where in the old testament is "a better resurrection"'s theology ?

[spitoutthekoolaid]

In Hebrews 11:35, we see Paul mention the desire of others in times past making certain choices in hoping to receive a better resurrection. Reading Revelations, for example, I can see where it shows the "two deaths" and "two resurrections". But where in the Old Testament, or even Jewish history prior to the New Testament in what the leaders believed at that time, do we see the idea of two resurrections being discussed ? In other words, was Paul already familiar with this concept and so was his audience ... the concepts shown to us in Revelations, for example ? Are there scriptures that point to it prophetically, etc and so forth, or was this something that was understood in general already for some other reason ? Again ... specifically I'm looking for Old Testament references, or pre-Christ references, that Paul and his audience might have already been familiar with, either directly or prophetically for that matter.

I did a quick search on this topic, to see if it was already in existence, but couldn't find one specifically. I'm sure there is a thread somewhere, but I didn't spend hours looking lol ... so I appreciate responses in advance. Thanx.

 

[Harry3142]

Hebrews 11:35 is believed to have referred to the raising back to life of the widow of Zarapheth's son (I Kings 17:17-24), and the raising back to life of the Shunammite woman's son (II Kings 4:8-36). These were examples of prophets (Elijah and Elisha) bringing children back to life.

It is believed to have also referred to the sacrifice of the Maccabean Jewish patriots (II Maccabees 7). By this time (2nd century BC) there were those Jews who believed that there would be a resurrection of those deemed worthy. The Maccabeans' enduring cruel tortures rather than yielding to the demands of their captors were examples of those who would be worthy of being resurrected.

 

[spitoutthekoolaid]

Hebrews 11:35 is believed to have referred to the raising back to life of the widow of Zarapheth's son (I Kings 17:17-24), and the raising back to life of the Shunammite woman's son (II Kings 4:8-36). These were examples of prophets (Elijah and Elisha) bringing children back to life.

It is believed to have also referred to the sacrifice of the Maccabean Jewish patriots (II Maccabees 7). By this time (2nd century BC) there were those Jews who believed that there would be a resurrection of those deemed worthy. The Maccabeans' enduring cruel tortures rather than yielding to the demands of their captors were examples of those who would be worthy of being resurrected.

Hmm ....

But Paul doesn't seem to be talking about "resurrection" in general, as in the belief of it period. I assumed he was alluding to "better" as in, comparing one type of resurrection to another. In Revelations 20, where it talks about those who participate in the first resurrection, it describes them as:

* souls who were beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and the word of God
* didn't worship beast or image, or receive his mark on foreheads or hands
* came to life and reigned with Christ 1000 years

So seeing Paul reference people who refused to be released from torture in hoping to gain a better resurrection, and then referencing that to those who got to participate in the first resurrection as being linked to a violent death (partially, at least), I made the leap that Paul was referencing the "two resurrections" and "two deaths" perhaps that John is describing in Revelations. That maybe they were talking about the same thing.

Maybe I should ask from this standpoint then ... is there some OT scriptures, or prophetic symbolism, or other sources, that support the Revelations 20 description of two resurrections ?

 

[ebia]

Hmm ....

But Paul doesn't seem to be talking about "resurrection" in general, as in the belief of it period. I assumed he was alluding to "better" as in, comparing one type of resurrection to another. In Revelations 20, where it talks about those who participate in the first resurrection, it describes them as:

* souls who were beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and the word of God
* didn't worship beast or image, or receive his mark on foreheads or hands
* came to life and reigned with Christ 1000 years

So seeing Paul reference people who refused to be released from torture in hoping to gain a better resurrection, and then referencing that to those who got to participate in the first resurrection as being linked to a violent death (partially, at least), I made the leap that Paul was referencing the "two resurrections" and "two deaths" perhaps that John is describing in Revelations. That maybe they were talking about the same thing.

Maybe I should ask from this standpoint then ... is there some OT scriptures, or prophetic symbolism, or other sources, that support the Revelations 20 description of two resurrections ?

The author of Hebrews (whoever that is its not Paul) is comparing the bringing back from death of stories such as the Widow of Nain's son, Lazarus, the widow of Zarephath's son, etc, to the going through death and out the other side of the final, complete, resurrection.