The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Anjela Paje of Spokane, WA, from the tape, GC 1301-X, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 26."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1983. All Rights Reserved.

Questioner

In Matthew 27:9, Matthew had quoted a scripture from the Old Testament, and had credited it to Jeremiah, but instead it’s actually from Zechariah. I was asked this question before. I really don’t know how to answer that?

John MacArthur's Answer

That’s very interesting that you asked that. It says, “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah...”

Let me tell you what I think is the best explanation of that. He quotes a thing that’s spoken by Jeremiah and then it’s a quote that comes from Zechariah. There’re two reasons for that:

1. Reason number one is, the message here contained is from Jeremiah. Okay? The exact words are taken from Zechariah, but Jeremiah was a prophet of greater priority. So, he refers it to Jeremiah.

2. There’s a second reason, very, very important. In the Talmudic order of prophets, which the Jews listed in the Talmud, Jeremiah was the lead name in the role of the prophets. Therefore, a reference to Jeremiah could be a reference to the whole role of the prophets. So, it’s very possible that he’s just seeing the priority of Jeremiah as the lead prophet.

Either one of those or both.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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