Description
Book SynopsisEchoes of a Prophet examines intertextual connections to Ezekiel found in John and in Second Temple literature. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain many allusions to a number of Ezekiel's oracles, while other Second Temple works refer to only a few of Ezekiel's oracles, and those only rarely. In each case, Manning examines the evidence for the presence of the allusions, studies the implied interpretational methods, and comments on the function of the allusion in advancing the author's ideas. He also analyzes John's allusions to Ezekiel: the good shepherd, the vine, the opened heavens, imagery from the dry bones vision, and water symbolism. He observes that John has a few unique tendencies: he alludes to all five of Ezekiel's oracles of hope and primarily uses that imagery to describe the giving of the Holy Spirit and new life through Jesus.
Trade Review'This is a methodical and careful investigation of an elusive question' Paul B. Decock, Neotestamentica, vol 41 (12) 2007 -- Paul B Decock
'[T]he book certainly demonstrates that Ezekiel was an important source for John and could open old debates about a possible relationship with the book of revelations.' ~ Steve Moyise, Vol 28.5, 2006 -- Steve Moyise * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *
"...this is a helpful contribution to the burgeoning field of Johannine studies and to the exploration of the use of the OT in the NT...a helpful compendium of possible allusions to Ezekiel in John's Gospel and should be consulted by all serious students of the Fourth Gospel including scholars working on the subject." -- Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, June 2005 * Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction and Method; An extensive discussion of the method of "comparative intertextuality," placing it within the scope of intertextual studies in the late twentieth century. Chapter 2: The Use of Ezekiel in the Dead Sea Scrolls; Shows the important role that quotations of and allusions to Ezekiel played in explaining the history, identity, and eschatology of the Community. Twenty-seven such references, to at least twenty chapters in Ezekiel, are examined in some detail. Chapter 3: The Use of Ezekiel in Other Second Temple Literature; Examines quotations of and allusions to Ezekiel in Sirach, Testament of Levi, 1 Enoch, Psalms of Solomon, 4 Maccabees, and Lives of the Prophets. These works only allude to three of Ezekiel's oracles. Chapter 4: Allusions to Ezekiel in John: Major Allusions; Examines the role of allusions to Ezekiel in John 10 (Shepherds and Sheep) and in John 15 (Vine and Branches). Chapter 5: Allusions to Ezekiel in John: Minor Allusions; Examines John's use of imagery from Ezekiel's "opened heavens," the "dry bones" oracle" and the adoption of some aspects of Ezekiel's water symbolism. Chapter 6: Summary and Conclusion
