A Biblical Theology of Jubilees
1. The Place of Jubilees in Biblical Theology
The book of Jubilees, sometimes called The Little Genesis, is an ancient Jewish text from the Second Temple period. It retells the story of Genesis and part of Exodus, arranging the biblical narrative according to a calendar of jubilees and weeks of years. A biblical theology of Jubilees seeks to understand not only the text itself, but also how its themes fit into the broader witness of Scripture.
Jubilees is not part of the Protestant biblical canon, but it was influential among early Jewish communities and preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Its authority was recognized in some Jewish and Christian circles, especially in Ethiopia, where it remains part of the canon. Even outside the canon, Jubilees reflects how ancient interpreters engaged with the Bible, filling gaps, expanding genealogies, and emphasizing God’s covenantal purposes.
At its heart, a biblical theology of Jubilees highlights creation, covenant, law, angelic mediation, and eschatological hope. These themes align closely with the storyline of Scripture, making Jubilees a valuable lens for understanding how God’s people read their Scriptures in anticipation of Christ.
2. Creation and Order in Jubilees
Jubilees begins with creation, reemphasizing the seven-day pattern of Genesis but structuring time into jubilees of forty-nine years. This reveals a theology of history where time itself belongs to God and is ordered for his purposes. The biblical theology of Jubilees portrays history not as random, but as divinely structured, echoing Genesis 1 where God creates with intentional rhythm.
The emphasis on Sabbath rest underscores God’s design for human flourishing. Jubilees insists that even before Sinai, the patriarchs observed Sabbath and festivals, rooting them in creation itself. This perspective resonates with biblical teaching that the law reflects God’s eternal will (Genesis 2:3; Exodus 20:8–11). It also anticipates the New Testament, where Christ fulfills the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8; Hebrews 4:9–10).
By presenting history as structured by jubilees, the text points toward redemption as the restoration of divine order. This pattern foreshadows the biblical vision of new creation, where time and space are once again fully aligned with God’s reign (Revelation 21:1–5).
3. Covenant and Law in Jubilees
Another central theme in a biblical theology of Jubilees is covenant. The book retells the covenant with Noah, Abraham, and Jacob, emphasizing their obedience to God’s commands. It frequently asserts that the patriarchs already kept aspects of the Mosaic law—observing feasts, practicing purity, and avoiding idolatry. This retrojection of the law into earlier history highlights the eternal nature of God’s covenant requirements.
This theme complements the Bible’s teaching that God’s covenant promises run through the entire story of redemption. Jubilees presents Israel’s identity as grounded in covenant faithfulness, reminding readers that God’s people are called to holiness (Leviticus 19:2).
For Christians, this emphasis finds fulfillment in Christ, who is both the mediator and the fulfillment of the covenant (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15). The law written into creation and expressed in Israel reaches its climax in the law of Christ, where love of God and neighbor sums up every command (Matthew 22:37–40). A biblical theology of Jubilees therefore underscores continuity between God’s dealings with the patriarchs and the Gospel, where covenant blessing is fulfilled in Jesus.
4. Angels, Evil, and Spiritual Conflict
A unique contribution of Jubilees is its expanded teaching on angels and spiritual beings. The book describes angels as mediators of the law and guardians of nations, echoing themes in Deuteronomy 32 and Daniel 10. Jubilees also portrays the origin of evil through fallen angels and their corrupting influence, linking the narrative to Genesis 6.
This perspective deepens biblical theology by emphasizing that human history unfolds within a cosmic conflict. The Bible itself confirms this reality: Psalm 82 shows God’s judgment on corrupt divine beings, and Paul reminds believers that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers and authorities” (Ephesians 6:12).
By highlighting angelic mediation and rebellion, Jubilees helps frame the Gospel as victory over spiritual powers. Christ’s death and resurrection disarmed rulers and authorities, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). What Jubilees saw dimly in angelic conflict, the New Testament reveals fully in Christ’s supremacy over all creation. A biblical theology of Jubilees reminds readers that redemption is cosmic in scope, involving both visible and invisible realities.
5. Hope and Eschatology in Jubilees
Finally, a biblical theology of Jubilees must consider its vision of the end. Jubilees anticipates judgment on the nations, vindication for Israel, and restoration of creation. This hope is rooted in the covenant and the divine ordering of time, where jubilees mark progress toward final redemption.
The eschatological vision of Jubilees resonates with the prophets, who foresaw a day when God’s kingdom would be fully revealed (Isaiah 2:2–4; Daniel 7:13–14). It also aligns with the New Testament’s proclamation that in the last days, Christ reigns as King, and his people await the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20–26).
In this light, Jubilees reinforces the Bible’s teaching that history moves toward a climactic renewal. The themes of covenant faithfulness, cosmic struggle, and divine order converge in the hope of the Messiah. For Christians, the fulfillment of this hope is already secured in Jesus, who embodies Israel, fulfills the law, conquers spiritual enemies, and brings the jubilee of God’s kingdom (Luke 4:18–21).
Conclusion: The Value of Jubilees for Biblical Theology
A biblical theology of Jubilees does not require treating the book as canonical Scripture. Instead, it involves recognizing how its themes illuminate the Bible’s storyline. By emphasizing creation, covenant, law, angels, and eschatology, Jubilees reflects the concerns of faithful Jews longing for God’s kingdom.
For Christians, these themes find their answer in the Gospel. The law kept by the patriarchs points to Christ’s perfect obedience. The jubilee structure of history foreshadows the freedom of the kingdom. The angelic conflict anticipates Christ’s victory on the cross. The hope of restoration is fulfilled in the new heavens and new earth.
Taken together, a biblical theology of Jubilees enriches understanding of how God’s people anticipated redemption and how all things are fulfilled in Jesus.
Bible Verses Related to Jubilees
Genesis 2:3 – “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.”
Leviticus 25:10 – “Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.”
Deuteronomy 32:8 – “He fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.”
Psalm 82:1 – “God has taken his place in the divine council.”
Isaiah 2:2 – “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established.”
Daniel 7:13–14 – “Behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man.”
Luke 4:18 – “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives.”
Colossians 2:15 – “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame.”
Hebrews 4:9–10 – “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”
Revelation 21:1 – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.”
