The Messenger of the Lord in Early Jewish Interpretations of Genesis

Texts like Genesis 16, 22 and 31 mention an enigmatic figure, 'the messenger/angel of the Lord'. The identity of God and this angel is merged. The angel is anonymous and speaks with divine authority as if he is God Himself, there being no clear distinction between sender and messenger. The angel accepts being worshipped by men and is acknowledged as divine. This book explores the ambiguous relationship between God and his angel in early Jewish interpretations of Genesis. The study is set in a wider context as part of the development of angelology and concepts of God in early Judaism.