RUSSELL SANDERS
4-18-2024
JESUS’ PRE-INCARNATION MANIFESTATIONS PART 8 –

THE ANGEL OF THE LORD In the Old Testament we often find the phrase “the angel of the LORD.” In almost every case, this messenger is regarded as deity [God], but it is distinguished from Jehovah [Yahweh] which is the fullness of the trinity. This phrase would indicate a physical manifestation from Jehovah of the Son, Jeshuah, Jesus.

There is a difference in the terms “angel of Jehovah” and “angel from Jehovah.” The latter could be any angel sent by the Father or Holy Spirit, sent from God. But an “angel OF Jehovah” would have to be a manifestation of God, himself, in the flesh which could only be Jesus. The context of the scriptures bears this out, and virtually all conservative or evangelical bible scholars adhere to this view as I do also.

There are eight specific cases where Jesus appears as “the angel of the LORD.” They are: Genesis 16:7-14 – Hagar and Ishmael
Genesis 22:11-18 – Abraham sacrificing Isaac
Genesis 31:11, 13 – Jacob at Bethel
Exodus 3:2-5 – Moses and the burning bush Numbers 22:21-35 – Balaam’s Ass
1 Chronicles 21:12-18 – David’s punishment
1 Kings 19:5-7 – Elijah’s flight

As the Lord permits, we shall take a brief look at each of these eight instances to see why it was important enough for Jesus, himself, to appear in angelic form rather than simply sending one of his many angels.