Resurrection and the Holy City: Matthew's Use of Isaiah in 27:51-53

Discussions of the scriptural background to the eschatological events directly following Jesus' crucifixion in Matt 27:51-53 usually center on two passages: Ezek 37:12-13 and Zech 14:4-5. In the present article, I seek to add a third scriptural background, arguing for Matthew's dependence on a complex of Isaianic passages culminating in Isa 52:1-2. Matthew consistently uses Isaiah throughout his Gospel, and this reliance on Isaiah culminates in his depiction of the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion (e.g., the earthquake, description of Jerusalem as the "holy city," resurrection language, mention of darkness, and presentation of the saints entering Jerusalem). Moreover, several theological emphases found in Second Isaiah (e.g., the emphasis on the God of Israel's redemptive power and the gentile nations being drawn to this God) flavor Matthew's depiction of Jesus' death, further revealing Matthew's dependence on Isa 52:1-2 and surrounding passages.