What’s His Son’s Name?

The Hebrew Bible presents a rich collection of narratives, prophecies, and covenants that together construct the anticipation and nature of a divine deliverer or Messiah. This exploration guides us through various key passages, each illuminating the concept of divine sonship and the role of the Messiah as envisioned in Israelite scripture. Our journey involves more than just understanding the texts; it's about comprehending how these passages come together to create a unified narrative about a singular figure in Yah's plan for salvation. Let's delve into this narrative.

1. Prophetic Foretelling: The Hebrew Bible features prophetic foretelling from figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah, adding depth to the Messianic expectation. Isaiah speaks of a servant of the Lord (Isaiah 42, 49, 53) who will bring justice and salvation, while Jeremiah describes a righteous Branch from David’s line (Jeremiah 23:5-6) who will execute justice. These prophecies, among others, contribute significantly to the anticipation of the Messiah.

2. Exodus 4:22: In this passage, Yah refers to Israel as His "firstborn son." This symbolic title signifies Israel's special relationship with Yah, establishing a foundation for the concept of divine sonship as a covenantal bond.

3. Proverbs 30:4: The query about "Yah's son" in this verse, while enigmatic, points towards an individual embodiment of Yah's covenantal relationship, potentially foreshadowing a Messiah.

4. Messiah in the Hebrew Bible: The Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ, Māšîaḥ, "anointed one") evolves in the Hebrew Bible from a term for anointed leaders to a future divinely appointed figure, destined to fulfill Israel's divine purpose under Yah's guidance.

5. Additional Old Testament References:

- 2 Samuel 7:12-14: In Yah's covenant with David, there's a promise of a lasting kingdom through David's lineage. The phrase "I will be his father, and he shall be my son" not only indicates a special bond between Yah and David's descendants but also points to a future leader, hinting at a Messianic figure. The language of an eternal kingdom ("I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever") lends itself to messianic expectations in later Israelite thought, where it is seen as a reference to a future anointed king from David's line who would reign eternally.

- Daniel 7:13-14: Daniel's vision of "one like a son of man" presented with everlasting dominion by Yah depicts a heavenly figure. This vision suggests a Messianic figure, distinct from earthly rulers, endowed with divine authority and kingdom.

The passage from Daniel 7:13-14 is a significant one in the context of discussing the divinity of the coming Messiah, especially within the framework of the Hebrew Bible and its later interpretations. Let's break down how this passage supports the idea of the divinity of the Messiah:

- The Description of the Figure: The figure in Daniel's vision is described as "one like a son of man," which is notable for a few reasons. First, the term "son of man" is an Aramaic phrase used in biblical Hebrew as a way of saying "human being." However, in this context, the figure is depicted in a setting and manner that is far from ordinary. Coming with the "clouds of heaven" is imagery often associated with divinity and heavenly power in ancient Near Eastern literature. This sets the figure apart from mere human beings.

- Authority, Glory, and Sovereign Power: The figure is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. These attributes are significant because they are typically reserved for God. The bestowal of such divine attributes to the "son of man" figure suggests a sharing in God's own power and authority.

- Worship from All Nations and Peoples: The vision states that all nations and peoples of every language worshiped this figure. In the Hebrew Bible, worship is reserved for God alone, so the fact that this figure receives worship from all nations implies a status equal to that of the divine.

- Everlasting Dominion and Kingdom: The dominion and kingdom of this figure are described as everlasting and indestructible. This perpetuity of reign is another characteristic often associated with Yah in the Hebrew Bible, indicating an eternal, divine nature.

This passage from Daniel 7:13-14 supports the concept of a divine Messiah in several ways: through the extraordinary nature and setting of the "son of man" figure, the divine attributes and authority bestowed upon him, the universal worship he receives, and the eternal nature of his dominion and kingdom. While interpretations vary, in many Israelite and Christian traditions, this passage has been viewed as pointing to a Messiah whose nature and role are deeply intertwined with the divine.

6. Harmonizing the References: Integrating these passages creates a narrative arc in the Hebrew Bible where the collective "sonship" of Israel as Yah's firstborn in Exodus 4:22 transitions to a more individualized divine sonship in the Messiah, as alluded to in Proverbs 30:4 and detailed in 2 Samuel and Daniel. This evolution reflects a deepening understanding of Yah's relationship with His chosen people and His plans for redemption.

7. Understanding Divine Sonship: Divine sonship in these contexts transcends physical lineage, symbolizing a deep, covenantal relationship with Yah. This concept includes not just the national identity of Israel but also points to an individual Messiah who embodies Yah's covenant and is instrumental in Yah’s plan for salvation and justice.

In summary, the Hebrew Bible weaves a narrative from Israel as Yah's "firstborn son" to the prophetic foreshadowing of an individual Messiah. This Messiah, as indicated in texts like Proverbs 30:4, 2 Samuel 7:12-14, and Daniel 7:13-14, embodies the ultimate realization of Yah's covenant with Israel, signifying a unique relationship and role in Yah's salvific plan.