The Secret Identity of the Angel of the Lord Revealed!

Summary

In this video, the presenter explores the intriguing figure of the 'Angel of the Lord' in the Old Testament, highlighting the divine attributes of this figure, who is both from God and acts as God. Through various passages, it is shown that this messenger not only represents God's presence but also forgives sins, receives worship, and executes divine authority. The script argues that this figure is not just an angel, but the pre-incarnate Christ, fulfilling prophecies in books like Malachi. The video challenges viewers to reconsider the role of this divine figure and its connection to the Messiah, Jesus.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the concept of plurality within God, hinting at divine figures that are both distinct and united.
• 😀 Israel’s promised Messiah isn’t just a human ruler; he is described with divine titles and authority, performing acts that only God can do.
• 😀 The term 'angel of the Lord' in the Hebrew Bible (Malak Yahweh) refers to a figure who is more than a mere messenger, often acting as God's divine presence on earth.
• 😀 The 'angel of the Lord' is distinct because he is associated with God's name and carries divine authority, as seen in Exodus 23:20-21, where he speaks on behalf of God.
• 😀 This figure also has the power to forgive sins, as demonstrated in Zechariah 3:4, a divine ability reserved for God alone.
• 😀 The 'angel of the Lord' appears in key moments in the Bible, such as in Genesis 16 and 22, where he is directly equated with God by individuals like Hagar and Abraham.
• 😀 In Exodus 3, the angel of the Lord is identified with God's covenant name 'I AM,' further blurring the lines between the figure and God himself.
• 😀 The 'angel of the Lord' receives worship, as seen in the accounts of Jacob and the story of the battle of Jericho in Joshua 5-6, signifying his divinity.
• 😀 A key example of duality in the Old Testament is in Genesis 19:24, where 'the Lord' rains fire from 'the Lord,' suggesting the presence of two distinct yet unified divine figures.
• 😀 Malachi 3:1 references a divine 'messenger of the covenant,' whose role is to enforce God's covenant, a role fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament, connecting the Old Testament prophecy to the Gospel of John.

Q & A

What is the significance of the term 'angel of the Lord' in the Hebrew Bible?

The term 'angel of the Lord' is translated from 'Malak Yahweh,' which literally means 'messenger of Yahweh.' While 'malak' can refer to both human messengers and heavenly beings, the 'angel of the Lord' in the Bible is more than just a messenger. This figure often acts, speaks, and receives worship just like Yahweh himself, signifying a divine presence.

Why is the 'angel of the Lord' described as carrying God's name?

In Exodus 23:20-21, the 'angel of the Lord' is said to have God's name in him, signifying that this figure is not just a mere messenger but embodies God's presence. The name of God in the Bible indicates His presence in a special way, suggesting that this angel is a divine figure with authority.

How does the angel of the Lord's role in Exodus 23 demonstrate his divinity?

The angel of the Lord in Exodus 23:20-21 is described as having the authority to forgive sins and to exact judgment, which are acts reserved for God alone. The statement 'He will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him' shows the divine authority vested in this figure.

What does the angel of the Lord's appearance in Genesis 16 reveal about his nature?

In Genesis 16, when Hagar encounters the angel of the Lord, she refers to him as 'the God who sees me,' indicating her recognition of his divinity. This highlights that the angel of the Lord is not just a messenger but is identified with God Himself.

What is the significance of the angel of the Lord stopping Abraham from sacrificing Isaac?

In Genesis 22, the angel of the Lord stops Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, speaking with the authority of Yahweh and receiving worship. Abraham listens to him as he would to God, highlighting the angel's divine nature and role as a mediator of God's will.

How does Genesis 48 contribute to understanding the angel of the Lord?

In Genesis 48:15-16, Jacob refers to both God and the angel as a singular entity, saying, 'The God who has been my shepherd, the angel who redeemed me.' This usage of the singular pronoun shows that the angel of the Lord is understood to be God Himself, highlighting his dual identity.

Why does the narrative in Exodus 3 present God and the angel of the Lord interchangeably?

In Exodus 3, when Moses encounters the angel of the Lord in the burning bush, the narrative alternates between referring to God and the angel of the Lord. This interchange suggests that the angel is not merely God's agent but embodies God's presence and authority, as evidenced by his statement 'I am,' a name for God.

What is the significance of the two figures referred to as 'the Lord' in Genesis 19?

In Genesis 19:24, the text says, 'Then the Lord rained sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah from the Lord out of heaven,' referring to two figures, one on earth and one in heaven, both called Yahweh. This passage suggests the presence of two distinct yet unified divine figures, reinforcing the concept of God's plurality.

How does the encounter with the commander of the army of the Lord in Joshua 5 point to a divine figure?

In Joshua 5, the commander of the army of the Lord appears with a drawn sword, and when Joshua worships him, he is told, 'Take off your sandals. The place you are standing is holy.' This command echoes God's words to Moses in Exodus 3 and indicates that the commander is not a mere angel but a divine figure.

How does Malachi 3:1 connect the angel of the Lord to Jesus?

Malachi 3:1 speaks of a 'messenger of the covenant' who will suddenly come to his temple, a figure described with divine authority. This messenger is identified with the angel of the Lord, and only Jesus fulfills this prophecy, as He came to the temple before its destruction in 70 AD, establishing the connection between the angel of the Lord and Jesus.