What Old Testament prophecies connect to the burial preparations in John 19:39? Scene of John 19:39 Nicodemus “came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.” A lavish, royal-sized tribute prepares Jesus’ body for burial. Foregleam in Isaiah 53: The Rich Man’s Tomb • Isaiah 53:9 – “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death.” • Joseph of Arimathea supplies the new, costly tomb (John 19:38); Nicodemus adds an equally costly store of spices. • The prophetic detail that Messiah’s burial would be linked to wealth is met in both the tomb and the extravagant spices. Royal Fragrance in Psalm 45:8 • Psalm 45:8 – “All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.” • A messianic wedding psalm picturing the King whose robes carry the very scents Nicodemus brings. • The royal Bridegroom is now honored with the same fragrances at His burial, underscoring His kingship even in death. Promise of No Decay in Psalm 16:10 • Psalm 16:10 – “For You will not abandon My soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” • Spices delayed corruption; their presence anticipates the swift Resurrection that fulfills this verse. • God-ordained preparations reinforce confidence that Jesus’ body would not “see decay.” Foreshadowing through Solomon’s Song • Songs 4:14 – “Myrrh and aloes, along with all the finest spices.” • The Bridegroom motif again links Messiah with these particular aromas, now poured out in ultimate devotion at the tomb. Echoes of Royal Funerals in 2 Chronicles 16:14 • “They buried [King Asa]... and filled it with spices of various kinds blended with specially prepared ointment.” • Old Testament kings received large quantities of spices; Nicodemus grants the same honor, testifying to Jesus’ royal identity foretold in Scripture. Prophetic Threads Drawn Together • Isaiah 53:9 predicted a wealthy burial setting. • Psalm 45:8 and Songs 4:14 foretold the very spices used. • Psalm 16:10 pointed to a burial that would be temporary and without decay. • Chronicles illustrated the royal pattern Messiah would fulfill. Every fragrant pound Nicodemus carried whispered that God’s Word stands sure: the Suffering Servant is also the Royal Son whose burial matched—and fulfilled—prophetic Scripture. |
    |