Resurrection in Jesus’ Hebrew Bible: The Case of Joseph, Mordecai, and Daniel

The topic of resurrection is virtually ignored in the field of Old Testament studies. It seems—from studies, theological journals, books, sermons, and discussion—as though resurrection from the dead did not exist prior to the four Gospels. It would be an interesting survey to ask how many folks heard a message about resurrection on Easter Sunday taken from the pages of Israel’s Scriptures. Did you?

Resurrection in the Hebrew Bible

Ironically, resurrection from the dead is explicitly articulated in a variety of texts in the Hebrew Bible.[1] And, the resurrection of the awaited future, messianic king is present across the entire Hebrew canon. It is foretold in all types of literature, whether prosaic or poetic, but it is most often foretold through literary typology and intertextuality, as well as canonical redaction.

There is a consistent future focus on the messiah: his rejection, death, and resurrection, and the participation of his royal subjects in that victory over death.

This is exactly why, on resurrection afternoon, Jesus labeled the two hopeless travelers on the road to Emmaus as “foolish and slow to believe.” (Luke 24) They had been slow to believe what their Bibles stated so clearly and often.

There are many examples of this resurrection pattern. But it is important to understand that unless we read the Scriptures canonically—just as they were originally written—we will generally miss observing the canonical pattern of resurrection.

Joseph, Mordecai, and Daniel

Let’s consider some examples of that resurrection pattern. Both Mordecai (in the book of Esther) and Daniel follow the earlier pattern of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). Their life patterns imitate one another. In other words, the lives of Joseph, Mordecai, and Daniel are intentionally linked together by the authors through patterns and are parallel to each other to some extent. Let me show you how.

In each case, by way of summary, these three Old Testament characters are exiled away from Israel, are subject to a death plot with their demise certain. But through some sort of intervention—miraculous in nature—they survive the death plot, and eventually reach elevated positions in Gentile kingdoms. It’s a pattern observed in all three men.

Rejection, Death Plot, Survival, Elevation

Joseph is rejected by his brothers and faces a death plot: thrown into a pit; his demise is certain. But he survives miraculously and is eventually elevated to second-in-command in Gentile Egypt.

Mordecai is rejected by Haman and faces a death plot: a hanging gallows (lit. a tree) is constructed for him; his demise is certain. But he survives and is eventually elevated to second-in-command in Gentile Persia.

Daniel is rejected and faces a death plot by officials in Darius’ administration: he is thrown into the lion’s den; his demise is certain. But he survives and is elevated to second-in-command in Gentile Babylon.

Resurrection from the Dead

All three characters—Joseph, Mordecai, Daniel—face a serious death plot, with their demise all but guaranteed but they survive miraculously, and appear to experience a resurrection from the dead.[2] The repeated pattern of resurrection in each case is clear when viewed canonically.

Joseph, Mordecai, and Daniel are Messianic

All three characters are elevated to Gentile, not Jewish, governments. These three characters are Messianic in nature. They prepare readers for the pattern of rejection, death plot, survival, and elevation to second-in-command to be repeated in their future, Messianic king.

Undoubtedly, then, all three cases foretell the rejection and death plot against Jesus, his survival by his resurrection and rise to second-in-command in heaven, at God’s right hand, ruling over Jews and Gentiles.

There are many other examples of resurrection in the three sections of the Hebrew Bible. But unless we are taught to read canonically, it’s unlikely that we’ll observe them. I didn’t. I failed to observe the patterns until I learned to approach the Bible canonically.

Jesus was Justified in Chiding his Disciples

Perhaps we can now see why Jesus chided the surprised disciples in the upper room on Resurrection evening. Their own Bible contained evidence that Jesus as Israel’s Messiah had to be rejected first, face a death plot, but survive through some type of resurrection (Lk 24:25-27; 44). In Jesus’ case, it was a literal resurrection.

“Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (the Writings) must be fulfilled.’” Luke 24:44.

Resurrection is Not Ignored in the Old Testament

The topic of resurrection is virtually ignored in the field of Old Testament studies. But ironically, the topic is not ignored in the Old Testament. It’s everywhere. With canonical glasses perched on our nose, we are able to observe it everywhere. And when we read the pattern of Jesus’ rejection, death, and resurrection, it makes so much sense. The Old and New Testaments contain multiple stories, but seamless in nature.

Thank you for reading.

NOTES

[1] : 1 Sam 2:6; 2 Kgs 13:21, Ezek. 37:1-14; Ps 16:10; Ps 23:3; Ps 86:13; Job 19:25-26; and Dan 12:2-3.

[2] Ironically, in the case of Mordecai and Daniel, it is their enemies who suffer death instead.