The First Recorded Person in the Old Testament to See an Angel: Lot's Wife or Hagar?

There is often much debate and inquiry among scholars, theologians, and enthusiasts about the first recorded person in the Old Testament to see the Angel of the Lord. At first glance, one might think of Eve as the answer to this question. After all, Eve is the mother of all living, and she did indeed converse with the Lord in the Garden of Eden. However, this premise is a misconception. The moment of profound intimacy with the divine as an individual is something different and more specific.

Correcting the Misconception: Eve and Her Encounter with the Lord

It is important to clarify that while Eve and Adam did meet with the Lord, the scripture does not explicitly record Eve as the first to see the Angel of the Lord. The context of Eve and Adam's encounter with the Lord is more about their disobedience and the fall of humanity, rather than a personal vision of an angel.

The Angel of the Lord: A Key Biblical Figure

The Angel of the Lord is a significant figure in the Old Testament. He is often referred to as the representative of God or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. In many accounts, the Angel of the Lord appears as a messenger of divine revelation, providing guidance and protection to people. The most notable and recorded instances of these encounters include Abraham, theophanies to ancient Israelites, and, in our discussion today, Lot's wife and Hagar.

A Lot's Wife's Encounter

Lot, a prominent figure in the early history of salvation, and his wife, through a scriptural event, indeed have an encounter with the Angel of the Lord. This is recorded in the 19th chapter of the Book of Genesis, which describes how Lot and the angels flee from Sodom. The scripture does not explicitly state that Lot's wife saw an angel, but it records her reaction to the command of the angel. After being urged to leave the city quickly, the text reads: "When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, ‘Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.’" And the text further describes the fate of Lot's wife, who looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:15-26).

Hagar's Encounter: A Deeper Look

Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, also had a significant encounter with the Angel of the Lord. In Genesis 16, Hagar is impregnated by Abraham, and fearing for her life, she flees into the desert. The Angel of the Lord appears to her and says, 'Do not be afraid, Hagar; you have found favor with the Lord. You are now with child and you shall bear a son, and you shall call his name Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery' (Genesis 16:11).

Comparing the Two Encounters

While both Lot's wife and Hagar encounter the Angel of the Lord, there are some subtle but important differences that can be analyzed. Lot's wife, despite following God's command, could not look back, as instructed. If she did so, she was turned into a pillar of salt. This event is more about the consequences of disobedience and unwavering faith. Hagar's encounter, on the other hand, is a moment of divine revelation and blessing, where the Angel of the Lord brings hope and assurance to a woman in distress.

Conclusion

Considering these scriptural records, the first recorded person in the Old Testament to intentionally see the Angel of the Lord without any negative consequences would most likely be Hagar, not Lot's wife. Hagar’s encounter demonstrates a deeper, more direct and positive interaction with the divine messenger, as she received divine favor and assurance of a future for her and her child.

Related Discussions and Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into the encounters of the Angel of the Lord, consider exploring the following resources: Genesis 19:15-26 for Lot's story, Genesis 16:1-16 for Hagar's account, and articles on biblical angels and theophanies in the Old Testament.