Jesus' Crucifixion Beatings and the Book of Proverbs

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. 

“This book is based on the premise and principle of the beating of the fool in Proverbs being applied to the punishment that was inflicted on Christ on the cross. … This was a very interesting book to study. I do recommend it and will take even more time studying this book to attempt fully grasp the truths that lie within its pages through the interpretation of the Word of God.”  (Resolved for Christ, resolvedfc.blogspot.com, 2017)

“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”)

“If one begins with the theological conviction that the entire Old Testament bears witness to Christ, what would it look like to read Proverbs theologically? Instead of merely deriving morals from ancient Proverbs, David Wenkel argues that wisdom in Proverbs can also prefigure Christ’s life and atoning death. This is a provocative and insightful study of the motif of discipline in Proverbs in light of Christ, which surprisingly exposes more associations between Christ and this wisdom motif than one might expect. A rewarding read for those interested in the theological interpretation of the Old Testament.” (Andrew T. Abernethy, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College, USA)

David H. Wenkel received his PhD from the University of Aberdeen and currently lives in Chicago. He has been adjunct faculty at Moody Bible Institute, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Indian Bible College. He is the author of Shining Like the Sun: A Biblical Theology of Meeting God Face to Face.