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Answer
Some argue that the Old Testament indicates that Jesus cannot be God based on Numbers 23:19a, which states, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent” (KJV). The argument is that if God is not a man, then the Christian belief that Jesus, a man, is God is incorrect. Equally concerning is that Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the “Son of Man” in the gospels, for example, in Mark 14:21.
Indeed, the Old Testament teaches that God is not a human being, not only in Numbers 23:19 but also in 1 Samuel 15:29 and Hosea 11:9. However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus claimed to be God—and simultaneously referred to Himself as the “Son of Man,” a title emphasizing His humanity. Given these points, how can we establish that Jesus is God?
Jesus professed to be both the Son of God and the Son of Man. There are no deceptions here. He declared Himself as God and as (simultaneously) human. Such a statement had never been made before. It was unusual then and remains so now—peculiar enough to necessitate a new term, the hypostatic union. The union of Christ’s divine and human natures will never be fully comprehended, regardless of how extensively we discuss, define, or illustrate it. Therefore, “proof” is unattainable. We either accept Jesus or we do not.
It is crucial to recognize at this juncture that the Bible is accurate in its entirety—both the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, when Jesus introduced new teachings, the old teachings did not become false; they were revealed. Recall His words regarding the Law: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” « Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. », (Matthew 5:17). All of JesUs’ new revelations work exactly the same way. The old knowledge was shadowy, and, as the Light of the world, Jesus dispelled the shadows (see Colossians 2:16-17). This process is not destructive of the old knowledge—it is instructive, as Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian shows (Acts 8:30-35).
We must also consider what the Old Testament is really saying about God when it says He is not a human being. The point being made in Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29, and Hosea 11:9 is that God does not lie. He is not fickle. His emotions do not change His eternal purposes. This is unlike fallen humanity, who cannot see the big picture, who often break promises, and whose feelings often cloud discernment. In other words, the statements that God is not a man are contrasting one aspect of God’s nature with a corresponding part of man’s. Saying, “God is not a man,” has nothing to do with whether or not God can ever exist in the flesh.
The Old Testament references to God being unlike man do not apply to Jesus’ particular type of humanity. All they are telling us is that God is not a man as we think of men. It’s a contrast, not a restriction. There is nothing that logically prevents God from becoming a man in a whole new way—in fact, redemption requires this, and redemption was God’s plan from before the foundation of the world “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8). Thus, it can be said that God knew He would become a man before Numbers 23:19 was even penned!
If we consider the Old Testament in isolation (which is the Jewish perspective), we shall not likely “prove” that Jesus Christ was man, God, Messiah, and S.avior—although the indicators are all there (see Isaiah 53, for example). Christians perceive the foreshadowing of the God-man in the Old Testament because the New Testament revelation aids in interpreting the Old Testament references (e.g., Matthew 2:15; cf: Hosea 11:1). This highlights an important aspect of biblical interpretation: God progressively reveals His truth over time. He has unveiled His purposes sequentially and as necessary over the millennia.
For instance, Adam and Eve in their innocence had no need to comprehend redemption, but after they sinned, the time was right, and God revealed it to them in Genesis 3:15. This revelation was provided at a specific moment, but its complete significance only became evident after Christ’s incarnation—and as the New Testament authors wrote under divine inspiration. We now understand that Genesis 3:15 directly alludes to Jesus’ atoning death—and this revelation is crucial for us today. However, this knowledge was not essential for Adam and Eve. Their pre-fall lack of awareness, shrouded in innocence, was suitable for them.
Similarly, God gradually disclosed His will to His people in the Old Testament Scriptures, and those individuals were accountable to obey based on their position on the timeline of revelation. Presently, Christians bear responsibility for the entirety of God’s Word, as we exist in a time when it is complete. Furthermore, believers have the indwelling Holy Spirit, leaving no room for excuses in acknowledging Jesus Christ as God.
As revelation unfolds progressively, an individual’s response to God is contingent on their place in the timeline. An Old Testament Jew would not have grasped the concept of the God-man, although hints like Psalm 110:1 were present. However, John the Baptist’s prophecies, followed by Jesus’ miracles, constituted further revelation. In fact, Jesus’ miracles served as evidence to establish His identity: “Jesus”
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. However, these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God” (John 20:30-31). People today still need to respond in faith to Jesus’ miracles. Those who do not are spiritually blind.
In summary, God’s statements that He is not a man and Jesus’ statements that He is the Son of God coexist as true; they are not in conflict. Revelation is progressive, and Old Testament concepts are more fully developed in the New Testament. Finally, God always had it in mind that the Son would become flesh and dwell among men, so God never “changed His mind” about becoming a man.
