C.S. Lewis on Yahweh-Jesus Father-Son Relationship in Scripture
The relationship between Yahweh and Jesus as Father and Son is a central tenet of Christian theology, rooted in Old Testament prophecies and explicitly articulated in the New Testament. This divine familial language signifies a unique and exalted status for Jesus, distinguishing him from all other beings.
In the Old Testament, the concept of God as "Father" appears in various contexts, often in relation to Israel as a nation or its kings. For instance, Yahweh is described as the God "who took me from my father’s house" in Genesis 24:7, and Solomon appeals to Yahweh as the God who made promises to "my father David" in 1 Kings 8:25. The Lord's relationship with David's dynastic line is particularly significant, with God stating, "I will be his father, and he will be my son" concerning David's offspring [8]. This promise, found in 2 Samuel 7:14, establishes a special covenant relationship between God and the kings of Israel, a relationship that Jesus ultimately fulfills [8]. The Psalms also speak of this adoption, with Psalm 2:7 stating, "Today I have become your Father," referring to the Lord adopting the king of David's dynasty [3]. This father-son relationship between gods and kings was a common motif in the ancient Near East, but in Israel, it signified God's adoption of kings as his sons, with David being set apart as God's most excellent son [3]. All descendants of David were considered the Lord's representatives, and Jesus, as an eternal member of the Godhead and a descendant of David, is understood as the true Son of God [3].
The prophetic literature further develops this understanding. Isaiah 63:16, for example, features the church pleading with God, "Doubtless thou art our father," emphasizing a deep, personal relationship rooted in special adopting grace, not merely creation or national adoption [4]. Proverbs 3:12 also illustrates a father-son dynamic, stating, "for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights" [1]. While these Old Testament references primarily speak of God's fatherhood over Israel or its kings, they lay the groundwork for the more profound and unique Father-Son relationship revealed in Jesus.
The New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus as the "Son of God" in a unique and unparalleled sense. The Gospel of Luke, for instance, records God's declaration concerning Jesus, "my cherished son," linking it directly to the Old Testament prophecies in 2 Samuel 7:14 and Psalm 2:7, which predicted a unique father-son relationship between God and the Messiah [2]. The author of Hebrews extensively argues for Jesus's superiority, particularly over angels, by drawing on Old Testament texts that highlight his divine sonship [5, 6]. Hebrews 1:5 quotes Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14, emphasizing that God "said: This verse quotes Ps 2:7 and 2 Sam 7:14. By exalting Jesus to his right hand (see Acts 1:9-11; 2:32-36; 7:55-56), the Father proclaimed his unique" [6]. This "Son" title is considered by some commentators to be the "greater name" referred to in Hebrews 1:4, while others suggest it refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God [5]. Regardless, the emphasis is on Jesus's exalted status and unique relationship with God.
The apostle Paul also applies this father-son language to believers through Christ. In 2 Corinthians 6:18, Paul quotes the promise from 2 Samuel 7:14, stating, "I will be to you in the relation of a Father, and ye shall be to me in the relation of sons and daughters" [7]. While this passage applies the promise to all believers, it does so in the context of their relationship with God through Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecy [8]. This demonstrates that the unique Father-Son relationship between Yahweh and Jesus serves as the foundation for the adoptive sonship offered to believers.
The concept of God as Father and Jesus as Son is not merely a metaphorical expression but denotes an ontological reality within the Godhead. Jesus is not merely a created being whom God adopted, but rather, as the "eternal member of the Godhead," he is the "true Son of God" [3]. This distinction is crucial for understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal, yet distinct in their relations. The Old Testament foreshadowings of God's fatherhood and the sonship of the Davidic king find their ultimate and perfect realization in the person of Jesus Christ, establishing a unique and eternal divine relationship that underpins Christian theology.
Sources
- Proverbs “for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights. -- Proverbs 3:12”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 20:13: 20:13 my cherished son: The Messiah was predicted to have a unique father-son relationship with God (see 2 Sam 7:14; Pss 2:7; 89:26-29).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 2:7: 2:7-9 The Lord adopted the king of David’s dynasty to conquer rebellious nations by force (see 89:26-27). 2:7 Today I have become your Father: People in the ancient Near East commonly accepted a father-son relationship between gods and kings. In Israel, the Lord adopted kings as his sons. God set David apart as his most excellent and exalted son (89:27). All descendants of David were the Lord’s representatives or agents. As an eternal member of the Godhead (John 1:1) and a descendant of David (Acts 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5), Jesus is the true Son of God.”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 63:16: Doubtless thou art our father,.... Therefore why shouldst thou restrain thy mercies and bowels of compassion from us? or therefore look down upon us, and behold us; the church pleads her relation to God, and in a strong manner; faith of interest continued with her, though he hid his face from her. This relation of father and children, which subsists between God and his people, is not upon the foot of creation, so he is a father to all men; nor on account of national adoption, so he was to the whole body of the Jewish people; but through special adopting grace, which ”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 1:4: 1:4 The Son’s exalted position shows that the Son is far greater than the angels in status or rank. First-century Jews were fascinated with angels and held them in high esteem, so the author of Hebrews establishes the Son’s superiority to them. • just as the name . . . is greater: Cp. 2 Sam 7:8-14. Some commentators believe that the title “Son” is the name implied here. Others think the name is Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Old Testament (Exod 3:14-15; cp. Phil 2:9-11).”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 1:5: 1:5-14 In these ten verses, the author uses a variety of Old Testament texts to show that Jesus is superior to the angels. Among ancient Jewish and Christian interpreters, Old Testament passages were strung together one after the other in “chain quotations” (called “pearl stringing”) to convince the hearers or readers of a certain theological point by presenting a lot of scriptural evidence together. 1:5 God . . . said: This verse quotes Ps 2:7 and 2 Sam 7:14. By exalting Jesus to his right hand (see Acts 1:9-11; 2:32-36; 7:55-56), the Father proclaimed his unique”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 6:18: Translate, "I will be to you in the relation of a Father, and ye shall be to me in the relation of sons and daughters." This is a still more endearing relation than (Co2 6:16), "I will be their God, and they . . . My people." Compare the promise to Solomon (Ch1 28:6; Isa 43:6; Rev 21:3, Rev 21:7; Jer 31:1, Jer 31:9). Lord Almighty--The Lord the Universal Ruler: nowhere else found but in Revelation. The greatness of the Promiser enhances the greatness of the promises. Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 7”
- 2 Samuel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Samuel 7:14: 7:14 I will be his father, and he will be my son: Kings in David’s line would enjoy a special covenant relationship with God, as the whole nation of Israel did (cp. Exod 6:7; Lev 26:12). Jesus later became the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy (see Heb 1:5). Paul quotes this phrase in 2 Cor 6:18 and applies it to all believers. • If he sins, I will correct and discipline him: God would steer David’s offspring, the future kings of Israel, back onto the right track whenever they sinned. Cp. the experience of Jesus, who never sinned, yet endured God’s disciplin”