The Third Day in Scripture and Its Implications for Christian Theology

Jesus's reference to the third day, where he was to rise again, is a pivotal part of Christian theology, reflecting both prophecy and biblical typology. In Luke 24:46, Jesus was speaking about the events that would occur after his crucifixion, saying, 'It is written that the Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.' This prophecy has deep roots in the Hebrew Bible, with several passages and traditions pointing to a third day as a time of resurrection and renewal.

Scriptural References to the Third Day

One of the most notable references to the third day is found in the prophetic book of Hosea. Specifically, Hosea 6:1-2, which reads:

1. Come, let us return to the Lord,
for he has torn us that he might heal us;
he has confessed us, that he might bind us up.
2. After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will bring us to life,
that we may live in his presence.

This passage describes God's promise of restoration and life after judgment, explicitly mentioning the third day as a time of revival and vindication.

Hosea Targum Jonathan: A Jewish Interpretation

The Hosea Targum Jonathan is an ancient Jewish translation and interpretation of the book of Hosea, which adds depth to the original text. According to Targum Jonathan:

1. Let us now turn to the worship of the Lord, as he has torn us, and then he will mend us; after he has struck us, he will bind up our breaches.
2. He will revive us to life again; at the season of consolation, at the time of resurrection he will raise us up, we will live in his presence.

This interpretation emphasizes God's transformative power and promises of resurrection, aligning with the themes of renewal and revival mentioned earlier.

Additional Qumran Texts

Similar themes can be found in the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS), particularly in a partial fragment of a Hosea pesher. Although incomplete, this fragment suggests that the expectation of resurrection on the third day was not only a temporal but also a theological concept within the broader context of Jewish apocalyptic literature.

Interpretation and Implications

The concept of the third day in Jewish and Christian tradition carries multiple layers of meaning. For the Jews, the third day was often a time of relief and revival, after a period of purification or judgment. This is evident in numerous biblical stories, such as the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (exodus), the resurrection of Saint Lazarus, and the many references to restoration and renewal.

Types of Third Day Events

In the Hebrew Bible, the third day is frequently associated with phenomena such as resurrection and transformation. For example:

In 1 Kings 17:23, Elijah appears to restore the life of a child. In Genesis 27:29, Isaac's blessing to Esau describes the land as "a land that thou shalt give to my offspring after me." This can be seen as a type of resurrection on the third day. In the story of Joseph, his imprisonment and eventual rise to power can also be read as a form of resurrection, although not explicitly spoken of in terms of a third day.

These typological fulfillments highlight the deep symbolic significance of the third day in biblical literature.

Christological Application

For Christians, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus on the third day serve as the ultimate fulfillment of the third-day motif. The doctrine of the resurrection is central to Christian faith and practice, representing the victory over sin and death.

Terminology and Interpretation

The Third Day motif is also significant in Jewish apocalyptic literature, such as the Qumran texts (Dead Sea Scrolls). Here, the third day often symbolizes the dawn of a new age, a time of divine intervention and transformation. This concept aligns with the Hebrew Bible's broader view of the third day as a time of revival, restoration, and divine judgment.

Scholars like Mark Grant and Gerald A. Schroeder emphasize the importance of understanding the third day in its historical and cultural context. The third day is not merely a chronological marker but a powerful symbol of divine action, transformation, and renewal.

Conclusion

The third day, with its rich prophetic and typological significance, serves as a crucial element in both Jewish and Christian traditions. The various references to the third day in the Hebrew Bible, Targums, and Qumran texts underscore the importance of this concept in understanding the fulfillment of prophecy and the theological significance of resurrection. As we continue to explore these themes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of biblical literature and the profound implications for Christian theology.