John 18:5-6 to Exodus 3:14

NT Text: John 18:5-6

OT Source(s):

• Exodus 3:14 ("I AM")
• Ezekiel 1:28 (falling at divine revelation)
• Acts 9:4; 22:7; 26:14; Revelation 1:17; 19:10; 22:8 (NT parallels)
• Psalms 27:2 (falling of adversaries)
• 2 Kings 1:9-14 (Elijah experience)
• Genesis Rabbah 91:6 (similar story of attempted arrest of Simeon)
• Isaiah 11:4 (messianic authority)

Source: No public domain commentary confirmation available

Reference Type: Allusion

Connection Method(s): Longitudinal Theme

Significance: "I am" (ego eimi) probably has connotations of deity (Ridderbos). Strongly suggested by soldiers' falling to ground—common reaction to divine revelation (Ezekiel 1:28; 44:4; Daniel 2:46; 8:18; 10:9; Acts 9:4; 22:7; 26:14; Revelation 1:17; 19:10; 22:8). Falling reminiscent of certain Psalm passages (27:2; 35:4; cf. 56:9; also Elijah's experience 2 Kings 1:9-14). Jewish literature recounts similar story of attempted arrest of Simeon (Genesis Rabbah 91:6). Reaction highlights Jesus' messianic authority, in keeping with texts like Isaiah 11:4 (cf.