The Three Angels

[Shimon]

Genesis 18:1 – 22:24

"Then AD’NAI appeared to him in at Mamre’s large trees while he was sitting in the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day. When he lifted up his eyes to see, suddenly, three men were standing right by him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed down to the ground.”

– Genesis 18:1-2, Tree of Life Version

The traditional rendering, according to most commentaries of the next verse is puzzling. The verse reads, “My L’rd, if now I have found favor in your eyes, please do not pass by your servant” (Genesis 18: 3, TLV). Most commentators view this request to be addressed to the L’RD from Abraham, asking for His presence to remain, while he attends to his three guests. Yet, a closer reading reveals a more nuanced view: Abraham “prostrated himself on the ground,” and then made his request to the three guests, who were in front of him.

Moreover, the word rendered above as lord, is the Hebrew word, “Ad’nai.” It is first used in the Tanach, when Abraham addresses the L’RD, in regard to his inheritance, inasmuch that he was to be the father of nations, yet, was childless. The word, can mean Master, and indicates Abraham’s acknowledgment of the L’RD as L’rd of his life. When he prostrates, as mentioned above, in front of the three men, who are really angels, he is addressing them at the same level he addresses the L’RD. Who are these three angels (malachim)? Are there any scriptural clues?

“Draw near to Me, hear this: Since the beginning, I have not spoken in secret. From the time it existed, I was there. So now the AD’NAI Elokim has sent Me, and His Ruach.”

–Isaiah 48:16, Tree of Life Version

Although commentary explains that the three angels are three of the four Archangels of G’d, who had several missions to complete, the narrative gives further information in regard to the reverence that Abraham shows to them. For instance, he addresses them in the singular, at first, by using the word Ad’nai (although, this Name also implies plurality); yet, he also addresses them in the plural. Are they three? Or are they One? Is he addressing the L’RD, as if He is represented by three angels? Or do these three angels represent a more integral truth, regarding the nature of the L’RD?

It is important to take into consideration other scriptural verses, to determine how similar words and truths are conveyed. Isaiah, who was a prophet towards the end of the first Temple period, saw a vision of the angels who worship the L’RD in Shomayaim (Heaven). “And one cried unto another, and said, Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, is H’Shem Tzva’os [the L’RD of Hosts); kol ha’aretz [all of the earth] is full of His kavod [glory]” (Isaiah 6:3, OJB). This teaches that the L’RD is three times Holy (Kadosh). Or else, it is a clue to His threefold nature, HaAv [the Father], HaBen [the Son], and the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit].

Consider, if you will, that even, the Shema Yisrael, the Jewish prayer that speaks of the Oneness of G’d, also refers to His three-fold nature. Maimonides pointed out that the prayer itself is literally in the plural: “Hear O Israel, the L’rds, Our G’ds, the L’rds are One” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Even though he recommended that this be changed to the singular, the prayer was never changed. Hence every time the Shema is recited, the individual reciting the prayer is expressing the L’RD’s oneness as well as his threeness.

Edited November 9, 2020 by Shimon
clarity

[Ed J]

Hi Shimon,

It appears you want to have the contraction form of God's Name in your Avater

יה (YAH)

not הי

In his Name

 

 

 

 

[Shimon]

Thank you for your recommendation; yet, the word spelled (חי) chet-yud is "chai," meaning "life." This is popular word, found in jewelry, and Hebrew expressions, more significantly referring to chayei olam - eternal life. Additionally, the gematria (numerical value) for chai is eighteen; so, many Jewish people give tsedokah (charity), for instance, in increments of eighteen. Chai is a symbol of life, prosperity, and eternity. In this world and the next. In Yeshua, Shimon.