillment be widely separated in time (e.g., the two comings of Christ Isa 9:6-7, the 70 weeks of Daniel 9). The sequence of events may also be reversed (e.g. new heavens and new earth mentioned before millennial conditions in Isa 65:17-25). The Interpretation of Kingdom Prophecy – 3 major schools: The Interpretation of Kingdom Prophecy – 3 major schools: Literal – according to the rules of grammar (including figures of speech) and the facts in history. (McClain allows for more typology here than I would, e.g. when he says it is legitimate for a preacher to take a prophecy concerning Israel and apply it to the church [p. 141]).Literal – according to the rules of grammar (including figures of speech) and the facts in history. (McClain allows for more typology here than I would, e.g. when he says it is legitimate for a preacher to take a prophecy concerning Israel and apply it to the church [p. 141]). Eclectical – aka “spiritual” method. Originated by Origen, who was a Platonist in philosophy. It is eclectic in that it takes some things literally and some not.Eclectical – aka “spiritual” method. Originated by Origen, who was a Platonist in philosophy. It is eclectic in that it takes some things literally and some not. Critical – denies the supernatural character of Scripture, especially concerning prophecy. More radical group says prophecy written after the event; moderates accept literal meaning, but say there is no present validity.Critical – denies the supernatural character of Scripture, especially concerning prophecy. More radical group says prophecy written after the event; moderates accept literal meaning, but say there is no present validity. The Extent of Kingdom Prophecy The Extent of Kingdom Prophecy Begins with scattered references in the Pentateuch, opens up clearly with the historical books, grows in volume and brilliance as the historical kingdom declines and comes to its close in Malachi.Begins with scattered references in the Pentateuch, opens up clearly with the historical books, grows in volume and brilliance as the historical kingdom declines and comes to its close in Malachi.

The Prophetic Kingdom Is Related to History “…the Messianic Kingdom will not only be established in future history but its roots are anchored in history past” (McClain, p. 147). “…the Messianic Kingdom will not only be established in future history but its roots are anchored in history past” (McClain, p. 147). Its coming king will be related to history. Its coming king will be related to history. He is related to historical persons such as Adam and Eve (Gen 3:15), Abraham (Gen 17:8), the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10), the family of Jesse (Isa 11:1), the line of David (Jer 23:5).He is related to historical persons such as Adam and Eve (Gen 3:15), Abraham (Gen 17:8), the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10), the family of Jesse (Isa 11:1), the line of David (Jer 23:5). He is to be born in a historical place, Bethlehem (Mic 5:2).He is to be born in a historical place, Bethlehem (Mic 5:2). He will sit on the throne of David (Isa 9:7) and execute “judgment and righteousness in the land” (Jer. 33:15).He will sit on the throne of David (Isa 9:7) and execute “judgment and righteousness in the land” (Jer. 33:15). Its establishment will be within the arena of history. Its establishment will be within the arena of history. It is a kingdom on the earth, headquartered at Jerusalem in the land of Palestine, just as the historical kingdom of the OT was.It is a kingdom on the earth, headquartered at Jerusalem in the land of Palestine, just as the historical kingdom of the OT was.

The Prophetic Kingdom Is Related to History Its favored nation will be the Israel of history. Its favored nation will be the Israel of history. God’s covenant relationship with Israel is the basis for this. The prophets contain both punishment and hope of restoration in the last days. Once restoration comes, it will never be taken away.God’s covenant relationship with Israel is the basis for this. The prophets contain both punishment and hope of restoration in the last days. Once restoration comes, it will never be taken away. This has been denied by 2 different hermeneutical schemes:This has been denied by 2 different hermeneutical schemes: OT prophecies seen as fulfilled in Israel’s first return to the land. What is wrong with this conclusion? OT prophecies seen as fulfilled in Israel’s first return to the land. What is wrong with this conclusion? Making the church the “new Israel.” Making the church the “new Israel.” It will destroy and supplant historical powers. It will destroy and supplant historical powers. Daniel 2 and 7. If the preceding human kingdoms are on earth, so will be the kingdom of Messiah.Daniel 2 and 7. If the preceding human kingdoms are on earth, so will be the kingdom of Messiah.

Visions in Daniel 2 and 7 Picture taken from International Inductive Study Bible, p

The Prophetic Kingdom Is Related to History Its beneficiaries will include nations of history. Its beneficiaries will include nations of history. The nations will not be completely annihilated but will instead become worshippers of the true God (Isa 2:2-4).The nations will not be completely annihilated but will instead become worshippers of the true God (Isa 2:2-4). Its covenant basis is grounded in history. Its covenant basis is grounded in history. AbrahamicAbrahamic MosaicMosaic DavidicDavidic NewNew

NEW DAVIDIC – DEFINED KINGDOM MOSAIC – DEFINED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD & ISRAEL ABRAHAMIC – LAND, SEED, AND BLESSING Relationship Between the Covenants

NEW DAVIDIC – DEFINED KINGDOM MOSAIC – DEFINED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD & ISRAEL ABRAHAMIC – LAND, SEED, AND BLESSING Fulfillment of the Covenants in the Kingdom

Continuity of the New Covenant with the Mosaic Covenant It thus appears that the difference between the old and the new covenants must be reduced to this, that what was commanded and applied to the heart in the old is given to the new, and the new is but the completion of the old covenant. This is, indeed, the true relation between them, as is clearly shown by the fact, that the essential element of the new covenant, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people,” was set forth as the object of the old; cf. Lev. 26:12 with Ex. 29:45 (C.F. Keil, “Jeremiah” in Commentary on the Old Testament, 282). It thus appears that the difference between the old and the new covenants must be reduced to this, that what was commanded and applied to the heart in the old is given to the new, and the new is but the completion of the old covenant. This is, indeed, the true relation between them, as is clearly shown by the fact, that the essential element of the new covenant, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people,” was set forth as the object of the old; cf. Lev. 26:12 with Ex. 29:45 (C.F. Keil, “Jeremiah” in Commentary on the Old Testament, 282).

Relationship of the New Covenant to the Previous Covenants Jeremiah’s vision for renewal corresponds with the more comprehensive statements in Isaiah. The earlier prophet merges the Davidic, Mosaic, and Abrahamic covenants in the work of the servant. Jeremiah locates the fulfillment of these agreements at the initiation of the new covenant. When the new covenant comes into effect, the others will be gathered into it, fulfilled and explained by it. Both prophets believe that a new age will come when a cleansed, faithful people of God inherit a glorious city in which they worship the Lord under the leadership of a Davidic descendant. God’s law will be obeyed, and God will rule over subjects from Israel and the nations (House, Old Testament Theology, 320).

The Mediatorial Ruler in the Prophetic Kingdom The nature of the coming ruler The nature of the coming ruler Both human and divine in nature: “Both human and divine in nature: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). The origin of the coming ruler The origin of the coming ruler Both natural and supernatural; born of a woman, but conceived by the Holy Spirit.Both natural and supernatural; born of a woman, but conceived by the Holy Spirit.

The Mediatorial Ruler in the Prophetic Kingdom The character of the coming ruler The character of the coming ruler “Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; But with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist” (Isa 11:1-5). “He will be the ‘servant’ of Jehovah, revealing in His character and leadership all the perfections which were so sadly lacking in even the best of former rulers in the historical kingdom” (McClain, p. 164).“He will be the ‘servant’ of Jehovah, revealing in His character and leadership all the perfections which were so sadly lacking in even the best of former rulers in the historical kingdom” (McClain, p. 164). The ability of the coming ruler The ability of the coming ruler Not only good and wise, but also strong and capable, fully able to execute His will. He shall not fail in His task!Not only good and wise, but also strong and capable, fully able to execute His will. He shall not fail in His task!

The Mediatorial Ruler in the Prophetic Kingdom The functions of the coming ruler The functions of the coming ruler Three functions of leadership in the historical kingdom:Three functions of leadership in the historical kingdom: King King Priest Priest Prophet Prophet OT prophecy anticipates the combination of these 3 offices into one. The Messiah will rule with the authority of a king, speak God’s words as a prophet, and mediate for God’s people as a priest.OT prophecy anticipates the combination of these 3 offices into one. The Messiah will rule with the authority of a king, speak God’s words as a prophet, and mediate for God’s people as a priest. The mystery of the king’s career The mystery of the king’s career Presented both as servant of Jehovah and a suffering servant.Presented both as servant of Jehovah and a suffering servant. A man of sorrows and ill treatment, and at the same time the good shepherd of Israel.A man of sorrows and ill treatment, and at the same time the good shepherd of Israel. Comes as the long awaited “Messiah the Prince,” but is cut off and left with nothing (Dan 9:25-26).Comes as the long awaited “Messiah the Prince,” but is cut off and left with nothing (Dan 9:25-26). What was the expectation for the Messiah in Jesus’ day and why?What was the expectation for the Messiah in Jesus’ day and why?

Next Week: The Mediatorial Kingdom in Old Testament Prophecy Part II The Coming and Establishment of the Prophetic Kingdom