Isaiah 40:12-26, What do ya’ know: God is Triune (4)

c)    There are references to the “trinity” in the Old Testament, not to the specific term but to the concept of a “Triune Godhead.”

(1)            First, note the term “Elohim” translated “God” throughout the OT.  As you should be able to tell (since “im” at the end of a Hebrew term makes it plural), “Elohim” is a plural term.  It is similar (remember: there are no exact pictures of the Godhead on earth) to the word “team” or “family.”  These are  “singular” terms that imply plurality.  Now before we go any further, let me say I understand this by itself does not “prove” the Trinity.  “Mighty men” on earth are referred to as “elohim” (Ps. 82:6; quoted by Jesus in Jn. 10:34).  However, the Bible is clear: when used of the true and living God, “Elohim” is always used with a singular verb.  One God who is a plurality.  While the name itself does not prove “Triune” we would say emphatically that the Triune God would have a title just like this, one that states His plurality within His unity.  Please, read on.

(2)            Gen. 1:26: The Trinity was involved in Creation.  Let Us make man in Our image.  Remember: God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1).  It was not created by angels.  And the Trinity was present: God created, the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters (Gen. 1:2), and when God spoke everything into existence (Gen. 1:3) we see that the Word who was God and was with God and who created all things, Jesus Christ, was there (John 1:1-2,14).

(3)            Hosea 12:3-4: Here is a passage, like many in the OT, that equate God and the Angel of the LORD.  We have spoken of this often.  Go back and read the stories of Gideon and Samson in Judges and God’s conversation with Moses on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 32-33).  Here, Jacob struggled with God and with the Angel (Gen. 35:9-15).

(4)            Isa. 48:12-16: According to 48:12-15 the speaker is the Creator of heaven and earth.  Of this One it says “the LORD loved him” (v14) and “the LORD God and His Spirit have sent Me” (v16).

(5)            Zechariah 2:8-9: The context appears to be the same as in the Isaiah passage above.  “The LORD of hosts” is speaking (v8) and has been sent by “the LORD of hosts.”  This is repeated in Zech. 4:8-9: “the LORD” said, “the LORD of hosts has sent Me.”  These are references to the Messiah who is Immanuel, God with or among us!

Yes, I believe that readers of the OT should have known that the Messiah would be God in the flesh.  For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).