By: J.M.G. — 9/15/22
We have read where Jesus died for all men (i.e. the human race). He was/is called “Savior” many times in the New Testament (N.T.). John 4:42 (especially) says “… for we have heard for ourselves and know that this Man is indeed the Christ, the SAVIOR of the world.” 1Timothy 4:10 says, “… we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOR of ALL men, especially of those who believe.”
However, in the Old Testament (O.T.) the LORD God/Father was/is called “Savior” as well: [see 2 Samuel 22:3; 2 Kings 13:5; Isaiah 43:3, 11, 45:15, 21, 49:26, 60:16, 63:8; Jeremiah 14:8; Hosea 13:4].
Savior: Hebrew, (Strong’s Concordance #3467) yasha (a prim root) = “to be safe, free, deliver, help, rescue, get victory.”
[Note: some texts speak of men as “saviors,” sent by God, so God is the “Savior:” example is 2 Kings 13:5, “So the LORD gave Israel a savior…” Isaiah 19:20 “… He shall send them a savior…” these are Hebrew words taken from 3467 – that can mean “The Savior” or “a savior.” Isaiah 43:3: “For I AM the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel your Savior…” Isaiah 45: 14;15 says, “… surely God is with you, there is no other; there is no other God. Truly you are a God who hides yourself, O God of Israel, the SAVIOR.” Isaiah says in v.5, “I AM the LORD and thereis not other; there is no God besides Me…” Isaiah 44:6 says, “Thus says the LORD the King of Israel, and his REDEEMER” (Hebrews gaal) = “deliverer, avenger, purchase, ransom”). In Isaiah 60:16 we find both “Savior” and “Redeemer,” also in Isaiah 49:26. Isaiah 44:6 continues with “… I AM the first, and I AM the last; besides ME there is no God.”
God the Father/LORD was the SAVIOR in the O.T., but He raised up saviors to redeem/deliver/avenge His people:
Double Deliverance:
“… But they (Israel) committed terrible provocations. Therefore you (God) delivered them into the hand of their enemies, who afflicted them. When they cried to you in the time of their affliction, you heard from Heaven, and, according to your abundant mercy, you DELIVERED them out of the hand of their enemies” (Nehemiah 9:26, 27). Some translations read “thou gavest them saviors.”
Obadiah wrote also about “saviors:” “Saviors shall go up to Mt. Zion to rule Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.”