The End of the Beginning: Revelation 21–22 and the Old Testament
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
The last two chapters of Revelation describe the arrival of the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem. In The End of the Beginning, William J. Dumbrell asks why this is such an appropriate way to finish not only the story of Revelation, but the entire Bible’s story. Dumbrell traces the roots of the new creation throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Top Highlights
“We are clearly moving from the narrow national plane of covenant to an elective picture in which the redeemed city will correspond to a redeemed community.” (Page 7)
“The recurring theme in Isa 13–23 is faith; confidence that Yahweh’s purpose, and not foreign policies, will protect Jerusalem.” (Page 11)
“The rise of the Jerusalem concept of the OT is directly related to divine kingship. We have noted that the political promises given to Israel, especially those related to the Davidic dynasty, are gradually transformed by OT prophecy into eschatological hopes. Isa 40–66, in particular, located Zion as the divine centre of the New Creation. Because of Yahweh’s presence, Zion is the focal point of worship in the new age. Privileges of citizenship and access to the New Jerusalem are included among the final rewards awaiting believers. In the OT Jerusalem is the scene of righteousness and peace because it is the divine seat. Concepts of creation and people of God are all part of the multiform series of identifications which make the notion of the New Jerusalem a major eschatological symbol.” (Pages 26–27)
“Secondly, the Holy City comes down as the abode of Yahweh, i.e., as the temple of Yahweh had been in the OT. He is thus enthroned in the New Jerusalem as he was in the OT temple. The point of approach to God is through entry into the New Jerusalem, as it was the temple in the OT. In short, in Rev 21 the concept of the sanctuary is enlarged to be co-extensive with the concept of ‘holy space’ referred to in that chapter. Jerusalem is the sacred shrine of the new heavens and the new earth, the place from which the glory of God radiates throughout the new universe. The New Jerusalem thus not only fulfils the political associations of kingdom (the place to which the tribes go up for decision, etc.) but includes sacral functions as well (the place where God and the Lamb rule and bless).” (Pages 37–38)