Jesus' Crucifixion Beatings and the Book of Proverbs

"An interesting application of Proverb's concept of discipline toward Christ as the 'fool bearer.' Wenkel proves that a serious historical-grammatical approach done in light of a canonical context isn't boring at all. A fascinating read." (Josaphat C. Tam, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Evangel Seminary, Hong Kong) "The resurrected Lord expounded to His traveling companions on the road to Emmaus, 'in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself' (Lk 24:27). Wenkel follows that divine hermeneutical principle by demonstrating that even a single detail of Scripture ultimately concerns and points to Jesus. His analysis is biblically, theologically, and historically thorough and convincing that Jesus was the Curse-Reverser even for fools, vicariously taking the punishment that they deserved. A Rod for the Back of Fools is a helpful source not only to see Christ in this particular instance but to encourage the reader to be on Christ-alert in all the details of Scripture." (Michael Barrett, Professor of Old Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, USA) "The apostles clearly state that all of the Old Testament points to Jesus. However, those who are skeptical of a Christ-centered approach to the Old Testament often target Proverbs as exhibit A for their argument. That's why I'm thankful for David Wenkel's efforts in this book to wrestle with the topic of Proverbs and Christ's crucifixion. I encourage you to read and consider his argument, and perhaps in the process you will come to better understand how Christ crucified is the wisdom of God." (Jonathan Akin, Author of "Preaching Christ From Proverbs" and the forthcoming Christ-Centered Commentary on "Proverbs")

Christian theology has largely focused on Jesus’ death but has given relatively little attention to his sufferings. He explains that Jesus’ sufferings demonstrate the wisdom of God’s plan to provide a substitute for foolish sinners. Jesus was beaten as a fool – even though he was no fool, in order to fulfill God’s loving plan of salvation.

This study takes a Christian perspective on the entire Bible, rather than simply the New Testament. David Wenkel asks: Why did Jesus have to be beaten before his death on the cross? Christian theology has largely focused on Jesus’ death but has given relatively little attention to his sufferings. Wenkel’s answer contextualizes Jesus’ crucifixion sufferings as informed by the language of Proverbs. He explains that Jesus’ sufferings demonstrate the wisdom of God’s plan to provide a substitute for foolish sinners. Jesus was beaten as a fool – even though he was no fool, in order to fulfill God’s loving plan of salvation. This analysis is then placed within the larger storyline of the whole bible – from the Garden of Eden to the story of Israel and beyond.