The "Angel of YHWH" in Jewish Thought

Encyclopedia Judaica

Speaks in Regards to the Appearances of Christ in the Old Testament

Volume 11, 1971 edition.

The Encyclopedia Judaica is remarkably honest and candid in many regards, and has some astonishing things to say about what we hold to be Christological theophanies.

The "Angel of the LORD" is called "Metatron" in Jewish theology. The Jews themselves are in doubt as to the origin of this name--it is shrouded in mystery. If this name originated in the Greek language it would mean "behind the throne."

These excerpts are from the entry "Metatron":

"Elisha b. Avuyah saw Metatron seated and said, "perhaps there are two powers." as though indicating Metatron himself as a second deity." (p. 1443)
The story in tractate Sanhedrin also confers on Metatron a supernatural status. He is the angel of the Lord mentioned in Exodus 23:21 of whom it is said "...and hearken unto his voice; be not rebellious against him... for My name is in him."
"Underlying these disputations is the fear that speculations about Metatron might lead to dangerous ground." (p. 1444)
"The Karaite Kirkisani read in his text of the Talmud an even more extreme version: 'This is Metatron, who is the lesser YHWH' . . . The epithet "lesser YHWH" is undoubtedly puzzling..." (p. 1444)