God is Not a Man: Understanding the Divine Nature of God and Jesus

“God is not a man.”

While some interpret this statement to mean that God is wholly separate from humanity and cannot, or should not take on human form, a closer examination of the Scripture reveals a rich tapestry that illustrates God’s interaction with humanity.

I recently watched a video of Rabbi Tovia Singer, and he presented arguments suggesting the Tanakh explicitly says that God is not a man. However, a deeper dive into the context and related Scriptures reveals an intriguing picture.

Stay with me to the end, where we’ll uncover a powerful proof of Jesus’ divinity.

Context Matters: 1 Samuel 15:29

One prominent verse often cited in this debate is found in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Samuel 15:29:

“And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent, for He is not a man, that He should repent.” – 1 Samuel 15:29

Here, the prophet Samuel articulates a critical point about God’s nature. The context of this verse speaks to God’s unwavering character—He does not change His mind or abilities as humanity often does.

Indeed, humans can be fickle, changing their thoughts and intentions with circumstances or emotions. However, God remains constant, embodying perfect integrity and faithfulness.

Rabbi Tovia Singer and others argue that this passage clearly indicates that God cannot become man. He points to the Hebrew word “Adam”; and says, this is the word specifically for a human being. 

However, Rabbi Singer’s argument sounds good. But as we test it, it crumbles very easily.

Enter Ezekiel’s vision.

Ezekiel’s Vision: A Profound Experience

One of the most powerful prophetic encounters in the Bible occurs in Ezekiel 1. Ezekiel, a priest, finds himself among the exiles in Babylon and receives a divine vision that profoundly shapes his prophetic ministry.

The chapter opens with Ezekiel looking up and seeing an extraordinary phenomenon:

“And I looked, and behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it…” – Ezekiel 1:4

As he continues, Ezekiel describes an intricate scene, somewhat like a mobile throne room, filled with living creatures and wheels within wheels, all moving in sync—a spectacular representation of God’s divine presence and majesty. 

However, the most striking moment comes later in the chapter when Ezekiel sees a throne above the living beings. 

“And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.” – Ezekiel 1:26

This verse right here is critical. Here, Ezekiel describes God appearing as a man seated upon the throne. This image deeply challenges the assertion that God cannot manifest in human form.

Instead, God reveals Himself through an appearance that humanity can comprehend.

This passage completely destroys Rabbi Tovia Singer’s argument based on 1 Samuel 15 that God is not a man, and that the Hebrew word “Adam” is not applicable to God.

Ezekiel 1:26 is a concrete illustration that God gives to Ezekiel.

And that’s not the end. 

The Glory of God and Jesus Christ

As Ezekiel continues to describe this vision, he notes that what he witnesses is not entirely human but God’s divine glory:

“And the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” – Ezekiel 1:28

Here, the distinction is evident: while God can present Himself as a man, this appearance is deeply interwoven with His divine essence. He retains His glory, majesty, and perfection, even in a form that humans can understand.

In this light, we see that the portrayal of God as man speaks to His desire to connect with humanity, and doesn’t diminish His divinity.

This theme continues in the New Testament, particularly in the account of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. The story is captured in Acts 9:3-6 and 26:13-15 [Acts 22 as well].

“As he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.” – Acts 9:3

This divine encounter reflects the same kind of radiant glory that Ezekiel experienced.

Both individuals, Ezekiel and Paul, are overcome by the bright light of God’s presence—a light that reveals truth, transformation, and the very nature of God.

The Symmetry

The symmetry between Ezekiel’s vision and Paul’s conversion is striking and purposeful. Both accounts demonstrate that God operates beyond human limitations, while also engaging with humanity in relatable ways.

In seeing God, both Ezekiel and Paul encounter not just a vision, but an experience that changes their lives forever.

• Both occur near Babylon (a symbolic place of exile or revelation).
• Both involve falling to the ground before divine glory.
• Both feature a powerful voice from heaven and a bright light shining upon them

This parallel reinforces the unity of God’s revelations in the Old and New Testament. The same God who appeared to Ezekiel as a man on a throne revealed Himself to Paul.

This is the point that Luke wants you to see.

For Ezekiel, he becomes a prophet who speaks God’s messages during a time of despair for the Israelites. For Paul, the encounter transforms him, from a persecutor of Christians, to one of the most passionate proponents of the faith.

These divine revelations embody God’s ability to interact with humans, bridge the gap between the divine and human, and instigate profound change.

Understanding God’s Nature

The richness of Scripture clarifies that while God may appear in physical form—like in the visions of Ezekiel or the incarnation of Jesus—He remains distinct in His divine nature.

The links between the experiences of Old Testament prophets and New Testament followers, reflect God’s continued revelation throughout history. 

Through these encounters, we see a God who longs for relationship, who desires to showcase His glory, and who prepared the way for the ultimate revelation of Himself in Jesus Christ.

If you’ve found this topic fascinating, I encourage you to explore more about the divinity of Christ through Joshua’s encounter. This article dives deeper into Old Testament appearances of God and their fulfilment in Christ.

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