The Divine father concept in the Old Testament

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.