Understanding Jehovah in the Old and New Testaments: A Closer Look at Hebrews 1:1-2
The Nature of Jehovah in the Scriptures
The term 'Jehovah' is often used in the context of both the Old and New Testaments, particularly in reference to the personal name of God as used in the Hebrew Bible. However, the concept of a triune God, where divine persons are distinct yet one in essence, is a uniquely Christian notion that is deeply rooted in the New Testament, particularly the teachings of the New Covenant.
Excerpt from Hebrews 1:1-2
1 In the days of His (God’s) Son, to whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds, 2 He who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke to the fathers in the prophets, has in these last days spoke to us by His Son…
8 But of the Son He says: 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.'
These verses from Hebrews 1:1-3 (KJV) are crucial for understanding the relationship and nature of the divine persons in both the Old and New Testaments.
Considering the Divine Nature in Hebrews 1:1-2
In Hebrews 1:1, the term 'Son' is used in the context of the divine mission, indicating the process through which God has spoken to humanity, both in the Old and the New Testaments. The 'Fathers' mentioned here refer to patriarchs and prophets in the Old Testament, and it is the 'Son' who is the ultimate means through whom God speaks.
The phrase 'Your throne, O God' (Heb. 1:8) refers to Jesus Christ, here addressed as God. This apparent redundancy might initially suggest a confusion, but it actually underscores the eternal and unchangeable character of God in the Christian perspective. The unity of God in the trinity is best understood through the lens of the New Testament, where God’s nature as three persons in one is consistently presented.
The Unity of God: A Christian Perspective
Christian theology posits that God is a trinity of persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - who are distinct but eternally united. Given that the Old Testament also speaks of God as the Father (for example, Deuteronomy 32:6), and Jesus as the Son (John 1:14, 17:11), it is important to reconcile these seemingly conflicting statements.
It is the belief in Christianity that while the term 'Father' is used for God the Father in the Old Testament, and He sends His Word (Jesus) through the agency of the Holy Spirit to the prophets, the Old Testament still reflects the unity of God in one essence. Jesus, in the New Testament, is presented as the express image of God, and as the Son through whom all things were created (Colossians 1:15-17).
Conclusion
Understanding Jehovah's roles in both the Old and New Testaments requires an appreciation of the Christian trinitarian perspective. The Bible, both old and new, speaks of God in ways that challenge our human understanding of attribution and identity. However, the overarching message of unity and divine purpose is a consistent thread throughout both Testaments.
In the context of Hebrews 1:1-2, it is essential to recognize that the use of 'Son' and 'God' in the same verse refers to Jesus, the eternal Son of God, who fulfills the prophecy and is the fulfillment of God's promise of a savior.