Murder, Anger, and Altars
The First Matthean Antithesis in Light of Exodus 21:14 and its Early Rabbinic Interpretation
In: Novum TestamentumSearch for other papers by Matthew Goldstone in
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Abstract
A question often left unaddressed by scholars is why the Gospel of Matthew employs the specific example of leaving an altar to reconcile with a brother or sister (Matt 5:23-24) in connection with Jesus’ comments on murder, anger and liability for judgement (Matt 5:21-22). In this article the author argues that Exod 21:14 and the earliest rabbinic glosses on this verse offer us insight into the nature of this connection. Both Matt 5:21-24 and the rabbinic understanding of Exod 21:14 include the elements of murder, an underlying emotional drive, interrupting a sacrificial offering, and the Jewish Sanhedrin. The author suggests that these affinities encourage us to include Exod 21:14 and its interpretation in early rabbinic commentaries in future analyses of the first Matthean antithesis.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
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Murder, Anger, and Altars
The First Matthean Antithesis in Light of Exodus 21:14 and its Early Rabbinic Interpretation
In: Novum TestamentumSearch for other papers by Matthew Goldstone in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
A question often left unaddressed by scholars is why the Gospel of Matthew employs the specific example of leaving an altar to reconcile with a brother or sister (Matt 5:23-24) in connection with Jesus’ comments on murder, anger and liability for judgement (Matt 5:21-22). In this article the author argues that Exod 21:14 and the earliest rabbinic glosses on this verse offer us insight into the nature of this connection. Both Matt 5:21-24 and the rabbinic understanding of Exod 21:14 include the elements of murder, an underlying emotional drive, interrupting a sacrificial offering, and the Jewish Sanhedrin. The author suggests that these affinities encourage us to include Exod 21:14 and its interpretation in early rabbinic commentaries in future analyses of the first Matthean antithesis.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 436 | 131 | 16 |
| Full Text Views | 398 | 6 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 286 | 19 | 3 |
