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The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

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Infknt-Hoikie. OHiP Indeed, so fkr from tefving as<br />

historical basis for <strong>the</strong> origin <strong>of</strong> stich & vm '<br />

legend/ a more groM caricatore <strong>of</strong> Jewish<br />

Mestdanic ikhtidpAtioii ' ''^ could scarcely be<br />

imagined. Similarly futile Would it be to seek a<br />

background for this narrative in Balaam's<br />

prediction,* since it is in- ^S^' credible that any<br />

one could have understood it as referring to a brief<br />

sidereal apparition to a few Magi, in order to<br />

bring <strong>the</strong>m to look for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Messiah</strong>.* Nor can it be<br />

represented as intended to ftllfil <strong>the</strong> prophecy <strong>of</strong><br />

Isaiah,*** that ' <strong>the</strong>y shall bring gold <strong>and</strong> ihcense,<br />

<strong>and</strong> kix.t,]M <strong>the</strong>y shfdl show forth <strong>the</strong> praises <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Lord.' For, supposing this figuratiye language<br />

to have been grossly literalised,' what would<br />

become <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r part <strong>of</strong> that prophecy,^ which<br />

must, <strong>of</strong> course, have been treated in <strong>the</strong> same<br />

manner; not to speak <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fact, that <strong>the</strong> whole<br />

evidently refers not to <strong>the</strong> Messiali (least <strong>of</strong> all in<br />

His Infancy), but to Jerusalem in her latter-day<br />

glory. Thus, We fail to perceive any historical<br />

basis for a legendaiy origin <strong>of</strong> St. Mat<strong>the</strong>w's<br />

narrative, ei<strong>the</strong>r In <strong>the</strong> Old TestamdUt or, still less,

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