Matthew 16:16, The Son of the living Elohim. One day, Yeshua asked his disciples who they thought he was. Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. (Matt 16:15–16) How did Peter know this? Were there any hints in the Tanakh (Old Testament) that the Messiah would be the Son of Elohim, since these were the only Scriptures Peter had?
Their are numerous prophecies in the Tanakh about the Messiah. Here is a list of scriptures that prophesy specifically that he would be the Son of Elohim with some brief comments following.
Therefore Adonai himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [Heb. God with us]. (Isaiah 7:14)
Many Bible prophecies have double meanings or fulfillments. Such is the case with this prophecy. It was partially fulfilled in Isaiah’s life (Isa 8:3), but not completely. Isaiah’s son was neither deity nor was he known as “God with us.” Yeshua the Messiah was (Matt 1:23).
He shall cry unto me, “You are my father, my El [God], and the rock of my salvation.” Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. (Psalm 89:26, 27)
Again, this prophecy has a double fulfillment. It was partially fulfilled by David and his sons, but not completely. Only Yeshua, who also was from David’s lineage, fulfilled the superlative aspects of this prophecy. Not only that, Solomon, David’s son who ruled after him, wasn’t David’s firstborn. Yeshua was Elohim’s firstborn, however.
Who has ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if you can tell? (Prov 30:4)
This is a clear and direct reference to the Son of Elohim, who, the Testimony of Yeshua (the New Testament) tells us in several places, was also the One through whom Elohim created all things (e.g. John 1:7).
I will declare the decree: YHVH has said unto me, “You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.… Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” (Psalm 2:7, 12)
Here is yet another Messianic prophecy from the Tanakh that speaks of the Messiah King being the Son of Elohim. Neither King David nor his sons ever fulfilled this prophecy even remotely to its fullest extent.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty El [God], The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
In this Messianic prophecy, the Son and Elohim are equated. He is both Elohim and the Son of Elohim. He is also a son of David who will sit on David’s throne, and whose government will ultimately fill the earth (verse 7). In this prophecy, the Messiah is called “the Everlasting Father.” How can he be a Father and a Son at the same time? The same way any man can be both a father and a son. Spiritually the pre-incarnate Yeshua as YHVH the Son married Israel and begot spiritual children through that nation (Ezek 16:1–14). Similarly, Yeshua as the Messiah is in the process of marrying his bride, who is redeemed Israel (the saints), and who is begetting spiritual children, and will continue to do so on into the Messianic Era (the Millennium; e.g., Rev 12:1–2; 2 Cor 11:2; Rom 7:4).
Thank you for this teaching. Shabbat Shalom Lawrence family
Hey there…I don’t know how I can across this, but did you know that Yeshua was not the firstborn. He was the “only begotten son” – John 3:16
In Exodus 4:22, you can read “…Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn.” SHALOM!
Yeshua was born of a virgin making him the first born of his earthly mother. This is an irrefutable biblical fact. On the other hand, he was the first begotten of his Heavenly Father. These are two very different concepts and truths. This is another proof that Yeshua was fully Man and fully Elohim/God.