Faith without religion.
Unpacking the ‘Angel of the Lord’: A Closer Look at Biblical Messaging and the Trinity
In this blog post, we explore the concept of the “Angel of the Lord” as discussed in a recent broadcast. The conversation centers around the interpretation of this figure in the context of the Trinity, particularly how it relates to the understanding of Jesus in the Old Testament.
The discussion begins with a challenge to the traditional view that the “Angel of the Lord” represents a pre-existent Jesus. This interpretation is often used to support the idea of the Trinity, suggesting that Jesus existed as a separate person from God the Father even before his incarnation. However, a closer examination of the biblical text reveals significant nuances.
For instance, in Exodus 3:2, the King James Version refers to the “angel of the LORD,” while Young’s Literal Translation uses the term “messenger of YHWH.” This distinction is crucial because the term “angel” is derived from the Greek word “angellos,” which means “messenger.” The anglicization of this term can lead to misunderstandings about its true meaning.
The blog post emphasizes that the Hebrew writer in Hebrews 1:1-2 makes a clear distinction between how God communicated in the past and how He speaks in the present through His Son. The writer does not suggest that God spoke through His Son in earlier times, which raises questions about the interpretation of the “Angel of the Lord” as Jesus.
Furthermore, the post critiques the logical inconsistencies in the Trinitarian view, particularly the idea that YHWH would serve as His own messenger. It argues that if the “Angel of the Lord” were indeed Jesus, it would contradict the notion that Jesus is not an angel but a distinct person within the Trinity.
The discussion also references Stephen’s testimony in Acts 7, where he describes the encounter of Moses with the “angel of the Lord” without identifying this figure as Jesus. This further supports the argument that the “Angel of the Lord” should be understood as a messenger of God rather than a pre-incarnate Christ.
In conclusion, the blog post asserts that the “Angel of YHWH” is best understood as a messenger sent by the one true God, aligning with the biblical narrative and avoiding the complexities introduced by Trinitarian doctrine. The true nature of Jesus before his incarnation is described as the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of understanding these distinctions for a clearer comprehension of scripture.