Throughout the Old Testament, we encounter mysterious appearances of God in human form, foreshadowing the ultimate incarnation of Jesus Christ. These preincarnate manifestations of Christ are known as Christophanies, and they reveal how Jesus was active and present long before His birth in Bethlehem. Let’s explore these fascinating encounters and see how they point us to Christ.
The Angel of the Lord Appears to Hagar (Genesis 16:7-13)
The first Christophany we encounter is when “the Angel of the Lord” finds Hagar in the wilderness. In Genesis 16:7-13, the Angel speaks to Hagar, makes promises only God could fulfill, and comforts her. Hagar then calls the Angel “You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees,” recognizing that she has encountered God Himself. This instance of “the Angel of the Lord” making divine promises and receiving worship suggests that this figure is no ordinary angel, but rather a preincarnate appearance of Christ.
The Three Visitors to Abraham (Genesis 18)
In Genesis 18, three visitors appear to Abraham. One of them, often understood as a Christophany, speaks as the Lord and shares intimate knowledge of Abraham’s situation, including the promise of Isaac’s birth and the impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham addresses this visitor as “the Lord,” indicating that God Himself was present in the form of one of these men. This Christophany demonstrates God’s relational nature, engaging with Abraham directly.
Wrestling with Jacob (Genesis 32:24-30)
In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with “a Man” throughout the night, who later blesses him and changes his name to Israel. Jacob realizes he has wrestled with God, saying, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (Genesis 32:30). This mysterious figure who wrestled Jacob until daybreak and had the authority to bless him is widely understood as a Christophany, showing Christ’s willingness to meet people where they are—even in their struggles.
The Burning Bush (Exodus 3)
When Moses encounters the burning bush in Exodus 3, the Angel of the Lord appears to him from the flames. The voice identifies Himself as “I AM,” the self-existent God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is the same title Jesus uses in John 8:58 to reveal His divinity, saying, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” In the burning bush, we see Christ speaking with authority and holiness, commissioning Moses to deliver Israel.
The Commander of the Lord’s Army (Joshua 5:13-15)
As Joshua prepares to lead Israel against Jericho, he encounters a mysterious “Commander of the army of the Lord.” Joshua falls on his face and worships, and the Commander does not refuse this worship. He tells Joshua to remove his sandals, for the place he stands on is holy ground, echoing Moses’ encounter with God. This Commander is widely regarded as a Christophany, symbolizing Christ as the ultimate leader in the spiritual battles of His people.
The Angel of the Lord Appears to Gideon (Judges 6:11-24)
In Judges 6, Gideon is visited by “the Angel of the Lord” who calls him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. The Angel performs miraculous signs, such as causing fire to rise from a rock, and Gideon responds by building an altar and worshiping. Gideon says, “I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face” (Judges 6:22), recognizing the divine presence before him. This Christophany underscores Christ’s empowering of ordinary people for God’s work.
The Angel of the Lord Appears to Samson’s Parents (Judges 13)
In Judges 13, the Angel of the Lord appears to Manoah and his wife, foretelling the birth of Samson. Manoah offers a sacrifice, and the Angel ascends in the flame, a sign of divine acceptance. Manoah realizes that he has seen God Himself, saying, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!” (Judges 13:22). This Christophany foreshadows Christ’s role as the one who sanctifies and commissions, even from before birth.
The Fourth Man in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)
In one of the most dramatic Christophanies, Daniel 3 records how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are thrown into a blazing furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar sees a fourth figure walking with them “like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25). This appearance shows Christ’s protective presence with His people in times of trial and foreshadows His promise to be with us “always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
The Vision of the “Ancient of Days” and “One Like a Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Daniel’s vision in Daniel 7 reveals “One like the Son of Man” coming with the clouds of heaven, presented before the “Ancient of Days.” The Son of Man receives dominion and a kingdom that will never pass away. This Christophany directly foreshadows the authority of Christ, who identifies Himself as the Son of Man, and it highlights His eternal rule and divine authority.
The Vision of the Glorious Man (Daniel 10:5-6)
In Daniel 10, Daniel sees a heavenly figure described in brilliant, otherworldly detail, clothed in linen with a belt of gold, whose face is like lightning and voice like a multitude. This vision of a “glorious man” bears striking similarities to the description of the risen Christ in Revelation 1:13-16. Many believe this to be a Christophany, revealing Christ’s power and glory as the triumphant King.
Why Christophanies Matter
Each Christophany in the Old Testament offers us a glimpse of Jesus’ character and mission. These appearances remind us that Jesus was not a mere figure who entered history at the Incarnation but is the eternal God, actively involved in the lives of His people. Through these encounters, we see His holiness, His willingness to walk with us in struggles, His authority over spiritual battles, and His unwavering presence.
By studying Christophanies, we gain a richer understanding of Jesus as the God who was, is, and always will be. In each appearance, we see glimpses of the Savior who would one day walk among us, embodying the love and power of God to redeem and restore.
