Comforting Jacob

Ben Sira writing in the first part of the second century BCE summarized the Twelve Prophets as a ministry “comforting Jacob.” Presumably ben Sira noted that the name “Jacob” appeared 26 times in the Twelve Prophets. It is not known whether ben Sira noticed that the name “Jacob” appeared eleven times in Micah. Another theme of hope in Micah is expressed in the word “remnant.”

Both of these themes of hope are set forth in Micah in response to the fall and destruction of the Northern Kingdom. No has suggested that these two ideas expressing comfort and hope can help us date the Book of Micah. More work needs to be done. However, it is not surprising that Luke would include themes of hope using Jacob and remnant concepts to develop his ideas even as the Lucan Jesus predicts the fall and destruction of Jerusalem.

Copyrighted 2007

Religion

Christianity

Gospel of Luke