Intertextuality and Moses imagery in Matthew’s infancy narrative

Abstract

The observation that certain biblical texts (receptor texts) appear to draw upon others (source texts) has long captivated the interest of biblical scholars. This fascination has given rise to various distinctions regarding textual interdependence. While some scholars emphasise the importance of authorial intent, others remain sceptical of such interpretations. A closer examination reveals that the ways in which authors of receptor texts engage with source texts differ considerably. A detailed reading of the Gospel of Matthew reveals extensive connections to the First Testament, particularly in the form of fulfilment citations explicitly mentioned by the evangelist. However, this article focuses on the subtler and more implicit use of Moses imagery within the text. It appears that Matthew uses Moses imagery to characterise Jesus, though the extent of this portrayal remains a matter of scholarly debate. Does the author intentionally reinterpret and reappropriate Moses imagery to present Jesus as a new Moses, or does this imagery simply reflect traditional Jewish expectations of redemption prevalent in the socio-historical context of the time?

Contribution: This study examined the presence of Moses imagery in Matthew’s birth narrative. To accomplish this, it first explored the complexities of intertextuality within biblical texts, followed by an analysis of how Moses imagery is employed in Matthew 1–2. The aim of this article is to contribute to the ongoing scholarly discourse on the intertextual and hermeneutical strategies employed by the evangelist.