 |  |
Not only are the introductory formulæ modified to suit the persons addressed, but they
also have some reference to the purpose for which such quotations are made. Where the
writer intends a literal fulfillment of prophecy, he will naturally use a different mode of
citation from that in which Scripture is being used as a support for some doctrine or
exhortation.
These and many other lines of study are open to the student who considers no time
ill-spent that makes the message of the Word clearer and more intelligible both to himself
and to others. We have, however, to remember our limitations; our space is limited, the
patience of our readers is limited, and we must not assume that all will benefit alike from
these somewhat exacting studies.
#21.
The quotation of the O.T. in the N.T.
The problem of Matt. 27: 9, 10.
pp. 135 - 140
An analysis of the quotations of the O.T. in the New, demands not only an
acquaintance with the originals of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, but some
understanding of the work of the Massorites. Before, therefore, we go further into this
field of study, we propose devoting some space to an explanation of the labours of the
Sopherim and Massorites, and their influence upon the received text of the Hebrew
Scriptures, but as a concluding article of the present portion of the series dealing with the
quotation of the O.T. in the New, we propose a consideration of that most vexed
question: What is the true import of Matt. 27: 9,10?
We regret to be unable to render adequate acknowledgment to the writer whose
findings upon this subject have been of great service. He published his book
anonymously, and we can, therefore, only make this scanty recognition and pass on.
There are 55 passages in the N.T. in which the author of an O.T. quotation is named.
In all of these places, with the exception of Matt. 27: 9, 10, it is generally agreed that
the authorship cited in the N.T is that which is found in the Old. The excepted passage,
which is the one before us, reads:--
"Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they
took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was valued, whom they of the
children of Israel did value, and gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed
me."
Whether the difficulty be handled by friend or foe, there is unanimity in referring this
quotation to Zech. 11: 12, 13, and not to Jeremiah. Among the suggested solutions of
the difficulty put forward by those who believe God's Word may be mentioned the
following:--