Lexical Summary midrash: Study, inquiry, exposition Original Word: מִדְרָשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance story From darash; properly, an investigation, i.e. (by implication) a treatise or elaborate compilation -- story. see HEBREW darash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom darash Definition study, exposition, midrash NASB Translation treatise (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִדְרָשׁ] noun [masculine] study, exposition, midrash, only construct מִדְרַשׁ (late; common in Late Hebrew, in sense of imaginative exposition or didactic story) — מִדְרַשׁ סֵפֶר הַמְּלָכִים midrash of the book of Kings2Chronicles 24:27; מִדְרַשׁ הַנָּבִיא עִדּוֺ midrash of the prophet Iddo2Chronicles 13:22. These were probably of a didactic character, compare DrIntr 497. Topical Lexicon Concept and ScopeDerived from the Hebrew idea of “enquiry” or “searching out,” מִדְרָשׁ points to written reflection that gathers, records, and applies God’s acts and words for covenant life. In the Chronicler’s era it denotes an officially recognized narrative-commentary that supplements the canonical record—neither casual chronicle nor mere data archive, but deliberate theological interpretation meant to edify the people of Judah. Occurrences in Scripture • 2 Chronicles 13:22: “The rest of the acts of Abijah, his ways, and his sayings are written in the Treatise of the Prophet Iddo.” Both texts cite a midrash that runs parallel to, yet remains distinct from, Samuel–Kings. The Spirit-guided Chronicler signals that additional historical and prophetic material existed and was commended to readers without challenging the sufficiency of the inspired canon he was producing. Function within the Chronicler’s History 1. Validation of Sources: By naming an external midrash, the Chronicler underscores the reliability of his own compilation, affirming that a broader witness stands behind the summarized account. Relation to Later Jewish Interpretation The midrashim of rabbinic Judaism (second temple onward) share the same name but differ in date and literary character. What appears in Chronicles is a royal-prophetic document predating exile, not yet the line-by-line homiletic exposition familiar in later synagogues. Nevertheless, the Chronicler lays an early biblical foundation for sanctified inquiry that would blossom into a tradition of respectful, text-centered interpretation. Theology of Inquiry Scripture commends diligent study as a covenant responsibility: “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). Midrash underscores that truth is both given and to be pursued. The canonical text stands final, yet God’s people are to mine its depths, trace its historical roots, and apply its wisdom to contemporary obedience. Implications for Christian Ministry 1. Historical Accountability: Ministry leaders are stewards of the Lord’s works in their generation; careful record-keeping promotes corporate memory and future faithfulness. Christological Perspective Luke affirms that Jesus “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets… explained to them what was written about Himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). The Chronicler’s midrashic references foreshadow the fuller revelation in Christ, inviting the church to explore how each king’s obedience or failure anticipates the perfect King who “will reign over the house of Jacob forever” (Luke 1:33). Faithful enquiry therefore culminates in beholding the glory of Christ woven through the entire biblical story. Forms and Transliterations בְּמִדְרַ֖שׁ במדרש מִדְרַ֖שׁ מדרש bə·miḏ·raš bəmiḏraš bemidRash miḏ·raš miḏraš midRashLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 13:22 HEB: וּדְבָרָ֑יו כְּתוּבִ֕ים בְּמִדְרַ֖שׁ הַנָּבִ֥יא עִדּֽוֹ׃ NAS: are written in the treatise of the prophet KJV: [are] written in the story of the prophet INT: and his words are written the treatise of the prophet Iddo 2 Chronicles 24:27 2 Occurrences |
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