Topical Bible: Angel of Yahweh

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Angel of Yahweh" (also referred to as the "Angel of the LORD") appears frequently in the Old Testament and is a significant figure in biblical theology. This entity is often depicted as a divine messenger who acts on behalf of Yahweh, delivering messages, executing judgment, and providing guidance to the people of Israel. The Angel of Yahweh is distinct from other angels due to the unique characteristics and authority attributed to Him.

Biblical Appearances and Characteristics

1. Divine Authority and Identity: The Angel of Yahweh is often identified with Yahweh Himself, speaking in the first person as God. In Exodus 3:2-6, the Angel of Yahweh appears to Moses in the burning bush, and the text transitions seamlessly from the Angel speaking to God speaking: "There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush... 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'" (Exodus 3:2, 6).

2. Covenant and Protection: The Angel of Yahweh is portrayed as a guardian and protector of Israel. In Exodus 23:20-23, God promises to send His Angel to lead and protect the Israelites: "Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." (Exodus 23:20). This Angel is to be obeyed, as God's name is in Him, indicating a special presence of God.

3. Judgment and Deliverance: The Angel of Yahweh executes judgment on behalf of God. In 2 Samuel 24:15-17, the Angel of Yahweh is sent to bring a plague upon Israel as a consequence of David's sin, yet also shows mercy by ceasing the destruction at God's command. Similarly, in 2 Kings 19:35, the Angel of Yahweh strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, delivering Jerusalem from their siege.

4. Theophany and Worship: Encounters with the Angel of Yahweh often result in worship and recognition of divine presence. In Judges 6:11-24, Gideon encounters the Angel of Yahweh, who commissions him to save Israel from the Midianites. Gideon builds an altar to the LORD, recognizing the divine nature of the encounter: "When Gideon realized that it was the Angel of the LORD, he said, 'Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face!'" (Judges 6:22).

5. Pre-Incarnate Christ: Many conservative theologians and scholars interpret the Angel of Yahweh as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. This view is supported by the Angel's divine attributes, authority, and the worship He receives, which are consistent with the nature of Christ. The Angel's role as mediator and deliverer aligns with the New Testament revelation of Jesus.

Theological Significance

The Angel of Yahweh serves as a profound revelation of God's presence and action in the world. His appearances underscore the themes of divine guidance, protection, judgment, and mercy. The Angel's unique identity, often equated with God Himself, challenges readers to consider the mystery of God's interaction with humanity. The Angel of Yahweh's role in the Old Testament narrative points forward to the fuller revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate expression of God's covenantal faithfulness and redemptive work.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Angel of Yahweh

ANGEL OF YAHWEH

See ANGEL (II, 3).

Library

Chapter xvi
... But the angel of the Lord (mal'akh Yahweh), who was He? ... And the Angel of Yahweh said
unto her: Return to thy mistress and submit thyself under her hands. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xvi.htm

Chapter xxii
... And Abraham reached forth his hand and took the knife to slay his son, when the
Angel of Yahweh called to him from the heavens, saying: Abraham, Abraham! ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxii.htm

Chapter xxi
... the one through whom God specifically manifests Himself, the same one who in Genesis
16:7 under the name of Angel of Yahweh had previously appeared to Hagar. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm

Chapter xlviii
... Consequently this is a reference to the divine Angel of the Lord or Angel of Yahweh,
whom we already met with Genesis 22:11, and who was there already ...
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Chapter xxxi
... there made. The fact that previously He was called "angel of Yahweh" but
here "angel of God" makes no appreciable difference. 12. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

Chapter xxiv
... And he said to me: Yahweh before whose face I have walked will send His angel along
with thee and He will prosper thy way and thou wilt get a wife for my son ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

Chapter xix
... it had been destined. The angel speaks with a measure of authority which
has been granted him as Yahweh's agent. On the other hand ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xix.htm

Chapter vi
... In a parallel case the evil angel has his punishment meted out first (3:14, 15 ... 3.
And Yahweh said: My spirit shall not judge among mankind forever, because they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

Chapter xxv
... Isaac's more or less permanent dwellingplace was the scene of the Angel's appearance
to ... received by Isaac are attributed to Elohim not to Yahweh, because here ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Chapter xxxii
... Yahweh specifically implies the idea of God faithful in performing His merciful
promises ... passage is Hosea 12:4: "Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm