Where in the Old Testament is the Messiah described as divine?

The concept of the Messiah as a divine figure is a profound theme that runs through the Old Testament, particularly within the writings of the Major Prophets. While the full revelation of the Messiah's divine nature is more explicitly articulated in the New Testament, there are several key passages in the Old Testament that hint at or directly describe the Messiah as possessing divine attributes. These passages have been foundational for Christian theology and have been interpreted as foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe to be the divine Messiah.

One of the most significant passages is found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 is a cornerstone prophecy that many Christians interpret as a direct reference to the divine nature of the Messiah:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV)

In this passage, the child to be born is given titles that are extraordinary and far exceed those typically ascribed to a human ruler. The title "Mighty God" (El Gibbor in Hebrew) is particularly striking, as it directly attributes divinity to the Messiah. The term "Everlasting Father" also suggests an eternal nature, which is another attribute of divinity. These titles collectively point to a figure who is more than just a human leader but one who embodies divine characteristics.

Another critical passage is Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of a virgin birth:

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, NIV)

The name "Immanuel" means "God with us," which implies the presence of God in a unique and personal way. This prophecy is seen by Christians as a foreshadowing of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, where God took on human flesh and dwelt among humanity.

Moving to the book of Jeremiah, we find another reference that can be interpreted as pointing to the divine nature of the Messiah. In Jeremiah 23:5-6, the prophet speaks of a righteous Branch from David's line:

"The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior." (Jeremiah 23:5-6, NIV)

The title "The Lord Our Righteous Savior" (YHWH Tsidkenu) directly associates the Messiah with the divine name YHWH, which is the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses. This connection underscores the belief that the coming Messiah would embody divine righteousness and would be an agent of God's salvation.

Ezekiel also contributes to the understanding of the Messiah's divine nature, particularly through his vision of the future temple and the Prince who would rule in it. While Ezekiel's prophecies are often more symbolic and complex, they include elements that point to a figure who embodies divine authority and kingship.

In the book of Daniel, we find another profound reference to the divine nature of the Messiah in Daniel 7:13-14:

"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14, NIV)

The term "son of man" here is significant. While it can simply mean a human being, in this context it is a title that Jesus frequently used for Himself in the Gospels. The "son of man" in Daniel's vision is depicted as having a unique relationship with the Ancient of Days (God the Father) and is given eternal dominion and authority. The fact that all nations worship Him indicates a divine status, as worship is reserved for God alone.

The Psalms, though not classified as part of the Major Prophets, also contain Messianic prophecies that speak to the divine nature of the Messiah. Psalm 2, for example, portrays the Messiah as God's anointed King who will inherit the nations and be called God's Son:

"I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.'" (Psalm 2:7-8, NIV)

This passage is often linked with the divine sonship of the Messiah, a theme that is later echoed in the New Testament.

Another Psalm, Psalm 110, is frequently cited in the New Testament as referring to the Messiah:

"The Lord says to my lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.' The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, 'Rule in the midst of your enemies!'" (Psalm 110:1-2, NIV)

Jesus Himself refers to this Psalm in Matthew 22:44, applying it to Himself and highlighting the divine authority and kingship of the Messiah.

In summary, while the Old Testament does not always explicitly state that the Messiah is divine in the way the New Testament does, it contains numerous hints and direct statements that point to the Messiah's divine nature. Passages in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and the Psalms collectively build a picture of a Messiah who is not only a human descendant of David but also possesses divine attributes and authority. These prophecies laid the groundwork for the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God, fulfilling the promises and expectations set forth in the Old Testament.