John 15:13-16 to 2 Chronicles 20:7

NT Text: John 15:13-16

OT Source(s):

• 2 Chronicles 20:7 (Abraham as "friend of God")
• Exodus 33:11 (Moses, by implication)
• Jubilees 19:9; CD-A III, 2; James 2:23 (Abraham)
• Philo, Moses 1.156 (Moses)
• Jubilees 30:20-21; CD-A III, 3-4 (Isaac, Jacob, Levi, Israelites)
• Wisdom 7:27 (holy souls)
• m. Abot 6:1 (students of Torah)
• Nehemiah 9:7 (Abraham chosen)
• Psalms 106:23 (Moses chosen)
• Genesis 17:5 (Abraham appointed)
• Numbers 8:10 (Levites ordained)
• Numbers 27:18 (Joshua commissioned)

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Reference Type: Allusion

Connection Method(s): Analogy + Contrast

Significance: OT: only Abraham and (implicitly) Moses = "friends of God." Jewish writings apply to other OT figures, holy souls, students of Torah. Jesus extends friendship privilege to all believers, predicated on obedience. Election rarely mentioned for OT "friends of God" (once for Abraham [Nehemiah 9:7], Moses [Psalm 106:23]). OT election primarily relates to king and Israel (God's chosen people). Jesus breaks custom: rabbis didn't choose disciples; disciples attached to rabbi. Tithēmi ("appointed") probably Semiticism, same expression used for: Abraham appointed father of nations (Genesis 17:5), Levites ordained (Numbers 8:10), Joshua commissioned (Numbers 27:18).

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