God the Father
In the late night hours last night, God led me to begin a study of His Word on His Fatherhood. So far it has been very interesting and very enlightening. I will be sharing with you some of this study over the course of this week and maybe beyond!
It is interesting to note that the first time that God calls Himself Father is not until He and David are discussing the building of a temple. David wished to build a permanent structure for God’s worship, but God tells him, “No.” He says that David’s son will build the temple and that “I [God] will be a Father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him…Your [David’s] house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:14-16 (Also found in 1 Chronicles 17:13, 22:10, and 28:6-7.)
Why did God not call Himself Father to the Israelites while they were wandering in the wilderness or even to Abraham? (I will check and do a word study on “children” tomorrow and see if God calls Israel His children during this time). I think, maybe, that God had to establish Himself as God first. The Israelites were still drawn to and worshipping false idols. They had to recognize God as God and Lord even though He desired to be their Father which denotes relationship. (We will see God’s desires in Jeremiah later!) God gave the Israelites the Law. This was for their protection and provision. The same reasons that our earthly fathers gave us rules. So even though He did not call Himself Father, He stood before the people as their Father.
This passage shows God as Father. He will discipline and correct but, He will never leave! God the Father is a forever Father!!!
Deuteronomy 32:5,6 might just be the first time I see the reference for God as Father and Israel his children. I do like how you point out that God’s relational intimacy with his people becomes closer and closer the more he reveals himself to them. Father and Son vs. distant God, surely make a difference when it comes to love and discipline in my life! Thank you Lord for being a forever loving just and merciful Father! Great Post!