The rhetorical arrangement and function of OT citations in the Book of Hebrews: Uncovering their role in the paraenetic discourse of access

The presence of the Old Testament (OT) citations throughout the Book of Hebrews is unmistakable. It is argued that prominent citations serve both a structural and argumentative role in the theology of the book. The connected discussion of these citations (Ps 110:1, 4; Ps 8:4--6; Ps 95:7--11; Jer 31:31--34; Ps 40:6--8; Hab 2:3--4) displays the author's persuasive argument that the recipients must embrace Jesus' provision of a way of access to the very throne of God where mercy and forgiveness are found. The structural component of the design of the OT citations is integrated with George Guthrie's text-linguistic approach in The Structure of Hebrews (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1994), adjusting his parallel lines of argumentation to suggest a more cohesive thought for Hebrews.; Chapter Two examines suggested internal and external premises used to organize the thoughts of Hebrews and shows that the crisis situation of the Hebrews turns the argument in a decisively rhetorical nature, one that seeks to convince through the spoken message of the OT citations.; Chapter Three, using a deductive methodology, establishes a soteriological linkage that is textually present in word and conceptual associations between the OT citations, clarified by the author's creative handling of the passages. Chapter Four proceeds inductively to reveal the cumulative function of the citations in moving the recipients to a life of full access to God. The final chapter examines alternate OT passages as test cases for the author's reading of Scripture and how the selection and use of the prominent OT citations is integral to the persuasive nature of Hebrews.; From an historical-exegetical investigation of these OT Scriptures comes an understanding of the author's intention to relate the message of these ancient texts to the intellectual and spiritual needs of his contemporary audience so they will give assent to the theological work of Christ on their behalf in providing eternally available access to the redeemer God.