The Scripture repeatedly uses the word “fulfillment” many times, but what exactly does this mean? The words of Hosea refers to the past, which alludes to the idea that Israel is awaiting fulfillment. In Hosea,God says that “The more I called them, the farther they went from me, sacrificing to the Baals, and burning incense to idols” (Hos 11:1-2). This is the opposite of fulfillment as the people are wandering away from God and His presence. The objective of fulfillment is the restoration of communion with God so that we may be able to enter into the divine presence. The means of this restoration is alluded to when God says “For I am God, and not a man, the Holy One present among you; I will not come in wrath” (Hos 11:8-9). This shows that fulfillment lies in the presence of the Holy One, namely Emmanuel which means “God is with us”. For us, this Emmanuel is Jesus and he is the fulfillment of Judaism. He even states “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” (Mt 5:17).
In the opening chapters of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke bear many similarities to elements of the Old Testament. In the beginning of Mathew 1, it is written that Jesus is “the son of David, the son of Abraham ” (Mt 1:1) showing the immediate connections to the elect in the Old Testament. Furthermore in Matthew 1, an angel speaks to Joseph through a dream, telling him what he must do. It is almost immediate that our minds are drawn to Joseph from the Old Testament and his dreams that were showing what his future role as the elect will be. This repetition highlights how dreams are a form of divine thought sent to humans to lead them in the direction that God desires. We also see the importance behind the meaning of names. For instance, Adam means dirt, Jacob means heel-catcher, and Israel means “God contends”. These names reveal something crucial about the story of these people just as referring to Jesus as Emmanuel, which means God is with us, reveals that Jesus is the son of the Father. Additionally we see similar elements in Luke 1 with Elizabeth being barren just like Sarah, Rebekkah, and Rachel but in all cases, God blesses them with a child. However, because Zechari’ah doubted God, he is unable to speak. This element of doubt is present in many places in the Old Testament, especially with the wilderness generation doubting Moses and God’s ability to lead them out of Egypt and to the promised land. All of these elements go to show how the Scripture repeats itself in order for us to understand God’s message clearly.
Emma Danes's Theology Blog 
Emma, really awesome job! I really enjoyed reading all of the examples you gave showing how the New Testament often alludes to elements of the Old Testament, especially the part about the different times God’s people doubted him and his overall plan. Do you think that there will ever be a time when God’s people don’t doubt his plan for us, even just a little bit? Great post overall!
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Emma,
This is a really thoughtful analysis of the meaning behind “fulfillment” and contrast between the Old Testament and New Testament. I agree with your discernment of the meaning of “fulfillment” as entering into communion with God, and thought your supporting evidence was strong. The only question I have is given Zechariah’s inability to follow God’s wishes, do we see sufficient evidence that there is hope for the future of Israel going into the future?
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Emma, really great response. I agree with your analysis of fulfillment. I thought it was similar to how you described it. In addition, I also think you did a really good job of making connections between the new and old testament. I love how you referred to the meaning of the names “Adam means dirt, Jacob means heel- catcher and Israel means contends” This is a very good connection. Do you think that god will continue to strategically name the Israelites? Overall great job!
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