Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning:The name "Emmanuel" is derived from the Hebrew words "Immanu" (with us) and "El" (God), meaning "God with us." This name signifies the presence of God among His people and is a profound expression of divine incarnation and assurance. Old Testament References: The prophecy of Emmanuel is first mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a sign from God to the house of David: · Isaiah 7:14 : "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy was given during a time of political turmoil and fear for the kingdom of Judah. The promise of Emmanuel served as a reassurance of God's presence and protection. New Testament Fulfillment: The New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Emmanuel prophecy, emphasizing the incarnation of God in human form. The Gospel of Matthew explicitly connects Jesus to this prophecy: · Matthew 1:22-23 : "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')." This passage highlights the miraculous birth of Jesus through the Virgin Mary, affirming His divine nature and mission to dwell among humanity. Theological Significance: The concept of Emmanuel is central to Christian theology, underscoring the belief in Jesus as both fully God and fully man. It reflects the intimate relationship between God and His creation, where God chooses to be present with His people in a tangible and personal way. Related Scriptures: Several other scriptures, while not directly mentioning the name Emmanuel, echo the theme of God's presence with His people: · John 1:14 : "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." · Colossians 2:9 : "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form." · Hebrews 13:5 : "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" These passages collectively affirm the doctrine of the Incarnation and the ongoing presence of God with believers through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Historical and Cultural Context: In the historical context of Isaiah's prophecy, the name Emmanuel served as a sign of hope and divine intervention for the people of Judah. In the New Testament era, the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ provided a foundation for the early Christian understanding of salvation and God's redemptive plan. Conclusion: The name Emmanuel encapsulates the essence of the Christian message: God is with us. Through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are assured of God's enduring presence and love. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Nave's Topical Index Library The Tome of St. Leo. On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man. Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ. Eleventh Proposition of Arminius The Analogy Between the Two Advents of Christ. Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ... The Life of Mr. Samuel Rutherford. The Five Books Against Marcion The Debt of Iren??us to Justin Martyr Introductory to Texts from the Gospels on the Incarnation. ... Resources What is an epiphany? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 1) | GotQuestions.org Emmanuel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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