Topical Encyclopedia The concept of resurrection from the dead is a significant theme in Jewish thought and is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. The belief in resurrection is not only a theological tenet but also a source of hope and expectation for the Jewish people throughout their history.Old Testament Foundations The idea of resurrection is subtly introduced in the Old Testament, where the hope for life beyond death is expressed in various passages. One of the earliest references can be found in the book of Job, where Job declares, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God" (Job 19:25-26). This passage reflects a belief in a personal vindication and resurrection after death. The prophet Isaiah also speaks of resurrection, proclaiming, "Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead" (Isaiah 26:19). This prophetic vision offers a glimpse of a future resurrection where the faithful will rise from the grave. In the book of Daniel, a more explicit reference to resurrection is found: "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2). This passage clearly delineates a resurrection that leads to either eternal reward or punishment, indicating a belief in a final judgment. Intertestamental Period and Jewish Thought During the intertestamental period, Jewish writings such as the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha further developed the concept of resurrection. The book of 2 Maccabees, for example, recounts the martyrdom of seven brothers who express hope in the resurrection, saying, "The King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for His laws" (2 Maccabees 7:9). The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century, also contain references to resurrection, reflecting the diversity of Jewish beliefs during this period. The scrolls indicate that some Jewish sects, such as the Pharisees, held a firm belief in the resurrection of the dead, while others, like the Sadducees, rejected it. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament affirms and expands upon the Jewish hope of resurrection. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, often spoke of the resurrection. In the Gospel of John, He declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). This statement not only affirms the belief in resurrection but also identifies Jesus as the source of this new life. The apostle Paul, a Pharisee by background, also emphasizes the resurrection in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 15, he writes extensively about the resurrection of the dead, stating, "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). Paul’s writings reflect the continuity of Jewish belief in resurrection, now centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Conclusion The belief in the resurrection of the dead is a cornerstone of Jewish eschatology and is intricately woven into the fabric of biblical revelation. From the early hints in the Old Testament to the explicit teachings of the New Testament, the hope of resurrection has provided comfort and assurance to the faithful, affirming the ultimate victory over death through the power of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 26:19Your dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, you that dwell in dust: for your dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 24:15 Library Tillotson -- the Reasonableness of a Resurrection The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just. On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead. The Crucifixion and the Resurrection The Dead Christ The Resurrection of Lazarus. Angels Announce the Resurrection to Certain Women. Peter and John ... The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... Jesus the Resurrection and Life. Resources What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said "Let the dead bury the dead" (Luke 9:60)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of the Dead? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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