Matthew,

Very interesting read, what Owen thought of the LXX being used for the OT quotes in Hebrews. It may very well be from him that the understanding the LXX was “back-corrected” from the NT originated (and not the IFBs or some supposed “conspiracy theorists”). It is a good example of a highly-trained scholar (both an accomplished Hebraist and Greek expert) refuting the “LXX-quoting NT authors” hypothesis. And he goes into great detail over each supposed instance. These seven volumes on Hebrews are a treasure. I have found no better exposition – for example – on the matter of Melchisedec in Hebrews 7 than his.

That the editor, William H. Goold, sought to contradict Owen (and not only on the LXX “back-corrections”, but on the authorship of the epistle as well) is not surprising seeing as the text-critical company he kept – which he called “the voice of modern criticism” – included such German (or German trained/influenced) rationalists as Griesbach, Scholz, Lachmann, Tischendorf (p. 117), Mill, Wetstein, and Davidson (p. 102). Sometimes good scholars posthumously fall into the hands of lesser men, who would use the grand vehicle of the former’s excellence to carry their own shabby baggage.

__________________
Steve Rafalsky
Elder, International Evangelical Church (Reformed)
Limassol, Cyprus

"I am set for the defense of the gospel" (Philippians 1:17)

"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious
power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness..." (Colossians 1:11)