The Bible has a lot to say about sons, from the responsibilities of sons to their parents to examples of famous sons and their relationships with their fathers. Here is an overview of some of the major biblical themes surrounding sons:
Sons as Blessings and Gifts from God
In the ancient world, having many sons was seen as a blessing and sign of God’s favor. Several key figures in the Bible were granted sons by God after years of barrenness, including Sarah (Genesis 21:1-7), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), Rachel (Genesis 30:22-24), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19-20), and Elizabeth (Luke 1:13). Children, especially sons, were seen as gifts from God and an honor.
“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)
Responsibilities of Sons to Honor and Obey Their Parents
The Ten Commandments instruct children to honor their fathers and mothers (Exodus 20:12). Sons, in particular, bore the responsibility of obeying and caring for their parents. This included listening to their instruction and guidance.
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” (Proverbs 1:8)
Adult sons were expected to provide materially for their elderly parents and treat them with honor and dignity.
“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” (1 Timothy 5:4)
Examples of Sons in the Bible
The Bible highlights many famous father-son relationships, both positive and negative. These include:
– Adam and Seth: After Cain murdered Abel, Seth was born as another son to Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:25).
– Abraham and Isaac: God promised Abraham a son in his old age, and Isaac was the fulfillment of this promise (Genesis 21). Abraham later demonstrated his faith by being willing to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22).
– Isaac and Jacob: Jacob tricked his older brother Esau out of his birthright and stole his blessing from Isaac (Genesis 27). Yet God later renamed Jacob “Israel” and made him the father of the 12 tribes.
– Jacob and Joseph: Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob, which made his brothers jealous. They sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37). But God used Joseph to save his family during a great famine (Genesis 42-45).
– Jesse and David: David was the youngest son of Jesse, yet God chose him to be the future king over all his older brothers (1 Samuel 16). David goes down in history as Israel’s greatest king.
– Eli and Hophni & Phinehas: Eli was a high priest who failed to discipline his wicked sons Hophni and Phinehas. As a result, they were all judged and rejected by God (1 Samuel 2-4).
– Manoah and Samson: The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife and promised she would have a son. That son was Samson, who was set apart with great strength to deliver Israel (Judges 13).
– Job and his sons: At the onset of his suffering, Job lost all ten of his children when a great wind collapsed their house (Job 1:18-19). But God blessed him with 10 more children in the end (Job 42:12-13).
Principles for Godly Sonship
While every son’s journey is unique, the Bible outlines several timeless principles about how to be a godly son:
– Honor your parents in word and deed (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3). This means showing them respect, defending their reputation, obeying reasonable requests, and caring for their needs.
– Accept discipline and instruction with humility (Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 3:11-12). Sons who learn from their fathers’ corrections will be wiser.
– Make wise choices different from an ungodly father (Ezekiel 18:14-17). Sons are not doomed to repeat the sins of their fathers. They can walk in righteousness.
– Manage your household and family well (1 Timothy 3:4-5). When married with kids, sons should apply the lessons about leadership learned from their fathers.
– Care for aging parents in their weakness (Mark 7:9-13). Adult sons have a duty to provide for their elderly fathers and mothers.
– Seek the guidance of the heavenly Father (Psalm 68:5-6). God is the perfect parent who cares, protects and guides His children. So lean on Him.
Promises to Sons Who Follow God
The Bible encourages sons who walk in the fear of the Lord with these promises:
– They will experience the steadfast love of God better than a father’s love for a son (Psalm 103:13).
– God will teach them and bless their children after them (Isaiah 54:13, Psalm 103:17-18).
– They will be accepted as sons and daughters of God (2 Corinthians 6:18).
– Jesus will advocate for them before God the Father (1 John 2:1).
– They will receive a joyful inheritance from their heavenly Father (Luke 12:32, 1 Peter 1:4-5).
Examples of Notable Sons in Jesus’ Genealogy
The Gospels highlight several fathers and sons in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1, Luke 3):
– Abraham was the father of Isaac.
– Isaac was the father of Jacob.
– Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers.
– Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth.
– Jesse was the father of King David.
– Solomon was the son of David.
– Joram was the father of Uzziah.
– Josiah was the father of Jeconiah and his brothers.
– Zerubbabel was the son of Pedaiah.
– Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
This genealogy shows God’s faithfulness across generations through both the famous and obscure fathers and sons who were ancestors of the Messiah.
Jesus Christ as the Eternal, Perfect Son of God
The most important Son in the Bible is Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Jesus has a special, one-of-a-kind relationship with God the Father.
“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17)
Jesus repeatedly described God as His Father and claimed to be of one essence with the Father (John 10:30, 14:9). Yet the Father sent the Son to be the sacrifice for sins (1 John 4:10, John 3:16). After dying for sinners, Jesus was raised to eternal life by the Father’s power (Acts 13:30-33).
The Son now sits exalted at the Father’s right hand (Romans 8:34) and serves as the one mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth by the Father (Matthew 28:18). One day, this eternal Son will deliver His kingdom to the Father after judging all mankind (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
Believers are adopted into God’s family through faith in Christ and are granted the Spirit who calls out “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15-17). So Christian sons can have confidence drawing near to God their heavenly Father through the redeeming blood of the perfect Son, Jesus (Hebrews 4:16).