Divine Inspiration of the Scriptures: 5. Old Testament Witness to Itself

 •  10 min. read  •  grade level: 10
OLD TESTAMENT WITNESS TO ITSELF
We will now look at Old Testament proofs of its own inspiration.
First and foremost, as we have seen above, the writers constantly affirm the truth of their statements by saying “Thus saith the Lord” —there is no need to go all over this again, but I would remind you that Ezekiel uses this or similar expressions over 200 times.
David, in a Messianic Psalm, declares “In the volume of the book it is written of me” (Psalm 40:77Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, (Psalm 40:7)), an Old Testament instance of the passages that speak of Christ.
Isaiah refers to the book of the Lord: “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord” (Isaiah 34:1616Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them. (Isaiah 34:16)). If it is the Lord's book, who shall accuse it of inaccuracy?
Isaiah, Jeremiah and Habakkuk all speak of being charged by the Lord to commit their predictions to writings: “The Lord said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen, concerning, etc.” (Isaiah 8:11Moreover the Lord said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz. (Isaiah 8:1)). “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book” (Jeremiah 30:22Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book. (Jeremiah 30:2)): “Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel... and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord” (Jer. 36:2-42Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. 3It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. 4Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book. (Jeremiah 36:2‑4)): “Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon” (Jeremiah 51:6060So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon. (Jeremiah 51:60)): “The Lord answered me, and said: Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Hab. 2:22And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2)). These passages not only show the authority upon which the writers recorded their sayings, but also that they wrote what they were commanded of the Lord to write. But these statements are not confined to the prophets—David the psalmist claims that he wrote by the Spirit of Jehovah: “The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me, and his word was upon my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:22The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. (2 Samuel 23:2)).
Again, let us take an example from a book of very different character—Proverbs. Here the writer does not claim that his words are from Jehovah, but he speaks of a book: “the word of God,” which he declares to be absolutely true in every particular—a striking statement of Old Testament inspiration: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5, 65Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5‑6)).
Most striking of all is the declaration of Jehovah concerning the writings of Old Testament. Hosea, as is well known, consists of “the word of the Lord that came unto Hosea,” and in the midst we find the Lord's declaration: “I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing” (Hosea 8:1212I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing. (Hosea 8:12)).
The Psalms of David contain many testimonies to the integrity of the scriptures, but reference may be first made to the fact that the Lord definitely stated that David in writing Psalms was guided by the Holy Ghost: “How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalm 110; Matthew 22:43, 4443He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, 44The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? (Matthew 22:43‑44)). And not only have we the Lord's testimony, but we have the testimony of common sense: what meaning had the above quotation to David as an ordinary human being? None whatever, but if inspired, the statement is but an ordinary one. Well, then, we see that the Psalms are stated to be inspired, and we may now listen to their testimony. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimonies of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple: the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:7, 8, 107The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm 19:7‑8)
10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:10)): “Thy word is true from the beginning: every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever” (Psalm 119:160160Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. (Psalm 119:160)): “The words of the Lord are pure” (Psalm 12:66The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)): “Thy testimonies are very sure” (Psalm 5); “All thy commandments are faithful” (Psalm 119:8686All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. (Psalm 119:86)): “The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting” (Psalm 119:144144The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. (Psalm 119:144)): “All thy commandments are truth” (Psalm 119:151151Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. (Psalm 119:151)): “He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children” (Psalm 78:55For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: (Psalm 78:5)). Lastly, after speaking of the words of the Lord, the Psalmist says, “Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them is great reward” (Psalm 19:1111Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:11)). These examples of David's testimony must suffice, and comment on them is needless.
Quotation after quotation has already been given to show that, despite the higher critic, Moses did in reality write the Pentateuch. But all the testimony has been taken from the New Testament, such as “Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me, for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:46, 4746For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:46‑47)); thus not only definitely ascribing the writings to Moses, but also putting Moses on equal authority with His words. Let us find, now, the Old Testament evidence to this disputed fact.
Then we get some references in the Old Testament outside the Pentateuch; in Isaiah 63 the prophet speaks of “the right hand of Moses” (Isaiah 63:11, 1211Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? 12That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? (Isaiah 63:11‑12)), and the indwelling of “the Holy Spirit within him” (Isaiah 63:11, 1211Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? 12That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? (Isaiah 63:11‑12)). The prophet Malachi ascribes the law to Moses: “Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded him in Horeb,...with the statutes and judgments” (Mal. 4:44Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. (Malachi 4:4)). Still more, remember the constant testimony of Him “in whom dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:99For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9)) to Moses. Were all deceived? On what grounds are we to believe that Samuel wrote one part and Jeremiah another? The surmises of some German and English critics! Do you believe them, or do you believe God, for He has spoken most clearly?
MESSIAH'S SUFFERING
The allusions to the Old Testament at the time of the passion are very impressive. Every step seems here to be guided by Old Testament prophecy: “Ye know that after two days is the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified” (Matthew 26:22Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. (Matthew 26:2)). He was the true passover, and the time of His sufferings must correspond with the sacrifices which prefigured it. “The Son of man goeth, as it is written of him; but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed” (Matthew 26:2424The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. (Matthew 26:24)). The easiest way to show this is by making a series of quotations from the Old Testament, and side by side the corresponding New Testament quotation recording its fulfillment.
Old Testament
New Testament
1. “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed” (Ps. 2:2).
Pilate “sent him to Herod” (Luke 23:77And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. (Luke 23:7)). “And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him (Lu. 22:2).
2. “Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (Psalm 16:1010For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10)).
3. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:11<<To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.>> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? (Psalm 22:1)).
4. “All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head” (Psalm 22:77All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, (Psalm 22:7)).
“Likewise the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders” (Matthew 27:4141Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, (Matthew 27:41)): “They that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads” (Matthew 27:3939And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, (Matthew 27:39)).
5. “He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him” (Psalm 22:88He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. (Psalm 22:8)).
6. “They pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:1616For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. (Psalm 22:16)).
7. “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalm 22:1818They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (Psalm 22:18)).
8. “False witnesses are risen up against me ' (Psalm 27:1212Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. (Psalm 27:12)).
9. “Into thine hand I commend my spirit” (Psalm 31:55Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. (Psalm 31:5)).
10. “My friends stand aloof from my sore: and my kinsmen stand afar off” (Psalm 38:1111My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. (Psalm 38:11)).
“And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things” (Luke 23:4949And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. (Luke 23:49)).
11. “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:99Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (Psalm 41:9)).
12. “They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” (Psalm 69:22I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. (Psalm 69:2)I).
13. “When they looked upon me they shaked their heads” (Psalm 109:2525I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads. (Psalm 109:25)).
14. “I gave my back to the smiters... I hid not my face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 1:66From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. (Isaiah 1:6)).
15. “He was oppressed... yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before his shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:77He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)).
16. “He made his grave with the wicked and the rich in his death” (Isaiah 53:99And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9)).
17. “He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken” (Psalm 34:2020He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. (Psalm 34:20)).
18. “Thou hast put mine acquaintances far from me” (Psalm 88:88Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth. (Psalm 88:8)).
19. “I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day” (Amos 8:99And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day: (Amos 8:9)).
“And it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour” (Luke 23:4444And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. (Luke 23:44)).
20. “They shall look on me whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:1010And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10)).
21. “Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered” (Zechariah 8:77Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; (Zechariah 8:7)).
(Continued from page 280)
(To be continued)
[L. H. H.]