Work

• Dumbrell, W. J. (William John) (1926-2016)

• 1977-01-01

• Moore Theological College

• Dumbrell explores the meaning of poor in spirit in Matthew 5:3. Placed in an Old Testament context, the usage of the term poor in spirit changed over Israelite history. Originally, those who were considered poor were individuals who were under client status reliant upon them for sustenance and support. Following the Exile, Israel related to other nations via a client relationship, thereby nationalising the term to instead refer to the collective whole. Isaiah 61 forms a key passage in understanding the passage. Isaiah 61:1 is comparable in content to that of Matthew 5:3. Isaiah 61 occurs as a member of three chapters 60-62 which is concerned with the theme of restoration. In Isaiah 60, the Israelites await the return of God to Zion, the nature of the programmatic return is then discussed. In Isaiah 61:1-3 describes the coming promised salvation. Isaiah 60:4-11 describes the promised physical rebuilding of Zion. Chapter 62 describes the nature of the New Covenant. Dumbrell identifies the poor in spirit with those who follow God. Placed in the context of Jesus’ sermon on the Mount, Jesus distinguishes between the crowds of people and those who truly follow God. The addition of the inheritance of the kingdom points towards Jesus’ fulfilment of the eschatological expectations of God’s coming kingdom.

• English

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• https://archives.moore.edu.au/documents/detail/224309 

• In copyright - educational use permitted. This item may be used for the purposes of research and study. Please acknowledge that it is held by Moore Theological College