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Chapter 6: The Word, the Name, and the Angel

Supernatural

October 18, 2020 • Chris Reighley

Supernatural:
What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World—And Why It Matters

by Dr. Michael S. Heiser

Uncover the Supernatural in the Bible

Introduction: Meeting God Before Bethlehem

Long before the Word became flesh in Bethlehem, the Bible shows us glimpses—mysterious and awe-inspiring—of God appearing in human form. In this chapter, Dr. Michael Heiser brings into focus the Old Testament figure who is both with God and somehow God Himself—referred to as “the Word,” “the Name,” and “the Angel of the Lord.”

These aren’t just poetic titles or symbols. They describe visible, tangible manifestations of Yahweh—encounters that defy explanation unless we’re willing to entertain the remarkable truth: the pre-incarnate Christ appears repeatedly throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. He is the voice in the burning bush, the commander of the Lord’s army, the one whose Name dwells in the angel.

Heiser connects dots that most Bible readers miss, showing how these divine appearances reveal Jesus as the second power in heaven—distinct, yet fully one with Yahweh. This isn’t theological novelty—it’s the ancient worldview of Israel and the apostles, culminating in John’s staggering words:

“In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh.” (John 1:1, 14)

Chapter 6 opens our eyes to the continuity of Christ’s presence in Scripture—from Abraham’s tent to Moses’ desert, from the burning bush to the cross.

Chapter Outline: The Word, the Name, and the Angel

I. Review: Where We’ve Been

  • God created two realms: visible and invisible.
  • Both humans and divine beings are His imagers.
  • Three major divine rebellions fractured creation:
    1. Eden (Genesis 3)
    2. Genesis 6 (Sons of God and Nephilim)
    3. Babel (Genesis 11 / Deut. 32)

II. The Word

A. John 1:1–2, 14 – Eternal, Divine, Incarnate
  • “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
  • Jesus is identified as the eternal Word made flesh.
B. Old Testament Appearances of the Word
  • Genesis 15:1–6 – “The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.”
  • The Word is not merely speech—it appears as a Person.

III. The Name

A. Theological Significance of “Name”
  • God’s Name represents His presence, power, and person.
  • Isaiah 30:27–28 – “The name of the Lord comes…”
  • John 17:5–6, 26 – Jesus says He has “manifested” God’s Name.
B. Jewish Reverence for the Name
  • “HaShem” is still used as a reverent substitution for Yahweh.
  • The Name dwells in the angel of the Lord (Exodus 23:20–22).

IV. The Angel of the Lord

A. Angel = מַלְאָךְ (malʾāk) – Messenger
  • Not merely a created angelic being—this Angel speaks as Yahweh, receives worship, and forgives sin.
B. Old Testament Appearances
  • Genesis 16, 18, 22 – Angel speaks as God.
  • Exodus 3 – The Angel appears in the burning bush.
  • Judges 6 – Gideon meets the Angel and fears for his life.
  • Genesis 32:30 – Jacob wrestles with God face-to-face.
C. God in Human Form
  • Multiple appearances where God is seen in bodily form.
  • Deuteronomy 5:24; 1 Samuel 3; Exodus 23 – All point to divine interaction.

V. Jesus: The Continuity Between Old and New

A. Jesus Claims Preexistence
  • John 8:56–58 – “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
B. New Testament References to OT Events
  • Jude 1:5 – “Jesus saved a people out of Egypt.”
  • Jesus is not just predicted—He is present throughout the story.

VI. Why This Matters

  1. Trinitarian Theology Is Rooted in the OT
    • Jesus doesn’t just appear in the New Testament—He is the visible Yahweh throughout the Old.
  2. The God Who Saves Is the God Who Walks With Us
    • These appearances show that God has always sought to dwell among His people—in Eden, in fire, in flesh.
  3. Jesus Is the Full Revelation of the Word, Name, and Angel
    • He doesn’t replace Yahweh—He reveals Him in human form.
  4. Christ Is the Consistent Center of the Supernatural Narrative
    • The whole story, from creation to the cross, revolves around the same divine person.

Key Scriptures

  • John 1:1–14 – The Word was God… and became flesh.
  • Genesis 15, 18, 32; Exodus 3; Judges 6 – Encounters with the Word/Angel.
  • Isaiah 30:27; John 17:6, 26 – “The Name” revealed and made known.
  • Jude 1:5; John 8:58 – Jesus’ preexistence and divine identity.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

  • Why is it significant that Jesus appears in the Old Testament?
  • How does the idea of “the Name” change your understanding of God’s presence?
  • What comfort does it bring to know that God appears, speaks, and walks with His people?

Key Takeaway

The Word who created, the Name that sanctifies, and the Angel who leads—are all one and the same: Jesus, the visible Yahweh, present before Bethlehem, and reigning forever.

This study was taught by Chris Reighley to the Sunday Night Bible Study at Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista, Texas in 2020

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