Temple of Solomon Final B--Reflection on Septuagint

Randall Q. Lawrence
Faith Bible College
Temple of Solomon
Bro. K.
5/26/2011

Temple of Solomon: Final B (Reflection on Septuagint--#70/72):

I tried to find the story about putting together the Old Testament during the Babylonian captivity, but I could not find it. I did, however, find a very interesting story about the Septuagint (meaning “70” or LXX) version of the Bible—“translation by 72 Elders”—translation of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) into the Greek language during the time of Ptolemy II (285-246 B.C.). This was first described in the “Letter of Aristeas” , supposedly written by a member of the court of Ptolemy II.

70 and 72 are very significant numbers Biblically especially in regards to anointing. There is a very significant episode involving Moses and 72 Elders including 2 (Medad & Eldad) that remained in camp. In Numbers 11:24-30, the Lord God’s Spirit that was on Moses also then rested on these 70 on the mountain with Moses not to mention on the 2 in camp with Joshua. Joshua wanted to forbid them and went running to Moses who rebuked him saying, “Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) This is paralleled in the New Testament (Luke 10:1-24) when Jesus sends out the 70 for witness (some versions say 72) as forerunners for His ministry. The 70/72 return “with joy” (Luke 10:17) at the success of their deliverance/forerunner ministry though Jesus counsels, “do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather, rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (v. 20). Thus, we see this number as significant for anointing for Presence of God (Kingdom of God), prophecy, deliverance, and as forerunners for Christ.

,Getting back to the Septuagint, the 72 scribes/translators/elders were reportedly picked by the High Priest, 6 from each tribe, worked on the translation and reportedly completed the task in exactly 72 days. “Later tradition says, for instance, that the 72 scribes worked separately or in pairs and miraculously produced the same translation, word for word, proving that the group was divinely inspired.” The Septuagint originally referred to the Greek Pentateuch but gradually came to refer to the entire Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as other books of Scripture were translated from Hebrew to Greek in Alexandria in Egypt. Very fascinating story that connects very well with anointed stories about 72 in the Old and New Testaments!!!