Sep 28, 2017

Mark 1:13 and the Old Testament

John Meade notes here some possible allusions in Mark 1:13 to the LXX of Leviticus 26:6 and Psalm 90:11-13. The possible connections are interesting and perhaps correct but I think he overstates the conclusion.
"The allusions to the Old Testament are actually the key to understanding the brief pericope itself. The allusions indicate that Jesus as Son obeyed under temptation and trial, was consequently blessed, and dealt a decisive blow to Satan in the wilderness."
I doubt whether understanding these allusions are the "key." One could probably understand that, "Jesus as Son obeyed under temptation and trial, was consequently blessed, and dealt a decisive blow to Satan in the wilderness" without picking up on the allusions. One could also question whether Mark's primarily Gentile audience have picked up on these subtle allusions.  

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