Final answer:
The betrayal of Judas was predicted in the Hebrew Scriptures through indirect references and later interpreted as prophecies by the New Testament authors using typology, notably with Psalms and Zechariah foretelling betrayal by a close friend and the price of thirty pieces of silver.
Step-by-step explanation:
To explain how the betrayal of Judas was predicted in the Hebrew Scriptures, we must delve into Acts 1 and typology found within the Christian interpretation of the Scriptures. The key to recognizing this betrayal lies in understanding typology, where events in the Hebrew Bible are seen as foreshadowings of New Testament occurrences. Specifically, the Psalm of David (Psalm 41:9) is often cited, which states, 'Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.' This verse, along with other references like Zechariah 11:12-13, which mentions the thirty pieces of silver, are interpreted as indirect predictions of Judas's betrayal of Jesus. The New Testament authors reinterpreted these passages to reflect the events they witnessed.
In the narrative of Matthew 26, Jesus openly states during the Last Supper that one among his disciples will betray him, and the act of betrayal is visually depicted in Leonardo's painting, with Jesus and Judas reaching into the same dish. This moment is seen as the fulfillment of the earlier passages. Moreover, the Christian typology extends beyond the betrayal, drawing parallels between Old Testament figures or stories, such as Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac and the sacrifice of Christ.