Remez

During class this week, I stumbled while attempting to explain the principle of "remez" - a rabbinical model of teaching Scripture. Here is a brief explanation, cobbled together through various internet sites

The great teachers (rabbis) during Jesus' day used a technique that was later called remez. In their teaching, they would use part of a Scripture passage in a discussion, assuming that their audience's knowledge of the Bible would allow them to deduce for themselves the fuller meaning of the teaching. Apparently, Jesus, who possessed a brilliant understanding of Scripture and strong teaching skills, used this method often.

Example:

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”(Matthew 27:46)

Here, Jesus is quoting Psalm 22:1. In doing so, He is actually "hinting" at the entire text of Psalm 22. Go read it, and you’ll see. Pay particular attention to verses 13-18.

Here is another simple one from Jesus’ words (this was the example from class).

But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.”Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.
“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,
” ‘From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise’?” (Matthew 21:15-16)

Here, Jesus is quoting Psalm 8:2

From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

Why is it God has ordained praise from their lips? Because of His enemies, in order to silence them.

Who is Jesus suggesting are the enemies of God? The chief priests and Torah teachers.

This is why the chief priests and teachers of the law became indignant (Matt. 21:15). The religious leaders realized that Jesus was implying that they were God's enemies.

Jesus best fit the type of rabbi believed to have "s'mikhah" - the authority to make new interpretations of the Torah. Whereas most teachers of the law could only teach accepted interpretations, teachers with authority could make new interpretations and pass legal judgments. Crowds were amazed because Jesus taught with authority (Matt. 7:28-29), and some people questioned his authority (Matt. 21:23-27).