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What's in a Name? Understanding the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament

Have you ever wondered about the mysterious figure called "the Angel of the Lord" who appears throughout the Old Testament? This divine messenger shows up in some of the most pivotal moments in biblical history, yet many Christians overlook the profound theological implications of these encounters.

The Burning Bush: More Than Just Fire

What Really Happened at the Burning Bush?

When we think of Moses and the burning bush, we often focus on the miraculous fire that didn't consume the bush. But there's something crucial we miss: the Angel of the Lord was actually present in the bush. Exodus 3:2 clearly states that "the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush."

Here's what's remarkable - Moses wasn't amazed by seeing the angel. He was amazed by the bush burning without being consumed. This suggests that seeing divine beings in human form wasn't entirely unexpected, but a bush defying the laws of nature certainly was.

Who Was Speaking From the Bush?

The text presents an intriguing dynamic. The Angel of the Lord is in the bush, yet when God speaks, He declares "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." This isn't a case of mistaken identity - it's the same being speaking with divine authority.

When Moses hides his face because he's "afraid to look at God," he recognizes that this angel is more than a mere messenger. This is God Himself in visible, human form.

The Angel Who Can Forgive Sins

What Makes This Angel Different?

In Exodus 23:20-22, God tells Moses about an angel who will lead Israel to the Promised Land. But this isn't an ordinary messenger. God says of this angel: "Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him."

Think about this carefully - who is the only being in the universe with the authority to pardon sin or withhold forgiveness? Only God. Yet here, an angel possesses this divine prerogative. This angel has God's name "in him," meaning God's very presence and authority.

The Warrior Angel

This same angel appears to Joshua as "the commander of the army of the Lord" with a drawn sword. When Joshua asks if he's friend or foe, the response is telling: "No, but I am the commander of the army of the Lord." Like Moses before the burning bush, Joshua is told to remove his sandals because he stands on holy ground.

This commander isn't just leading Israel's army - he's leading heaven's army. He's the divine warrior who drove out nations before Israel and executed judgment on Egypt's firstborn.

Understanding "The Name" in Scripture

Why Do We Pray "In Jesus' Name"?

Throughout the Old Testament, "the Name" functions as more than just a title - it represents God's actual presence and person. When we read that God will put His "name" in the temple, it doesn't mean just a title will be there. It means His presence will dwell there.

Isaiah 30:27 personifies the Name: "Behold, the name of the Lord comes from afar, burning with his anger." Names don't get angry - only persons do. The Name is God Himself.

When we pray "in Jesus' name," we're not invoking a magical formula. We're acknowledging that we approach God through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The Two Yahweh Figures

How Did Ancient Israelites Understand God?

The Old Testament consistently presents two Yahweh figures: one invisible and transcendent, the other visible and immanent, appearing in human form to interact with humanity. This wasn't confusing to ancient Israelites - it was their normal understanding of how God operated.

Ancient Judaism before the first century embraced this "Two Powers" theology. It was only after Christianity identified Jesus as the visible Yahweh that Judaism began to reject this understanding.

Jesus Throughout the Old Testament

When we recognize that the Angel of the Lord is the pre-incarnate Christ, the Old Testament takes on new meaning. Jesus wasn't absent from the Old Testament - He was actively involved in:

 

  • Delivering Israel from Egypt
  • Leading them through the wilderness
  • Fighting their battles
  • Giving them the Law at Sinai
  • Calling judges and prophets

 

The God of the Old Testament isn't different from Jesus - Jesus IS the God of the Old Testament in His pre-incarnate form.

Why This Matters Today

The Warrior Jesus We've Forgotten

Many Christians are comfortable with baby Jesus in the manger but uncomfortable with the warrior Christ who executed judgment in Egypt and drove out nations. Yet both are the same person. Understanding Jesus as the Angel of the Lord helps us grasp His complete character - both gracious Savior and righteous Judge.

The Foundation of Trinity Doctrine

The Trinity doctrine didn't originate with Constantine or the early church councils. Its roots are found throughout the Old Testament in passages about the Angel of the Lord. The early church simply recognized and systematized what Scripture had always taught about God's multi-personal nature.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to read the Old Testament with fresh eyes, recognizing Jesus in the Angel of the Lord passages. When you encounter stories of divine intervention, judgment, or deliverance, remember that this is often Jesus at work.

Consider how this understanding should affect your relationship with Christ. He's not just the gentle teacher from Galilee - He's the eternal God who has been actively involved in human history from the beginning. This should inspire both deeper reverence and greater confidence in His power to work in your life today.

Ask yourself these questions:

 

  • Do I have a complete picture of who Jesus is, or have I limited Him to just His earthly ministry?
  • How does knowing Jesus as the divine warrior affect my trust in His ability to fight my battles?
  • Am I approaching God with appropriate reverence, understanding that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"?
  • How can I better appreciate the grace of Jesus, knowing He's the same God who could have executed judgment but chose to offer salvation instead?