📖 Not Just Any Angel
Throughout Scripture, angels appear to deliver messages from God. But the Angel of the Lord is different. This figure doesn't just speak for God — He sometimes speaks as God.
Here are just a few examples that spark curiosity:
🔥 The Burning Bush – Exodus 3:2-6
“The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush… God called to him from within the bush…”
(Exodus 3:2, 4)
At first, we’re told the Angel of the Lord appears, but moments later it says God spoke. There’s no separation. The Angel and God are presented as one — yet distinct.
⚔️ Hagar’s Encounter – Genesis 16
When Hagar flees into the wilderness, the Angel of the Lord finds her and says:
“I will increase your descendants…”
(Genesis 16:10)
No ordinary angel has the power to promise life or destiny. Hagar later says:
“I have now seen the One who sees me.”
(Genesis 16:13)
She equates the Angel with God Himself.
✋ Abraham and Isaac – Genesis 22
At the last moment before Abraham sacrifices Isaac, the Angel of the Lord calls out:
“Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son…”
(Genesis 22:12)
The angel speaks as if He is God.
👁️ Clues to His Identity
Many Bible scholars and theologians believe that the Angel of the Lord is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ — a Christophany.
Why?
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He appears temporarily, just like Jesus would later do in human form.
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He speaks as God, yet interacts separately from God the Father.
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He accepts worship and offerings, which no ordinary angel would.
In fact, whenever an ordinary angel is worshiped in Scripture, they immediately say:
“Do not do it! I am a fellow servant.”
(Revelation 22:9)
But the Angel of the Lord never refuses worship.
❓ Why Not Just Say “Jesus”?
Because this was before the incarnation — before Jesus took on human flesh and walked among us. In the Old Testament, the Son of God was already active, already revealing God to people — but in mysterious, powerful ways.
The title “Angel” doesn’t mean He is a created being — it simply means “messenger.” And Jesus is the ultimate Messenger of God’s will, heart, and presence.
✝️ From Mystery to Messiah
The mystery of the Angel of the Lord finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ:
“In the past God spoke... through the prophets... but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son…”
(Hebrews 1:1-2)
Where the Angel once appeared in flames, visions, and voices — now God walks among us in flesh and blood. The mystery is revealed. Jesus is the One who was and is and is to come.
🔍 Final Thought
The Angel of the Lord isn't just a figure in the shadows of ancient scripture — He points us directly to the heart of God's plan: God Himself coming to rescue, speak, and save.
Keep following Live Bible Tales Unfolded as we continue unlocking the mysteries and wonders of Scripture.
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