Throughout the Old Testament, we frequently encounter a figure referred to as “the Angel of the Lord.” Many theologians and Bible scholars believe that this figure is a Christophany — a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. Here are 20 reasons, with examples, to support the claim that “the Angel of the Lord” is indeed the pre-incarnate Jesus.
1. The Angel of the Lord Speaks as God
- Example: Exodus 3:2-6 – When Moses encounters the burning bush, the Angel of the Lord appears and speaks to him. Yet, in verse 6, it says, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” This direct claim of deity shows that this is no ordinary angel but God Himself, consistent with the nature of Jesus as God.
2. The Angel of the Lord Receives Worship
- Example: Joshua 5:13-15 – When Joshua meets the Commander of the Lord’s army, he falls down and worships. Angels, as seen elsewhere in Scripture (Revelation 19:10), refuse worship, but this figure allows it, indicating divinity. Jesus, as God, accepted worship throughout the New Testament.
3. The Angel of the Lord Forgives Sins
- Example: Zechariah 3:1-4 – The Angel of the Lord is present in a vision, where Joshua the High Priest’s filthy garments (representing sin) are removed, and the Angel declares, “I have removed your iniquity.” Only God has the authority to forgive sins, which Jesus demonstrates in the New Testament (Mark 2:5-7).
4. The Angel of the Lord Is Called Wonderful
- Example: Judges 13:18 – In the account of Samson’s parents, when Manoah asks the Angel of the Lord His name, He replies, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?” This echoes the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6, where one of the Messiah’s names is “Wonderful.”
5. The Angel of the Lord Calls Himself God
- Example: Genesis 16:7-13 – When Hagar encounters the Angel of the Lord, He speaks to her as God, saying, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly.” Hagar then calls the Lord who spoke to her “You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees.” She clearly identifies the Angel as God.
6. The Angel of the Lord Is Identified with the Lord
- Example: Exodus 23:20-21 – God says, “Behold, I send an Angel before you… Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him.” The phrase “My name is in Him” suggests an inseparable identity with God, similar to Jesus’ oneness with the Father (John 10:30).
7. The Angel of the Lord Appears to Abraham as God
- Example: Genesis 22:11-18 – The Angel of the Lord calls out to Abraham to stop the sacrifice of Isaac and then reaffirms the covenant with him, saying, “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord.” This personal covenant-making points to the authority of God, as we see Jesus doing with His disciples (Luke 22:20).
8. The Angel of the Lord Appears in Human Form
- Example: Genesis 18:1-33 – Abraham encounters three men, one of whom is identified as the Lord. This appearance in a human form aligns with how Jesus would later take on human flesh in His incarnation (John 1:14).
9. The Angel of the Lord Intercedes for People
- Example: Zechariah 1:12-13 – The Angel of the Lord intercedes for Israel, asking God how long His anger will last. This act of intercession parallels Jesus’ role as our High Priest who continually intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).
10. The Angel of the Lord Has Authority Over Life and Death
- Example: 2 Samuel 24:16 – In the plague sent against Israel, the Angel of the Lord is the one who executes judgment but also stops the destruction at God’s command. Jesus claimed this authority over life and death, saying, “I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:18).
11. The Angel of the Lord Provides Deliverance
- Example: Exodus 14:19-20 – The Angel of the Lord goes before the Israelites as they escape Egypt and provides protection. This mirrors Jesus, who is described as our deliverer from sin and death (Romans 11:26).
12. The Angel of the Lord Judges with Divine Authority
- Example: 2 Kings 19:35 – The Angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night, showing divine judgment. Jesus is also portrayed as the judge of all nations (John 5:22).
13. The Angel of the Lord Guides God’s People
- Example: Numbers 22:22-35 – The Angel of the Lord guides Balaam and even opens the mouth of a donkey. Jesus is often depicted as the shepherd who guides His flock (John 10:11).
14. The Angel of the Lord Declares the Covenant
- Example: Judges 2:1 – The Angel of the Lord reminds Israel of God’s covenant, saying, “I led you up from Egypt… and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you.'” Jesus, as the mediator of the new covenant, also declares God’s promises (Luke 22:20).
15. The Angel of the Lord Demonstrates Eternal Existence
- Example: Exodus 3:14 – The Angel of the Lord appears in the burning bush and declares, “I AM WHO I AM,” identifying Himself with the eternal God. Jesus uses the same language in John 8:58, saying, “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
16. The Angel of the Lord Commands Armies
- Example: Joshua 5:13-15 – The Angel of the Lord appears as the Commander of the Lord’s army. In Revelation 19:11-16, Jesus appears as the King of kings, leading the armies of heaven.
17. The Angel of the Lord Appears to the Patriarchs
- Example: Genesis 31:11-13 – The Angel of the Lord appears to Jacob in a dream and identifies Himself as the God of Bethel, where Jacob had made a vow to the Lord. This personal relationship with the patriarchs foreshadows Jesus’ relationship with His followers.
18. The Angel of the Lord Saves the Oppressed
- Example: Judges 6:11-23 – The Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and commissions him to deliver Israel from the Midianites, symbolizing salvation. Jesus, as our Savior, is also sent to deliver us from oppression (Luke 4:18-19).
19. The Angel of the Lord Protects and Watches Over God’s People
- Example: Psalm 34:7 – “The Angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Jesus is similarly described as the Good Shepherd who watches over His flock (John 10:27-28).
20. The Angel of the Lord Appears with Power and Authority
- Example: Genesis 48:15-16 – When blessing Joseph’s sons, Jacob refers to “the Angel who has redeemed me from all evil.” Redemption is central to Jesus’ mission, and He alone holds the power to redeem humanity (Ephesians 1:7).
My Final Thoughts: the Angel of the Lord appears throughout the Old Testament, speaking and acting as God. His authority, divine claims, and interaction with humanity all point to this figure being the pre-incarnate Jesus. Just as Jesus would later take on human flesh, this pre-incarnate appearance reveals His eternal existence and intimate involvement in the unfolding plan of redemption long before His incarnation.
