The SONS of GOD
I know 2SL teaches that the Sons of God are fallen angels (and that in some cases they are men), but let’s examine the evidence to be sure. As any other 2SL’er, I once believed the fallen angel theory myself, but when I did a thorough honest study on it, well, let me just share what I found, if you are willing. You be the judge, but please, not before you get to the bottom of it. To help in seeing it (even though ultimately it’s up to Yah for you to see), please view the Quick Reference chart at the bottom, and the link.
The SONS of GOD
The phrase “sons of God” (Bene Elohim) appears in several Biblical contexts, including Genesis 6, Job 1:6, Job 2:1, and Job 38:7.
Who Are the Sons of God?
Across the Bible, the phrase “sons of God” generally refers to God-fearing, redeemed Israelites in Covenant relationship with their God:
Old Testament:
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- Genesis 6: The “sons of God” are the God-fearing descendants of Adam (the Adamic line). They were those in covenant with Yahweh who eventually went astray and intermarried with the “daughters of men” (representing unrighteous or pagan individuals).
- Job 1:6 and Job 2:1: The “sons of God” are righteous people assembling before Yahweh God, a practice echoed in Christian assemblies (Hebrews 10:25).
Other examples:
2Chronicles 5:13-14 – The people worshiped in unity, and God’s glory filled the temple.
Psalm 22:22 – The righteous praise God in the congregation.
Psalm 35:18 – Thanksgiving is given in the great assembly.
Psalm 111:1 – The righteous gather to give thanks to the Lord.
Joel 2:15-16 – A solemn assembly is called for repentance and prayer.
Matthew 18:20 – Jesus promises His presence where two or three gather in His name.
Acts 2:42-47 – The early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread.
Acts 4:31 – The believers gathered to pray, and the place was shaken by the Spirit.
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- Sons of God and similar phrasing also appear in:Deuteronomy 32:28 – God divided the nations and set the bounds according to the children of Israel. Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint maintain ‘sons of God‘.
2Samual 7:44 – David and Solomon are sons of God.
Psalm 29:1 – Give unto Yahweh, O you (sons of the) mighty.
Psalm 82:6 – Ye are gods; and all of you children of the Most High.
Psalm 89:6-7 – Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto Yahweh?
Matthew 5:9 – peacemakers are the children (sons) of God.
- Hosea 1:10: “Sons of the Living God” refers to redeemed people.
- Sons of God and similar phrasing also appear in:Deuteronomy 32:28 – God divided the nations and set the bounds according to the children of Israel. Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint maintain ‘sons of God‘.
Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not My people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.
New Testament:
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- Luke 3:38: Confirms that Adam and his descendants were called sons of God
- John 1:12: Believers are given authority to become “sons of God.”
- Romans 8:14-19: Those led by the Spirit of God are “sons of God.” Creation groans for the revealing of the sons of God.
- Galatians 3:26: Believers in Christ are “sons of God” through faith.
- 1John 3:1-2: “What immense love the Father has given us, that we should be called sons of God.”
Let’s cover Genesis 6 first:
- Genesis 6:
- The “sons of God” are humans, not angels. They represent the righteous line of Adam, who intermarried with unrighteous individuals, leading to moral corruption.
- The Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33 are identified as human tribes (e.g., the sons of Anak) and not the offspring of angels and humans.
Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men (Adamites H120) began (H2490) to multiply on the face of the earth (ground), and daughters were born unto them,
6:2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men (H120) that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
In the phrase ‘ha adam chalal’ (“men began to multiply”), began is H2490 and means to profane, defile, pollute, desecrate, prostitute.
The defiled lineage was increasing.
Ezekiel 20:9 “But I acted for My Name’s sake, that it should not be profaned (H2490) before the eyes of the nations among whom they were – before whose eyes I had made Myself known to them, to bring them out of the land of Mitsrayim.
The SIN of Genesis 6:2:
The “sons of God” (Seth’s line) took wives from the “daughters of men” (Cain’s line), leading to spiritual corruption.
- This parallels later biblical prohibitions against intermarrying with ungodly nations (Deut 7:3, Ezra 10:2, 2Cor 6:14).
6:3 And Yahweh said, My spirit shall not always strive (abide) with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
6:4 There were giants (Nephilim) in the earth (land) in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became which were of old, men of renown.
There were giants — Men so called partly for their high stature, but principally for their great strength and force, whereby they oppressed and tyrannised over others.
The last part of verse 4 in the Hebrew reads: “…bare children by them, which were the powerful warriors of that time, men of authority.
Giants is H5303 nephiyl, a feller, that is a bully or tyrant. Related word H5307 naphal means to be inferior to.
Men so called partly for their high stature, but principally for their great strength and force, whereby they oppressed and tyrannised over others.
and Men of Renown: Who Were They?
- The Bible uses similar terms elsewhere for strong and infamous men, not supernatural hybrids:
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1Samuel 17 – Goliath was a mighty man among the Philistines, yet entirely human.
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Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants (H5303 Nephilim), the sons of Anak, which come of the giants (H5303): and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. (Gen 6:4)
- Numbers 13 – The Canaanites were men of great stature, yet simply a powerful people.
We were in our own sight as grasshoppers — Thus their fear magnified these sons of Anak above measure, so that in comparison of them they thought themselves as weak and contemptible as insignificant insects. And so we were in their sight — An hyperbole, signifying that the Anakims looked down upon them with the utmost contempt. (Benson)
Deuteronomy 9:2 A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom you knowest, and of whom you hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!
In the OT, “sons of God” is a moniker (signature, a name) denoting belonging to God rather than a term exclusive to angels.
- Passages like Deuteronomy 14:1 (“You are the sons of the Lord your God”) indicate that Adamkind can be referred to in this way.
- The NT continues this theme, calling believers “children of God” (Rom 8:14, 2Cor 6:18).
Since “sons of God” consistently refers to those in God’s favor, it would be inconsistent to apply it to fallen angels.
Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan (H7854) came also among them.
The “sons of God” are righteous believers assembling before Yahweh, not a gathering of angels or fallen beings.
Biblical Support:
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- Psalm 107:32: “Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people.”
- Hebrews 10:25: “Do not forsake the assembly of the brethren.”
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- Hebrews 2:12: “I will declare Your name to My brothers in the assembly.”
This phrase “presenting themselves before the Lord” is commonly used to describe the gathering of Israel’s elders, priests, and people at the tabernacle or temple:
- Joshua 24:1: “And they presented themselves before God.”
- Judges 20:26: “The people gathered before the Lord.”
- Jeremiah 36:9: “They proclaimed a fast before the Lord to all the people in Jerusalem.”
The Satan infiltrates this assembly, appearing as an outsider pretending to belong among the righteous.
- Zechariah’s Parallel: Job 1:6-12 shares similarities with Zechariah 3, where “Satan” acts as an accuser against the high priest Joshua.
Out of respect, I won’t cover the Satan verses here, you can view the evidence in my study.
Satan again accuses Job
Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan (H7854) came also among them to present himself before Yahweh.
This aligns with Psalm 82. A profound passage where God addresses issues of justice and the responsibilities of leaders.
God’s Authority Among the Mighty (Verse 1):“God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods.”
- Divine Presence: God positions Himself among earthly rulers, emphasizing His supreme authority over all powers.
- The term “gods” (Hebrew: elohim) here refers to human judges or leaders appointed to execute justice on behalf of God.
Rebuke of Unjust Leaders (Verses 2-4): “How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy.”
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- Condemnation of Injustice: God reprimands leaders for their unfair judgments and favoritism towards the wicked. Leaders are commanded to uphold the rights of the marginalized, including the poor, orphans, and the oppressed.
Consequences of Ignorance (Verse 5): “They do not know, nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are unstable.”
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- Lack of Insight: These unjust leaders are depicted as lacking true understanding, leading to societal instability.
Mortality of the “Gods” (Verses 6-7): “I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High. But you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.'”
- Divine Appointment: While leaders are called “gods” due to their roles, they are reminded of their mortality and accountability.
- Jesus cites this passage in John 10:34-36 to highlight that if human judges can be called “gods,” His claim to be the Son of God is even more justified.
Plea for Divine Justice (Verse 8): “Arise, O God, judge the earth; for You shall inherit all nations.”
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- Invocation for Righteous Judgment: The psalmist appeals to God to execute justice, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty over all nations.
Psalm 82 serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to leaders and the divine expectation of justice and righteousness. It underscores that all authority is accountable to God, the supreme Judge.
Again, out of respect, I won’t post here, but you can view my notes on the Satan verses here in my study.
The phrase “sons of God” (Hebrew bene elohim) refers throughout Scripture to righteous, covenant-bound people—those in relationship with Yahweh. In Genesis 6, the sons of God were Adam’s faithful descendants through Seth who became corrupted by intermarrying with the ungodly children of Cain, leading to societal decline—this is not about fallen angels. The Nephilim were violent tyrants, not Giant hybrids. In Job 1 and 2, the sons of God were righteous individuals assembling before Yahweh, much like the worshiping congregations seen throughout Scripture. The so-called “Satan” was simply an accuser among them, not a supernatural being. Across both testaments, sons of God refers to the faithful: Adam (Luke 3:38), Israel (Deut 14:1, Hosea 1:10), David and Solomon (2Sam 7), and all Israelites who walk in covenant, and who are led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14, Galatians 3:26). From Genesis to Revelation, sons of God always means those who belong to God—not angels, not rebels, but His people Israel walking in righteousness.
And from part 14:
The Book of Job is a literary poetic drama, filled with numerous figures of speech:
- Examples of Literary Devices:
- Personification:
- “The sea burst out of its womb.”
- “The waves are proud.”
- “The waters harden like stone.”
- Parallelism:
- “Morning stars sang together” = “Sons of God shouted for joy.”
- “The gates of death” = “The doors of the shadow of death.”
- Kenning(epithet, metaphor, allegory):
- “Sons of the Flame” (Job 5:7) = Sparks.
- “Sons of the Quiver” (Lamentations 3:13) = Arrows.
- “Sons of the Pride” (Job 28:8) = Lions.
- Personification:
- Socratic Irony:
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Yahweh uses rhetorical questions to rebuke Job: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” This underscores Job’s limited understanding of creation’s grandeur.
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Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Baruch 3:34 The stars shined in their watches, and rejoiced: when He calleth them, they say, Here we be; and so with cheerfulness they shewed light unto Him that made them.
In Job 38:7, the “sons of God” do not refer to humans or angels but are metaphorically used to represent stars:
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- Morning Stars and Sons of God are parallel phrases referring to the same entity: stars.
- Literary devices like kenning (descriptive metaphors), personification, and parallelism are used to convey the joy and glory of creation.
- Stars are personified as singing and shouting, emphasizing Yahweh’s majesty during the act of creation (Genesis 1:1-2).
The fallen angel interpretation lacks Biblical support and imposes external, mythological ideas onto the text. Angels are consistently depicted as obedient servants of God.
The phrase “sons of God” reflects the special status of those in covenant with Yahweh, embodying faith, obedience, and redemption. Its sole metaphorical use in Job 38:7 to describe stars underscores the poetic majesty of creation, distinguishing it from all other occurrences.
I believe the better interpretation is:
Sons of God as Israel: Some scholars argue that Job 38:7 is not about the Genesis creation, but about the creation of Israel as a nation.
Job 38 marks the beginning of God’s response to Job after his lengthy dialogues with his friends. God speaks from a whirlwind, challenging Job’s understanding of the world by questioning his knowledge of creation, nature, and divine governance. The imagery in Job 38 is symbolic of Israel’s creation, deliverance, and history, particularly their exodus from Egypt and national restoration.
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- In this interpretation, the “sons of God” are symbolic of Israel, rejoicing at their formation and divine covenant.
- This view aligns with Exodus 4:22 (“Israel is My son, My firstborn”) and Deuteronomy 14:1 (“You are the sons of the Lord your God”).
Let’s go through it:
The Whirlwind and God’s Challenge (Job 38:1-3)
- God speaks out of the whirlwind, a theophany that signals divine intervention and judgment (cf. Isaiah 30:30).
- “Gird up now thy loins like a man” – This phrase, when analyzed in Hebrew, implies preparing for battle or a contest of knowledge, not just answering questions.
- This phrase has a military connotation, linking it to Isaiah 5:27, where the Assyrian army’s readiness is described.
Creation Imagery as Israel’s Deliverance (Job 38:4-21)
Traditional View:
- These verses depict God’s sovereignty over the physical creation, describing the laying of the earth’s foundations, the morning stars singing, and the bounding of the sea.
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- The “foundation of the earth” is symbolic of Israel’s formation as a nation, not just the creation of the world.
The “Morning Stars” in Job 38:7
- The “morning stars” are commonly seen as astronomical bodies that metaphorically represent angelic beings or celestial entities.
- Some interpretations connect the morning stars to Israelite tribes (referencing Genesis 37:9, where Joseph dreams of stars representing his brothers).
- The Prophetic Mazzaroth reveals the Gospel in the stars.
- You can see pictures from the 2018 calendar theme on the Mazzaroth by cliking https://www.thinkoutsidethebeast.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018-Calendar-Pictures-ilovepdf-compressed.pdf or clicking Calendar on the main menu – If you click the drop arrow next to Calendar on the main menu, it opens up more information on the Solar Calendar, the Holy Feast Days, and more.
- The Prophetic Mazzaroth reveals the Gospel in the stars.
- The singing of the morning stars is linked to Exodus 14:27, where Israel rejoices at the Red Sea’s parting and the destruction of the Egyptians.Other examples of ‘shouting for joy’:
- Psalm 5:11 – Those who trust in God shout for joy because He protects them.
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- Psalm 47:1 – Clapping and shouting triumphantly to God.
- Psalm 132:9 – Priests in righteousness and saints shout for joy.
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- Isaiah 49:13 – Heavens, earth, and mountains sing because God comforts His people.
- Zephaniah 3:14 – Israel is called to sing, shout, and rejoice with all its heart.
- Zechariah 2:10 – Zion is told to rejoice because God will dwell among them.
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- Luke 19:37 – Disciples praise God with loud rejoicing as Jesus enters Jerusalem.
- Luke 15:10 – Angels rejoice over a sinner who repents.
- Revelation 19:6 – A great multitude shouts, celebrating God’s reign.
The “Sea” and Egypt as the Enemy (Job 38:8-11)
- “Who shut up the sea with doors?” – This could symbolize God holding back Egypt at the Red Sea, preventing it from destroying Israel.
- The “proud waves” could represent Egypt’s army, which was ultimately subdued.
- Similar Red Sea parallels are found in Psalm 77:16-19, which describes God’s control over the waters as part of Israel’s deliverance.
God’s Control Over Light and Darkness (Job 38:12-21)
- “Have you commanded the morning?” – This could symbolize God bringing forth the dawn of Israel’s freedom from oppression.
- Darkness represents ignorance, exile, and suffering, a theme echoed in Isaiah’s prophecies (Isaiah 9:2, 60:2).
- Job’s ignorance can be connected to the Judah kingdom’s failure to understand why they were facing political disaster.
Waters of Heaven and God’s Provision (Job 38:22-30)
- These verses discuss snow, hail, and rain, traditionally seen as God’s control over nature.
- Symbolically interpreting these elements as:
- Hail and storm as divine judgment (cf. Exodus 9:22-26, the plague of hail in Egypt).
- Rain as divine blessing and restoration, ensuring Israel’s survival and fertility.
- The “deep freezing over” (Job 38:29-30) as a metaphor for Assyria’s defeat and the removal of threats to Israel.
Celestial Imagery and Divine Governance (Job 38:31-38)
- Pleiades, Orion, and Mazzaroth – Traditionally viewed as God’s control over the stars and seasons.
- These references mock ancient astrology, showing that God, not the stars, determines Israel’s fate.
- This rebukes Israel’s reliance on foreign gods and astrology during times of crisis (cf. Isaiah 47:13-14).
The Animal Kingdom as a Symbol of Nations (Job 38:39 – 39:30)
- The animals mentioned in Job 38:39 – 39:30 have symbolic meanings, representing nations and rulers:
- Lions – Representing Assyrian or Babylonian kings.
- Wild oxen – A symbol of Israel’s strength if faithful to God.
- Eagles – Symbolize divine guidance and deliverance, similar to Exodus 19:4 (“I bore you on eagles’ wings”).
The concept of “sons of God” surrounding the throne of a deity is found in other Near Eastern religious texts, such as Ugaritic (Canaanite) literature.
- However, Job differs from traditional throne room visions:
- There is no detailed description of heaven.
- There is no mention of a divine throne.
- The phrase “sons of God” is used in a different context.
Theological & Symbolic Interpretation
- Some scholars argue that Job 38 is not about the Genesis creation at all but a symbolic poem about Israel’s formation.
- The “morning stars” and “sons of God” could represent Israel praising God for deliverance.
- This fits with other biblical “creation” language applied to national deliverance, such as Isaiah 43:1-7 and Psalm 89:6 (sons of the mighty).
Throughout the Bible, the phrase “sons of God” consistently refers to the obedient children of Adam and of Jacob Israel—those in a covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Septuagint all preserve this understanding in various passages.
The Sons of God in the Old Testament
Deuteronomy 32:8 – Israel as the Sons of God
- Masoretic Text (MT)(KJV and most translations): “…He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.”
- Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) & Septuagint (LXX): “…He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the sons of God.”The phrase “sons of God” originally referred to the children of Israel, showing their divine selection as Yahweh’s people.
Psalms Affirming Israel as Sons of God
- Psalm 29:1 – “Give unto Yahweh, O you (sons of the) mighty…”
- The “sons of the mighty” are Israelites, not divine beings.
- Psalm 82:6-7 – “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But you shall die like men (Adam).”
- “Gods” refers to Israel’s judges who were representatives of Yahweh.
- Psalm 89:6-7 – “Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto Yahweh?”
- Refers to the covenantal assembly of Israelites, held in reverence before Yahweh.
The Sons of God in the New Testament
Jesus and the Sons of God
- Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the sons of God.”
- Greek G5207 (huios) – Refers to offspring of Adam, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- John 1:11-13 – “He came unto His own… to them gave He power to become the sons of God.”
- Key Analysis:
- “His own” refers to Israelites.
- “Power” means authority (exousia).
- “To become” means attaining the condition of rightful heirs.
- Corrected Translation (Based on Greek Texts):
- “He came into His own land, and the men of the country received Him not. But as many who received Him, He gave to them the authority which the children of Yahweh are to attain.”
- Key Analysis:
Paul’s Teachings on Sonship
- Romans 8:14-19 – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
- “Adoption” (G5206 “huiothesia”) means placement of son—not adopting foreign people but restoring Israelites to their rightful status.
- “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.”
- Galatians 4:1-7 – “To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
- Only Israel was under the Law (Torah at Sinai), meaning only Israel could be redeemed.
Sons of God in the Broader Biblical Context
The Sons of God and Covenant Status
- Exodus 4:22-23 – “Israel is My son, My firstborn.”
- Deuteronomy 14:1 – “Ye are the children of Yahweh your God.”
- Luke 3:38 – “Adam, the son of God.”
- Acts 17:28 – “For we are also His offspring.”
- 1Peter 1:23 – “Being born from above, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible.”
The Israelite Inheritance and Future Glory
- Philippians 2:15 – “That ye may be blameless, the sons of God, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.”
- Romans 8:17-19 – “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”
- 2Corinthians 4:7 – “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.”
The consistent biblical theme is that the sons of God always refer to Israelites (Adamkind) in covenant with Yahweh. The New Testament does not redefine sonship but confirms its fulfillment through Christ, restoring Israel’s rightful status as Yahweh’s heirs.
The fallen angel interpretation of Genesis 6 is inconsistent with scripture, as angels are never called “sons of God” in a salvational or covenantal sense. Instead, the sons of God represent the righteous lineage of Adam, through Seth, Noah, Abraham, Issac, and Jacob (Israel) the redeemed people of God.
A Quick Chart Reference
Verse | Snippet of the Verse | Meaning | Why? (Concise Explanation with Supporting Verses) |
Genesis 6:2 | “That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” | The “sons of God” refer to the righteous line of Adam (Seth’s descendants), while the “daughters of men” refer to those outside the covenant (Cain’s lineage or pagan nations). | This passage describes intermarriage between the godly and ungodly, leading to corruption (Deut 7:3-4, 2 Cor 6:14). The Hebrew term chalal (H2490) means “to profane,” suggesting moral decline. The Nephilim were mighty men, not angelic hybrids (Num 13:33). |
Job 1:6 | “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan came also among them.” | The “sons of God” were righteous people gathering before Yahweh, while “Satan” was an adversary among them, likely a human accuser. | The phrase “presenting before Yahweh” is used for public assemblies (Josh 24:1, Jer 36:9). The adversary questions Job’s faithfulness, paralleling Zec 3:1 where an accuser challenges Joshua the High Priest. |
Job 38:7 | “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” | The phrase “sons of God” metaphorically represents stars, not angelic beings. | This poetic language personifies celestial bodies (Psa 19:1-4). “Morning stars” symbolize light-bearers in creation, reflecting the order and joy of Yahweh’s work (Isa 40:26, Baruch 3:34). |
Deut 32:8 (LXX, DSS) | “…He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the sons of God.” | The “sons of God” refers to Israel, Yahweh’s chosen people. | The Masoretic text says “children of Israel,” but the Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint preserve “sons of God,” reinforcing divine election (Exo 4:22, Hos 1:10). |
Psalm
29:1-2 |
“Give unto Yahweh, O you sons of the mighty… worship Yahweh in the beauty of holiness.” | “Sons of the mighty” refers to righteous worshipers who acknowledge and glorify Yahweh. | Hosea 1:10 – “Ye are the sons of the living God” refers to regathered Israel. Isaiah 43:6 – God’s people are His sons and daughters. Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers are called “sons of God.” |
Psalm 82:6 | “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High.” | The “gods” are Israelite judges and rulers, not supernatural beings. | Jesus cites this verse in John 10:34-36 to argue that if Israelite leaders were called “gods,” His claim as the Son of God is justified. These “gods” were mortal men (Psa 82:7). |
Psalm
89:6-7 |
“Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto Yahweh? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints…” | The “sons of the mighty” refer to leaders or powerful individuals among Israel, yet none compare to Yahweh. | Hosea 1:10 – Israel is called God’s sons. Isaiah 43:6 – God gathers His children from all nations. John 10:34 – Jesus references Psalm 82:6, showing that leaders entrusted with God’s word are called “gods.” |
Hosea 1:10 | “…it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.” | Israel is restored as the sons of God, reflecting covenant renewal. | Paul affirms this in Romans 9:25-26, showing Israel’s redemption. This follows Deut 14:1, where Israel is called Yahweh’s children. |
Luke 3:38 | “…Adam, which was the son of God.” | Adam, as the first man, is called a son of God, reinforcing the term’s human application. | Nowhere are angels called “sons of God” in a salvational sense. The NT consistently applies the phrase to believers (Rom 8:14, Gal 3:26). |
John 1:12 | “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” | Believers in Christ are restored as sons of God. | “Power” (Greek exousia) means authority. This fulfillment aligns with Israel’s promised restoration as Yahweh’s children (Hosea 1:10). |
Acts 17:28 | “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being… For we are also His offspring.” | Paul affirms that all the children of Israel originate from God, but only those in faith are His true sons. | John 1:12 – Those who receive Christ become sons of God. Romans 8:14 – Those led by the Spirit are true sons of God. |
Romans 8:14 | “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” | The sons of God are those who walk in righteousness. | This aligns with Israel’s identity (Exo 4:22). The “revealing of the sons of God” (Rom 8:19) refers to the faithful inheriting the kingdom (Rev 21:7). |
Galatians 3:26 | “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” | Faith in Christ restores believers to their identity as sons of God. | This verse links to Deut 14:1 and 2Cor 6:18, affirming the exclusive relationship between Yahweh and His people. |
Philippians 2:14-16 | “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation…” | Believers, by reflecting God’s purity and holiness, stand as lights in a dark world. | Deuteronomy 32:5 – Israel is called a “crooked and perverse generation.” Albert Barnes – Being “sons of God” implies living righteously despite worldly corruption. |
1John 3:1-2 | “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” | Believers are now sons of God but will be fully revealed as such in the future. | John 1:12 – “To them gave He power to become the sons of God.” Isaiah 56:5 – A name greater than sons and daughters is promised. |
The Sons of God refer to the righteous, covenant-keeping people of Yahweh—those who walk in faith and obedience to Him. In the Old Testament, this title applies to Adam, Israel, and the faithful remnant (Deut 14:1, Hosea 1:10), emphasizing their divine relationship and inheritance. The phrase is never used for fallen angels but consistently refers to those in God’s favor, such as the descendants of Adam (Gen. 6:2), worshippers of Yahweh (Job 1:6, 2:1), and Israel as a nation (Deut. 32:8 LXX, DSS).
In the New Testament, Jesus restores this identity, granting believers (redeemed Israelites) the authority to be called Sons of God through faith (John 1:12, Rom. 8:14-19, Gal. 3:26). The term always signifies a divine inheritance, righteousness, and covenant status, distinguishing God’s people from the world.
Ultimately, the Sons of God are those chosen, redeemed, and set apart to inherit the promises of Yahweh.
SONS of GOD – Quick Reference Chart with pics!
Full Study: Sons of God
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In the Unity of Yahshua Christ
Rob