2 esdras 7:28 - For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and shall rejoice those who remain four hundred years.
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What does "2 esdras 7:28" mean?
2 Esdras 7:28 is part of a larger apocalyptic vision, and interpreting it requires considering the context of the entire book. Here's a breakdown of possible interpretations:
The Verse:
"For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him..." This refers to the Messiah (Jesus, or Yeshua in Hebrew). "Revealed" suggests a future appearance, a coming to earth in glory and power. "Those that be with him" is often interpreted as the saints, the righteous who have been faithful. This alludes to a triumphant return with a company of holy ones.
"...and shall rejoice those who remain four hundred years." This is the crux of the verse and open to different understandings.
"Those who remain": This refers to the righteous who are alive at the time of the Messiah's appearing. They are the ones who haven't died before this glorious event.
"Four hundred years": This is a specific timeframe, which has fueled various interpretations.
Possible Interpretations:
1. Literal 400-Year Reign: This interpretation takes the 400 years literally, suggesting a period of peace and righteousness on earth under the Messiah's rule after his return. This is a common Millennialist viewpoint – a literal 1,000 year (or in this case 400 year) reign of Christ on earth. Those alive at the second coming will enjoy a period of peace and justice under Christ's governance.
2. Symbolic Number: Apocalyptic literature often uses numbers symbolically. The 400 years might represent a long but finite period of blessedness and prosperity. The exact significance of 400 is debated, but it could suggest a significant but not eternal duration.
3. Time Until Judgment: Some scholars connect the 400 years to the period leading up to the final judgment. It could be a timeframe for the spread of the Gospel, the gathering of the elect, and the final test of humanity before the ultimate end. After that time the righteous will be judged and enjoy eternal rewards.
Contextual Considerations:
Apocalyptic Genre: 2 Esdras is an apocalyptic book, filled with visions, symbolic language, and a pessimistic view of the present world. It anticipates a dramatic intervention by God to set things right. Understanding this literary genre helps in interpreting the verse.
Jewish Messianic Expectations: The book was written within a Jewish context during a time of oppression. The expectation of a Messiah who would deliver Israel and establish a just kingdom was strong. The verse reflects this hope.
Textual Variants: There are some variations in different versions of 2 Esdras. Consulting different translations and scholarly commentaries can provide further insights.
In Conclusion:
2 Esdras 7:28 speaks of the Messiah's glorious return, accompanied by his saints, and the blessedness that awaits the righteous who are alive at that time. The "four hundred years" is open to interpretation, ranging from a literal reign of peace to a symbolic period of time before the final judgment. The verse ultimately offers hope and encouragement to those who remain faithful amidst the trials and tribulations of the present age.
2 esdras 7:28 - For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and shall rejoice those who remain four hundred years.
What does "2 esdras 7:28" mean?
2 Esdras 7:28 is part of a larger apocalyptic vision, and interpreting it requires considering the context of the entire book. Here's a breakdown of possible interpretations:
The Verse:
"For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him..." This refers to the Messiah (Jesus, or Yeshua in Hebrew). "Revealed" suggests a future appearance, a coming to earth in glory and power. "Those that be with him" is often interpreted as the saints, the righteous who have been faithful. This alludes to a triumphant return with a company of holy ones.
"...and shall rejoice those who remain four hundred years." This is the crux of the verse and open to different understandings.
"Those who remain": This refers to the righteous who are alive at the time of the Messiah's appearing. They are the ones who haven't died before this glorious event.
"Four hundred years": This is a specific timeframe, which has fueled various interpretations.
Possible Interpretations:
1. Literal 400-Year Reign: This interpretation takes the 400 years literally, suggesting a period of peace and righteousness on earth under the Messiah's rule after his return. This is a common Millennialist viewpoint – a literal 1,000 year (or in this case 400 year) reign of Christ on earth. Those alive at the second coming will enjoy a period of peace and justice under Christ's governance.
2. Symbolic Number: Apocalyptic literature often uses numbers symbolically. The 400 years might represent a long but finite period of blessedness and prosperity. The exact significance of 400 is debated, but it could suggest a significant but not eternal duration.
3. Time Until Judgment: Some scholars connect the 400 years to the period leading up to the final judgment. It could be a timeframe for the spread of the Gospel, the gathering of the elect, and the final test of humanity before the ultimate end. After that time the righteous will be judged and enjoy eternal rewards.
Contextual Considerations:
Apocalyptic Genre: 2 Esdras is an apocalyptic book, filled with visions, symbolic language, and a pessimistic view of the present world. It anticipates a dramatic intervention by God to set things right. Understanding this literary genre helps in interpreting the verse.
Jewish Messianic Expectations: The book was written within a Jewish context during a time of oppression. The expectation of a Messiah who would deliver Israel and establish a just kingdom was strong. The verse reflects this hope.
Textual Variants: There are some variations in different versions of 2 Esdras. Consulting different translations and scholarly commentaries can provide further insights.
In Conclusion:
2 Esdras 7:28 speaks of the Messiah's glorious return, accompanied by his saints, and the blessedness that awaits the righteous who are alive at that time. The "four hundred years" is open to interpretation, ranging from a literal reign of peace to a symbolic period of time before the final judgment. The verse ultimately offers hope and encouragement to those who remain faithful amidst the trials and tribulations of the present age.