The Son of God in the Old Testament: A Study of Biblical References

The concept of the "Son of God" is often associated with the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ. However, the Old Testament contains intriguing references and foreshadowings of the Son of God. These passages not only build the framework for understanding Jesus' identity but also demonstrate the cohesive narrative of the Bible across both Testaments.

1. The "Son" in Psalm 2

One of the most direct Old Testament references to the Son of God is found in Psalm 2, a royal psalm often regarded as messianic in nature:

“I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.’” (Psalm 2:7-8)

This passage is understood as a prophecy of the Messiah, emphasizing His divine authority and relationship with God. Early Christians, including the Apostle Paul (Acts 13:33), explicitly connected this psalm to Jesus.

2. The Son in Proverbs 30:4

In the wisdom literature, we find a cryptic yet profound mention of a "Son":

“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!” (Proverbs 30:4)

This rhetorical question hints at the existence of a divine Son, one who is intimately connected to the Creator. While the Old Testament audience may have perceived this in a general sense, Christians see it as a veiled reference to Jesus Christ.

3. The Angel of the Lord

Throughout the Old Testament, the mysterious figure known as the "Angel of the Lord" appears. This figure often speaks with divine authority, identifies as God, and yet remains distinct from God. A notable example is in Judges 13:18, where the Angel of the Lord predicts the birth of Samson:

“Why do you ask my name?” the Angel of the Lord replied. “It is beyond understanding.”

Some theologians argue that the Angel of the Lord is a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God, also known as a Christophany.

4. The Son of Man in Daniel 7

The prophetic vision in Daniel 7:13-14 introduces the "Son of Man," a figure given divine authority and worship:

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.”

This passage points to a divine Messiah who would reign eternally. Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the "Son of Man," explicitly tying His identity to this prophecy.

5. The Promised Seed in Genesis 3:15

The earliest reference to a coming Savior is found in the protoevangelium (first gospel) of Genesis 3:15:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

While not explicitly naming the "Son of God," this verse foreshadows the coming of a redeemer born of a woman, interpreted by Christians as Jesus.

6. The Servant Songs in Isaiah

Isaiah’s prophecies about the "Servant of the Lord" also contribute to the picture of the Son of God. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet declares:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

This prophecy emphasizes the divine nature of the promised child, pointing forward to Jesus' birth and mission.

Final Thoughts

The Old Testament offers glimpses of the Son of God through prophecies, titles, and appearances. These references build the theological foundation for the revelation of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, uniting the Scriptures into a single, redemptive narrative. For Christians, the "Son of God" is not an invention of the New Testament but a fulfillment of the promises and mysteries found in the Old.

As you study these passages, consider how they fit into the larger biblical story. They demonstrate the depth and foresight of God’s plan for humanity, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.