The Angel of Yahweh

Dual Realms in the Bible

• Reality is composed of two overlapping realms: the Heavens and the Earth.
• Heavens: God’s space.
• Earth: Our space.

Encountering Heaven on Earth

• Heaven can sometimes be encountered in our realm.
• This often involves encountering "The Angel of Yahweh" or "The Angel of the Lord" in most Bible translations.

The Angel of the Lord

• Angels: Spiritual messengers performing missions for God.
• The Angel of the Lord is different:
  • Described in a way that is purposefully puzzling.
  • Raises the question if it’s an angel sent by Yahweh or Yahweh himself.

Example: Hagar’s Story (Book of Genesis)

• The Angel of Yahweh called to Hagar.
• The Angel speaks as if he is Yahweh: "I will give you many descendants."
• Hagar responds, "You are God who sees me."

The Paradox

• Yahweh is above all and inaccessible, yet reveals himself in ways we can understand.
• The Angel of the Lord is Yahweh made visible.
• Similar Stories: Prophets (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel) see a glorious human figure on a throne called Yahweh.

Example: Moses and the Burning Bush

• The Angel of Yahweh appears to Moses in a blazing fire from a bush.
• When Yahweh sees Moses looking, God calls to him from the bush.
• The figure in the bush is the one leading Israel out of Egypt.
• Tabernacle: The throne room of God himself.
• The Angel of the Lord is the royal glory of Yahweh appearing as a human.

Connection to Jesus

• Gospel of John: Jesus was with God and was God from all eternity.
  • Paradox: Distinct from God and also God (similar to the Angel of Yahweh).
• God’s word became human and set up a tabernacle among us.
  • Temple Presence: The invisible God made visible.
• Transfiguration: Jesus revealed as a glorious human figure on a mountain.
• Distinction from Angel of the Lord:
  • New Testament avoids calling Jesus the Angel of the Lord to avoid implying he is merely an angel.
  • Jesus is Yahweh God become human.
• Ultimate Mission: To reunite Heaven and Earth.

Next Topic Preview

• Upcoming discussion on Satan and demons, the spiritual beings resisting God’s plan to reunite Heaven and Earth.