| dc.description.abstract | The biblical significance and implications of the
divine Father concept are explored in this study, through an
exegetical investigation of the texts of the Hebrew Bible in
which the term occurs. The purpose of this research is to
ascertain, through a comprehenslve conceptual analysis, what
the bibrical concept of the divine Father in the father-son
metaphor in the OT meant. Such an approach offers a firm
basis for defining the concept of the fatherhood of God in
the OT. The study provides insight into the reality of
God's relationship with Israel, particurarly the Israelites'
perception of their relationship with God.
Chapter 1 is an introduction to the dissertation and
to the literature relevant to the divine Father concept.
The review of literature features the current status of
scholarly research on the topic.
Chapter 2 presents a brief study of OT "father"
terminorogy and its usage in order to provide a linguistic
background for the exegetical analysis of the relevant
texts. one Hebrew term (:li ) and one Aramaic word (:x ) are
analyzed. Several signlficant features expressed by these
terms shed light on the usage of "father" in the OT as it is
used to characterize the or concept of fatherhood.
Chapter 3 shows how the divlne Father concept in the
OT reveals God's special relationship in dealing with His
son Israel. A broad study of the selected passages explores
the concept of dlvine fatherhood in the OT. God as Father
represents the faithful love of God who called His son, was
with him, and sustained him. "Father" is an insignia of
God's love and caretaking for His son. God, as the divine
Father to His son, stands for the totality of a Father's
loving attributes and activities in relating to His son--
attributes such as Iove, caIIing, support, discipline,
provision, protection, help, restoration, and compassion.
Chapter 4 explores some theological imprlcations of
the rerationship between God and His son in the OT. It
addresses the characteristics of God's fatherhood in the
areas of covenant, soteriology, and creation/re-creation.
The OT record of God's dealings with His people in the past
may become, for the OT reader, a key to understand His
present and future dealings.
Chapter 5 presents the conclusion of the research,
highlightinq the dlvine Father metaphor from the perspective
of the salvation hlstory of His children, and their assurance
of His enduring love. | |
