Does the appearance fill these criteria? “Incarnate” – Greek word “Theos” and “Phanetein” “show or manifest”.
- Physical form – not a mirage. Can eat, sit, do physical functions. Can be in a dream or vision; a form of some sort. Exodus 3:1-3 = NAME OF GOD.
- Is worshipped. Accepts worship. Person will recognize Him as Divine. E.g. Jacob in Genesis 6:13f. John 1:1-3, 14: CREATOR.
- Talks about God in first person “I”. Identifies Himself as Yahweh=Jehovah, but makes Himself distinct from Yahweh. I John 1:1-3= MANIFEST.
- Gives directive to person. Makes known divine will. Stood as eternal priest. John 5:37-38 – Have not seen the form of the Father, but have of the Son (“if you’ve seen Me, you have seen the Father).
- True manifestation of God. Equates Himself with the Father, yet distinguishes Himself in form and person. (John 8:16, 18; 7:33). “I am sending My Angel before you”. Sent one.
- Different from Typology – “He blessed Abraham”…vs 19. Psalm 110:4. Brings food for Melchizedek – Gen 14:17-24. Angel of the Lord – Numb 22:22 = took stand natural presence. Angel – Gen 18:1-2 – transfiguration – bowed in worship – vs 2. Wash feet – Apostle Peter. Direction – promise – vs .10.
Characterized by use of verb “appear” with Yahweh as Subject. Verb is passive form of “ru’a”, which means “to see”. It means He let Himself be seen.