Old Testament Trinity

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The Spirit & the Angel of the LORD

The Spirit of the LORD

The notion of the Spirit of the LORD, commonly equated with the Holy Spirit in Christian theology, participating in the act of creation is evidenced in various passages throughout the Hebrew Bible.

Other articles you can read (1, 2)

  • “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” – Genesis 1:1-2(KJV)
  • “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” – Job 33:4 (KJV)
  • “When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.” – Psalms 104:29-30 (KJV)

Indeed, the distinction between YHWH (often translated as “the LORD” in English translations) and the Spirit of YHWH in the Hebrew Bible is profound yet intricately connected. Both are portrayed as involved in the creative act, yet they maintain distinct roles within the narrative. 

The Hebrew word “rûaḥ” (רוּחַ), meaning “Spirit/Breath/Wind,” underscores the unity and distinction between the two entities mentioned in Job 33:4. While “the Spirit of God” and “the breath of the Almighty” may share a common essence, their usage in the passage suggests a nuanced understanding of their roles. The repetition of these phrases accentuates their significance and underscores their distinct yet complementary functions in the narrative.

This nuanced understanding aligns with the broader theological concept of the Trinity in Christian theology, where God is understood as one being existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity possesses equality in essence yet maintains unique roles and relationships within the divine unity.

In summary, the Hebrew language’s structure, coupled with the theological themes present in biblical texts, invites a rich exploration of the relationship between YHWH and the Spirit of YHWH, highlighting both their unity and distinctiveness within the narrative framework.

  • “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,” – Isaiah 44:24 (ESV)

In 2 Samuel 23:2-3, the presence of the Spirit of the LORD’s word is articulated as residing upon David’s tongue. This divine presence is identified as the Spirit of the LORD (Holy Spirit) and acknowledged as the God of Israel. This is attributed to the communication emanating from David. The text further identifies this Spirit as the one who speaks, explicitly referencing the Rock of Israel, who is identified as God (in other passages, more on this later). This passage presents a distinct portrayal, indicating the presence of two distinct persons within the Godhead. Such a depiction underscores a profound theological concept, illustrating divine communication among the three persons comprising the nature of God.

  • “Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, the son of Jesse, the oracle of the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel: 2 “The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue.3 The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God,” – 2 Samuel 23:1-3 (KJV)
  • “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” – Matthew 10:20 (ESV)

Indeed, the Bible contains numerous references affirming the Rock of Israel as synonymous with the most High God. There are verses from Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, and the Psalms all depict God as the Rock of Israel, emphasizing His strength, stability, and reliability. Here’s a breakdown of some of these references:

Even more compellingly, Jesus Christ is described as the ROCK of Israel (1 Cor. 10:1-4). Unshakeable cornerstone, essential and irreplaceable in the foundation of faith.

The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, and Spirit of truth. He will bring all things to our remembrance and understanding that Jesus Christ has said to us.

  • “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you…But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” – John 14:16-17; 26 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit is omnipresent (everywhere at the same time).

  • 7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in [a]hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; 12 Indeed, the darkness]shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.” – Psalm 139:7-12 (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit doesn’t need direction and doesn’t need to be taught, because he knows everything and he doesn’t need understanding.

  • “13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has taught Him? 14 With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, And taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, And showed Him the way of understanding?” – Isaiah 40:13-14 (NKJV)
  • “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”  – Romans 11:34 (ESV)

The Angel of The Lord

The Hebrew word for “angel” is “מַלְאָךְ” (malach), which indeed means “messenger.” Similarly, the Greek word for “angel” is “ἄγγελος” (angelos), which also means “messenger.” Both languages use these terms to describe celestial beings who act as messengers or agents of God, carrying out His will and delivering His messages to humanity.

The Angel of the Lord, sent forth by YHWH, not only carries out deeds that are unique to YHWH but also identifies Himself with YHWH in numerous occurrences. Such actions would be unimaginable unless this Angel possesses divinity. This determination arises from the contextual analysis of scripture, indicating that not every angel shares this divine nature; rather, it is specifically attributed to this unique figure.

  • 7 The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the LORD also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the LORD said to her, “Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has listened to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” 13 So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” – Genesis 16:7-13 (ESV)

The Angel was sent by God to Hagar, the wife of Abraham and the mother of Ishmael. Abraham’s firstborn. (v. 11-12) Predicts Hagar’s child’s sex (gender) and personality.

Who was Ishmael in the Bible?

What happened to Ishmael in the Bible?

God is called an Angel by Jacob in his prayer to the Lord.

  • “15 And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, 16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” – Genesis 48:15-16 (ESV)

The Angel of the Lord identifies Himself as “the God of Bethel,” a significant designation as Bethel signifies the “House of God.” Moreover, the Angel demonstrates remarkable insight into genetics, disclosing to Jacob the nature of his future blessings. Additionally, the Angel refers to Jacob’s vow as made to Himself, though it is evident from the context that Jacob’s vow was directed towards God. (Genesis 28:10-22). More on this in this article.

  • 10 “And it happened, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted. 11 Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ 12 And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.’ ” – Genesis 31:10-13 (NKJV)

The angel, declaring his name as “Wonderful,” signifies his incomprehensible nature. In Judges 13:17-25  (verse 18), Samson’s parents, Manoah and his wife, realize they are conversing with God. This Angel also accepts their offering something only God can do. They reason among themselves, realizing the Angel of the LORD to be God.

  • “17 Then Manoah said to the Angel of the LORD, “What is Your name, that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?” 18 And the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful (pil’î; 1, 2)?” 19 So Manoah took the young goat with the grain offering, and offered it upon the rock to the LORD. And He did a wondrous (pālā’; 1, 2)thing while Manoah and his wife looked on— 20 it happened as the flame went up toward heaven from the altar—the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar! When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell on their faces to the ground. 21 When the Angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah knew that He was the Angel of the LORD. 22 And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!”23 But his wife said to him, “If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have told us such things as these at this time.”24 So the woman bore a son and called his name Samson; and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. 25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to move upon him at Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.” Judges 13:17-25 (NKJV)

The portrayal of the child foretold in Isaiah 9:6-7 (Bible Hub verses 6 & 7) as “Wonderful” emphasizes a profound significance. Throughout scripture, the attribute of being “Wonderful” is uniquely associated with God, indicating extraordinary deeds beyond human comprehension. These wondrous acts are exclusively attributed to God Himself, as seen in His miraculous interventions in history, such as those through Moses. Thus, the designation of “Wonderful” as a name is reserved solely for God, highlighting His unparalleled nature and the magnificence of His works.

  • 6 “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” – Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV)

Wonderful, Counselor 1 & 2

The titles of the child are enumerated throughout Isaiah, except “Prince of Peace,” mentioned in Daniel 9:24-27. Notably, the names assigned to the child in Isaiah originate from YHWH (LORD), indicating a profound connection with the divine. This confluence of titles points to the child as none other than Jesus, God in human form.

  • “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” – Isaiah 25:1 (NKJV)
  • “29 This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.” – Isaiah 28:29 (NKJV)

Mighty God

“20 And it shall come to pass in that day That the remnant of Israel, And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, Will never again depend on him who ]defeated them, But will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 21 The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, To the Mighty God.” – Isaiah 10:20-21 (NKJV)

Everlasting Father

  • “16 Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us.  You, O LORD, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.” Isaiah 63:16 (NKJV)

This Angel also forgives sins, which only God can forgive sins. When you transgress the commandments of God, you are transgressing him since he is the (moral, the standard) law. Therefore, who is this angel?

  • “20 Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. 21 Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. 22 But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. 23 For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off.” – Exodus 20:20-23 (NKJV)
  • “3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. 4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by.” – Zechariah 3:4-5 (NKJV)
  • “11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him.” – Psalms 103:11-13 (NKJV)

OTHER SOURCES/ARTICLES

  1. The NAME of The LORD
  2. Messiah Exaltation In Isaiah

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