Biblical Allusions
The Old Testament:
The Old Testament:
Story of Creation: (Genesis 1)
Commentary: The seven days of creation allude to the seven days we have in our regular week (Monday through Sunday) with Sunday as a "day of rest" similar to the last day that God rested. The stories told in biblical works are still reflected in how we live our lives today.
- God began creation (heaven and earth)
- First Day: Formed Night and Day
- Second Day: Separated the sea, created the sky
- Third Day: Created land and sea, vegetation on land
- Fourth Day: Created the sun, moon, and stars
- Fifth Day: Creation of birds and fish
- Sixth Day: Creation of all living things, animals, and humans
- Seventh Day: God rested
Commentary: The seven days of creation allude to the seven days we have in our regular week (Monday through Sunday) with Sunday as a "day of rest" similar to the last day that God rested. The stories told in biblical works are still reflected in how we live our lives today.
http://www.thefeltsource.com/BB-Adam-and-Eve.html
"The Fall": (Genesis 3)
Commentary: Once again, this story alludes to our lives today. God forgave Adam and Eve just as he forgives us, but we live with sin because of what two people do. Many stories have protagonists who decide something that impacts the entire population, or maybe just a few, such as in the story The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Peeta and Katniss almost eat the poisonous berries at the end of the book, but don't due to an announcement saying that they both have won. This starts a downward spiral into war for everyone in Panam.
- Eve spoke to a serpent about what fruit could be eaten
- Eve ate the forbidden fruit and gave some to Adam
- God was angered by the disobedience of Adam and Eve
- Adam and Eve were forced to leave the Garden of Eden and live their lives with sin
Commentary: Once again, this story alludes to our lives today. God forgave Adam and Eve just as he forgives us, but we live with sin because of what two people do. Many stories have protagonists who decide something that impacts the entire population, or maybe just a few, such as in the story The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Peeta and Katniss almost eat the poisonous berries at the end of the book, but don't due to an announcement saying that they both have won. This starts a downward spiral into war for everyone in Panam.
http://www.godandscience.org/doctrine/adam_with_eve_at_fall.html
"The Flood": (Genesis 6)
Commentary: The movie Evan Almighty is a story parallel to the story of Noah and the Ark. Evan is a man driven to work, he has three sons and a wife just like Noah. He begins to get signs from God, and even a visit from God, that tells him to build an ark. Even though people begin to think he's crazy, he does what God asks. Evan begins to turn into Noah: long flowing beard and robes, animals following him, and he finishes the ark. Two of every animal come and load the ark, as well as many townspeople, when a large dam nearby begins to crack and pour water into the city. This modern interpretation allows us to really empathize with Evan and the enormous power that must have rested in the hands of Noah.
- Man became vast, and began to show evil
- The Lord said that He would destroy man
- God came to Noah and told Him of his plan, then He told Noah to make an ark for his family to survive in
- Two of any type of animal were also permitted
- Noah built the ark
Commentary: The movie Evan Almighty is a story parallel to the story of Noah and the Ark. Evan is a man driven to work, he has three sons and a wife just like Noah. He begins to get signs from God, and even a visit from God, that tells him to build an ark. Even though people begin to think he's crazy, he does what God asks. Evan begins to turn into Noah: long flowing beard and robes, animals following him, and he finishes the ark. Two of every animal come and load the ark, as well as many townspeople, when a large dam nearby begins to crack and pour water into the city. This modern interpretation allows us to really empathize with Evan and the enormous power that must have rested in the hands of Noah.
https://doubtingthomas426.wordpress.com/category/religion/noah-and-the-ark/
Cain and Abel : (Genesis 4-6)
Commentary: In the book series Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard, two twins were born. One was born normal, the other with a type of mental illness. The one with mental illness didn't find it fair that she was sent off to special homes while her sister was living a normal life at home so she decided to switch places with her without her parents knowing. After a few years in her sisters shoes, her "normal" sister escaped the mental hospital and came to kill the one who had replaced her. This is similar to the story of Cain and Abel because jealousy and envy caused one sibling to kill the other.
- Sons of Adam and Eve
- Cain brought the Lord fruit as an offering
- Abel brought small sheep to the Lord, which was respected
- Cain could not please the Lord, and killed Abel
- Cain left his land as punishment
- Many children were born from Cain's lineage
- Adam and Eve had another son to replace Abel: Seth
- Noah was descended from Adam and Eve
Commentary: In the book series Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard, two twins were born. One was born normal, the other with a type of mental illness. The one with mental illness didn't find it fair that she was sent off to special homes while her sister was living a normal life at home so she decided to switch places with her without her parents knowing. After a few years in her sisters shoes, her "normal" sister escaped the mental hospital and came to kill the one who had replaced her. This is similar to the story of Cain and Abel because jealousy and envy caused one sibling to kill the other.
http://www.realbiblestories.com/the-first-brothers-cain-and-abel/
Abraham and Isaac: (Genesis 22)
Commentary: This story is a story of true faith and willingness. The faithful will be rewarded is a strong message in this story. An example of this story at work is from Harry Potter. The secret that Sirius Black is Harry's uncle is kept from him by adults in order to protect him. This actually ends up hurting him more because eventually he finds out that this is true and begins to get reckless. Any story with a big secret kept with the idea that its better than sharing alludes to this story.
- God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son to Him
- Abraham took a few men with him but did not tell them what he was to do
- Isaac knew that his father was taking him to make an offering but did not see a sheep
- An angel came to Abraham and told him to spare his son
- This was a test from God of how faithful and fearful Abraham was of God
Commentary: This story is a story of true faith and willingness. The faithful will be rewarded is a strong message in this story. An example of this story at work is from Harry Potter. The secret that Sirius Black is Harry's uncle is kept from him by adults in order to protect him. This actually ends up hurting him more because eventually he finds out that this is true and begins to get reckless. Any story with a big secret kept with the idea that its better than sharing alludes to this story.
http://berto-meister.blogspot.com/2013/01/fear-and-trembling-story-of-abraham-and.html
Moses, The Plagues, The Exodus, The 10 Commandments: (Exodus 1-4, 20)
Commentary: In Disney's The Lion King, Moses is similar to Simba. Simba is accused of killing his father, similar to Moses being accused of killing another man. Both characters were exiled but grew up well. They were both told to journey home to save their people. Simba by Mufasa and Moses by God. Because of this, the people in the Bible and the animals in The Lion King are freed from the evil grasp of their ruler: Scar in the movie and Pharaoh in the Bible.
- The children in Israel became stronger and fruitful
- The king of Egypt tried to afflict the children of Joseph and burden them
- The children's might grew with each burden, and the fear of God helped save the children to be born
- Pharaoh wanted every son killed but every daughter alive
- Moses was born and hidden by his mother, then sent down the river in a small ark/basket
- Women found Moses and he became the son of Pharaoh's daughter
- Moses fled from Pharaoh when he grew older, Pharaoh wanted to kill Moses
- Moses went and helped a priest, who gave him food and a daughter
- The angel of the Lord appeared in a burning bush, God then spoke to Moses of how he was on holy ground
- God send Moses to save the Israelites from Egypt
- God gave Moses three proofs to show the people
- The people believed Moses, and began to worship
- God gave Moses the 10 commandments
- Moses told the people not to fear God
Commentary: In Disney's The Lion King, Moses is similar to Simba. Simba is accused of killing his father, similar to Moses being accused of killing another man. Both characters were exiled but grew up well. They were both told to journey home to save their people. Simba by Mufasa and Moses by God. Because of this, the people in the Bible and the animals in The Lion King are freed from the evil grasp of their ruler: Scar in the movie and Pharaoh in the Bible.
http://sankofaonline.com/the-ten-commandments-were-they-really-10-or-13/
The Book of Job:
Commentary: This book of Job is similar to the story Hercules where Hercules has to complete a series of tasks to pay for what he has done. He is only saved from these tasks when he is aided by the Greek Gods. Job is only given relief from Satan when God comes to help him. Although Job has not done anything, he believes that he has.
- Job is wealthy, Satan thinks Job is only wealthy because of God's blessing
- Satan thinks that if God punishes Job, Job will curse and spite God
- God gives Satan permission to goad Job without killing him, and Satan begins work on tormenting Job
- Four messages are sent with terrible news to Job, Job still prays
- Job gets skin sores, his wife thinks he should curse God, Job still prays
- Job curses other things but not God, Job begins to ponder why God does what he does
- Finally Job gives in and says his thoughts about how God makes innocent people suffer while evil people run free
- God shows himself to Job and shows the true power of God causing Job to agree and relent
Commentary: This book of Job is similar to the story Hercules where Hercules has to complete a series of tasks to pay for what he has done. He is only saved from these tasks when he is aided by the Greek Gods. Job is only given relief from Satan when God comes to help him. Although Job has not done anything, he believes that he has.
http://www.giedriuskuprevicius.lt/musicae/Jobo%20Teismas/Jobas.html
The Book of Ruth:
Commentary: In the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, a story is told of the desire for a young woman to marry a rich and successful man. Naomi wants nothing more than for Ruth to marry Boaz, a rich land owner, and bear children and become happy. Many other books and stories tell the desire for a young lady or man to marry rich in order to improve their lives.
- A famine struck the land, a man went to "sojourn in the country of Moab" with his family
- The man died, leaving his wife Naomi and her two sons
- The sons married, one named Orpah and the other Ruth
- Naomi, her husband, and her daughter in laws were all who remained. They traveled to Judah to seek the Lord
- Naomi bid her daughter in laws leave and find new husbands for her sons were dead
- Ruth wouldn't leave Naomi, she wanted to believe in God as she did
- Ruth went into a field to visit the Lord, and the owner of the field bid her to stay in that field when seeking the Lord
- Ruth worked in the field for this man, Boaz, and in return she got food
- Naomi told Ruth to visit Boaz after he had eaten and laid down, she was to lay at his feet and wait for his instruction
- Baoz told Ruth she had shown him kindness, and gave her barley
- Boaz paid for Ruth to be his wife, she conceived and had a son
Commentary: In the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, a story is told of the desire for a young woman to marry a rich and successful man. Naomi wants nothing more than for Ruth to marry Boaz, a rich land owner, and bear children and become happy. Many other books and stories tell the desire for a young lady or man to marry rich in order to improve their lives.
http://www.shsu.edu/~his_ncp/Ruth.html
David and Goliath: (I Samuel: 17)
Commentary: In the song "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley, the line "Now I've seen and heard there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord" refers to the praise that David gave the Lord that helped him slay Goliath. The idea that weaponry and violence doesn't beat faith is presented in this story.
- The Philistines and the Israelites were at war
- Both sides were on a mountain with a valley below
- Goliath was the champion for the Philistines, David was a shepherd
- David went to talk with his people before the war, when Goliath appeared the men fled with fear
- Saul, the leader for Israel, gave David some armor to defend his people
- Goliath boasted of his great weapons, David told Goliath that he had the Lord on his side
- David threw a stone and Goliath and killed him, no sword needed
Commentary: In the song "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley, the line "Now I've seen and heard there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord" refers to the praise that David gave the Lord that helped him slay Goliath. The idea that weaponry and violence doesn't beat faith is presented in this story.
http://pulsosocial.com/en/2014/02/16/david-or-goliath-corporations-startups-and-lessons-to-be-learned/
The New Testament:
The Nativity: (Matthew: 1, Luke: 2)
Commentary: Many modern films about Christ deal with the nativity scene and include that in their stories. The nativity scene stands for the new beginning of a great era. This is the story of how Jesus was born and therefore is a big part of everything that happens afterwards. Many shows such as A Charlie Brown Christmas have Nativity scenes and even quotes from scripture.
- 14 generations are between Abraham and David, David to Babylon, and Babylon to Christ
- Mary was engaged to Joseph and found to have a child before their marriage
- Joseph decided to keep it a secret, and an angel appeared telling him that Christ was in Mary
- The baby's name was to be Jesus
- Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus was born
- An angel visited some shepherds in a field and told them of Jesus the savior
- The shepherds went to see Jesus, and spread the word of his glory
- Jesus was presented to the Lord, Jesus was thought highly by a Spirit
- Mary,Joseph, and Jesus went to Jerusalem every year for passover. One year Jesus stayed behind
- Jesus had stayed behind to pray and talk with others in Jerusalem
Commentary: Many modern films about Christ deal with the nativity scene and include that in their stories. The nativity scene stands for the new beginning of a great era. This is the story of how Jesus was born and therefore is a big part of everything that happens afterwards. Many shows such as A Charlie Brown Christmas have Nativity scenes and even quotes from scripture.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/petermullen/100122430/nativity-plays-stop-bashing-the-innkeeper/
Lazarus: (John 11:1-12:11)
Commentary: To some, the term a "Lazarus rising form the dead" is used to describe someone coming back from obscurity or a near death experience. Because Jesus helped to bring Lazarus back, this was a large moment in this time. People began to believe in Jesus' power because of Lazarus.
- Lazarus was sick, Mary and Martha (sisters from his town) prayed to the Lord
- Jesus heard this, and decided to go to Judea
- Lazarus died, Jesus went to visit him after he was burried
- Jesus told Martha that Lazarus would rise again
- Mary was stricken with grief and fell at the feet of Jesus
- The stone was rolled away from the grave, and Lazarus appeared
- Many believed that Jesus was truly sent from God now
- A supper was made for Jesus, Mary anointed Jesus' feet
Commentary: To some, the term a "Lazarus rising form the dead" is used to describe someone coming back from obscurity or a near death experience. Because Jesus helped to bring Lazarus back, this was a large moment in this time. People began to believe in Jesus' power because of Lazarus.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_of_Bethany
The Last Supper: (Mark 14, John 13)
Commentary: The last supper is all about betrayal and denial after Jesus had foretold it to happen. In The Matrix, Trinity is the Peter to Neo who is Jesus. Trinity is like a disciple to Neo and completely believes in him. This allusion is made to make Neo to be a Christ-like figure.
- Leaders decided to kill Jesus after passover
- Jesus was anointed in Bethany by a woman
- Jesus washed his disciples feet, foretold his betrayal and Peter's denial
- Judas went to betray Jesus for money
- Jesus sent two disciples to find the place for the last supper/passover meal
- Jesus told his disciples that one of them would betray him, he blessed the bread and wine (body and blood)
- Jesus told Peter he would deny him three times
- Jesus went away to pray to the Lord about his fate
- Jesus was arrested and condemned to death
- Peter denied Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed
Commentary: The last supper is all about betrayal and denial after Jesus had foretold it to happen. In The Matrix, Trinity is the Peter to Neo who is Jesus. Trinity is like a disciple to Neo and completely believes in him. This allusion is made to make Neo to be a Christ-like figure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Supper_(Leonardo_da_Vinci)
Judas and the Betrayal: (Matthew 25, 26)
Commentary: A "Judas" is a name for a betrayer, especially one who betrays a friend. Also, a "kiss of death" can be referred to as a reference of Judas because of how Judas kissed the head of Jesus in order to let the guards know who was Jesus. A "kiss of death" is an act of betrayal or something that causes the downfall of another.
- 10 Virgins: 5 wise, 5 foolish
- The 5 foolish were left in the dark by the Lord and their own wit
- One man: 5 talents, One man: 2 talents, One man: 1 talent
- The two with more talents doubled their talents, the one with 1 buried the Lord's money
- The Lord praised the two men who had doubled their talents and gave them more gifts
- The man who had hidden his talent was punished and cast into uncertainty
- All nations shall be before the Son of man
- The leaders plotted to kill Jesus, Judas agreed to betray Jesus
- Jesus revealed at the passover feast that he knew one would betray him
- Jesus foretold Peter's denial
- Jesus went to pray, and was soon arrested after Judas' betrayal
- Jesus was condemned, and Peter denied Jesus three times as was foretold
Commentary: A "Judas" is a name for a betrayer, especially one who betrays a friend. Also, a "kiss of death" can be referred to as a reference of Judas because of how Judas kissed the head of Jesus in order to let the guards know who was Jesus. A "kiss of death" is an act of betrayal or something that causes the downfall of another.
http://phillips.blogs.com/goc/2006/04/judas.html
The Denial: (Matthew 26)
Commentary: The name Peter means "rock" or person who will always be there and stand by someones side. Peter does not do this in this story, and does not live up to the name given to him by Jesus. There isn't any specific allusion to this story that I could find.
- Peter told Jesus he would never be offended by him
- Jesus told Peter that "before the cock crow[s]" he would betray Jesus three times
- Peter disagreed with Jesus
- After Jesus' arrest, a woman came to Peter and asked if Peter was with Jesus
- Peter denied this before all of the disciples
- Another maiden asked this of Peter, again he denied it
- A group of people then came and asked the same of Peter, again he denied it and the cock crew
Commentary: The name Peter means "rock" or person who will always be there and stand by someones side. Peter does not do this in this story, and does not live up to the name given to him by Jesus. There isn't any specific allusion to this story that I could find.
http://redemptionministry.org/easter-2014-reflection-9-peters-denial/
The Crucifixion: (Matthew 27)
Commentary: In any story where someone stands up for what they believe in and are killed or taunted because of it it is an allusion to the crucifixion story. In The Catcher in the Rye by D.J. Salinger, a character named James Castle (J.C.) says something insulting but truthful about the stories antagonist and is later punished by the antagonist and his friends when he will not take back what he says. This is very similar to how Jesus will not take back saying that he is the Son of God.
- Jesus was brought to Pontius Pilate and was condemned
- Judas brought his money to the priests and elders out of guilt for sending Jesus to death
- Judas hung himself as punishment
- Jesus did not answer Pilate's questions
- Jesus was condemned to death
- Jesus was to be crucified, his clothes were taken, he wore a crown of thorns, Simon helped bear his cross
- Jesus was crucified along with two thieves
- The crowd watching taunted him, as Jesus called out to God the people became frightened and realized that he was the son of God
- Jesus was buried in a cloth and in a cave protected by a large stone and someone to watch
Commentary: In any story where someone stands up for what they believe in and are killed or taunted because of it it is an allusion to the crucifixion story. In The Catcher in the Rye by D.J. Salinger, a character named James Castle (J.C.) says something insulting but truthful about the stories antagonist and is later punished by the antagonist and his friends when he will not take back what he says. This is very similar to how Jesus will not take back saying that he is the Son of God.
http://creationrevolution.com/hour-jesus-crucified/
The Resurrection: (Luke 24, John 20,21)
- After three days Jesus' tomb was found open
- Two men stood in shining garments and told that Jesus had risen to Heaven
- Jesus appeared to his disciples, they were frightened, but Jesus told them not to be
- Thomas did not believe it was Jesus until 8 days after Jesus had come
- Jesus took meat from them and told them what to do following his death
- Jesus took his disciples to Bethany, blessed them, and ascended into Heaven
Commentary: This is a symbol of the forgiveness of sins. Jesus came back to his disciples and blessed them, telling them to go and spread the word. He forgave Peter for all he had done, and in the end ascended into Heaven which is where any person believing in God wishes to go.
http://www.ascension-acc.org/