The Jewish Trinity - Part Two
The Jewish Trinity - Part Two
How the Trinity in Christianity is Rooted in the Two Powers Theology of Ancient Judaism and Divine Pluralism of the Ancient Near Eastern Religions
Part two of a lecture series by Dr. Heiser on how the Trinity was not an invention of the Christian Fathers, but rather a discernible reality in the text of the Old and New Testaments. The concept of divine plurality goes far back into antiquity. It can be found even in Sumerian literature and the Hindu Vedas. In this multipart series, Dr. Heiser gets into the Jewish Two Powers theology and how it provides context to our orthodox Christian beliefs of the Godhead.1
Summary
2Dr. Michael Heiser discusses the roots of the deity of Christ in the Old Testament, emphasizing the concept of binitarianism and its evolution to trinitarianism. He highlights the Jewish theological notion of Two Powers in Heaven, where one figure is identified with Yahweh, creating a "two but yet one" dynamic. Heiser examines passages from the Old Testament, such as the Angel of the Lord and the Word of God, which suggest a divine presence in human form. He also explores the use of the term "name" to refer to Yahweh and the interchangeable use of Yahweh and the Holy Spirit. These biblical themes influenced early Christian theology and the understanding of Jesus as God incarnate.
Insights
How could a Jew affirm the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) and also believe that Jesus was God?
Who was in the burning bush in Exodus 3?
Why would Israelites look at the Ark of the Covenant and call it "Hashem" (the Name)?
How would a Jew imagine the other two persons of a Trinity without Jesus?
Outline
Deity of Christ and Old Testament Roots
Michael Heiser introduces the topic of the deity of Christ and its roots in the Old Testament.
Heiser emphasizes that the concept of the deity of Christ is not new but has strong roots in the Old Testament.
The discussion will cover binitarianism in the Old Testament and its connection to trinitarianism.
Heiser plans to show how Jews and early Christians viewed the Old Testament and the concept of the Godhead.
Divine Plurality and Monotheism
Heiser reviews the concept of divine plurality and its compatibility with monotheism.
He explains that for Jews, the idea of divine plurality did not conflict with monotheism.
The discussion will explore how Jews could mentally reconcile the claims of the apostles about Jesus being God incarnate.
Heiser reiterates that Yahweh was unique among Elohim and that one of the Elohim would be identified with Yahweh.
Jewish Theology and Two Powers in Heaven
Heiser introduces the concept of Judaism's two powers in heaven doctrine.
He explains that Jewish theology before Christianity had the notion of two powers in heaven.
The Israelite Godhead and the Shema are discussed, highlighting the tension between monotheism and the concept of two powers.
Heiser uses John 118 to illustrate the complexity of affirming both the Shema and the deity of Jesus.
Angel of the Lord and the Name of God
Heiser discusses the Angel of the Lord and the use of the name of God in the Old Testament.
He explains that the Angel of the Lord is often identified with Yahweh, creating a sense of two but yet one.
The concept of the name of God being another way to refer to Yahweh is explored.
Heiser uses examples from the Old Testament to illustrate the interchangeable use of Yahweh and the Angel of the Lord.
Theological Implications and Jewish Perspectives
Heiser discusses the theological implications of the Angel of the Lord and the name of God.
He explains that the Angel of the Lord is Yahweh in human form, creating a sense of divine embodiment.
The concept of the Word of God being visible and embodied is explored.
Heiser introduces the idea that the Old Testament contains suggestions of a Godhead that is Yahweh, two but yet one.
Biblical Passages and Their Implications
Heiser reviews various biblical passages that suggest a Godhead in the Old Testament.
He discusses the use of the term "Word" in the Old Testament and its implications for Christology.
The concept of Yahweh riding the clouds is explored, highlighting its use in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Heiser explains how the Old Testament writers used titles and phrases to make theological statements about Yahweh.
Daniel 7 and Its Significance
Heiser discusses the significance of Daniel 7 in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
He explains how the passage is used to illustrate the concept of two powers in heaven.
The use of the term "Son of Man" in Daniel 7 and its implications for Christology are explored.
Heiser explains how Jesus quotes Daniel 7 during his trial, highlighting its theological importance.
Theological Speculation and Early Christian Thought
Heiser discusses the theological speculation among Jews before Christianity about the identity of the second Yahweh.
He explains that early Christians used the Old Testament to articulate their beliefs about Jesus.
The concept of the Holy Spirit being interchangeable with Yahweh and the Angel of the Lord is explored.
Heiser explains that the Old Testament provides a foundation for understanding the Trinity in the New Testament.
Implications for Modern Theology
Heiser discusses the implications of the Old Testament's Godhead concept for modern theology.
He explains that the concept of divine plurality does not contradict monotheism.
The discussion includes the implications for Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses.
Heiser emphasizes the importance of understanding the Old Testament's contributions to Christian theology.
Conclusion and Teaser for Next Session
Heiser concludes by summarizing the key points of the discussion.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Old Testament's contributions to the concept of the deity of Christ.
A teaser for next week's discussion is provided, focusing on Jewish speculation about the identity of the second Yahweh.
Heiser encourages participants to think about how Jews might have imagined the Trinity without Jesus.
This summary is provided with the help of Otter.ai.