Who is the "Angel of His Presence?"

Who is the "Angel of His Presence?"

The term "Angel of His Presence" is used only once in the book of Isaiah stating that throughout the history of Israel, God has loved and been merciful to that nation and shared in her sufferings, saving Israel with "the Angel of His Presence."

"In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them
All the days of old" (Isaiah 63:9).

Some theologians believe that the Septuagint translation (ἄγγελος ἀλλ᾽ αὐτὸς κύριος) demonstrates that "Angel of His Presence" is another way of referring to God, not a person a created angel. "Not an elder or an angel, but the Lord Himself saved them" is a current Septuagint translation.

A number of verses imply that this term is referring to the Lord: Exodus 23:20-21; 32:34; Numbers 20:16.

"Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him" (Exodus 23:20-21).

Some suggest that the saying refers to the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:19) although that is quite a stretch in relation to the other Scriptures where the "Angel of His Presence" points to the Holy God of Israel; the Messiah.