Summary
Highlights
The Old Testament, even in non-Christian Jewish writings like the Targum, refers to the 'Memra' (Word) as distinct from God but appearing as God. Philo, an Alexandrian Jew contemporary with Jesus, spoke of the 'Logos' as not created yet not uncreated, anticipating the concept of the Word's unique origin. This shows that the idea of distinctions within God predates New Testament writings.
Isaiah 63:7-16 presents three distinct entities within God. Yahweh (the Father) is mentioned as the redeemer. The 'angel of his presence' (messenger) saves them, embodying God's name and having the power to forgive or punish. This messenger is distinct from Yahweh. Lastly, the 'holy spirit' is grieved, indicating emotions and a distinct person.
Exodus 23:20-22 identifies the 'angel of his presence' from Isaiah as the 'Angel of the Lord.' This angel is sent by God, distinct from God ('I' vs. 'him'), yet God's name is in him, indicating shared nature and authority. The angel has the power to pardon or punish transgressions, demonstrating a divine attribute while remaining distinct from the sender.
The speaker provides examples from the Old Testament where 'the Word of Yahweh' is a distinct person sent by God and speaks as God. In Zechariah 4:8-9, the Word of Yahweh comes and speaks, stating that Yahweh of hosts sent 'me' (the Word). This highlights the Word as a distinct entity from the Father (Yahweh of hosts) yet sharing divine authority.
Jeremiah 1:4-10 shows that 'the Word of Yahweh' speaks directly, claiming to have formed Jeremiah in the womb and set him apart, paralleling John 1's description of the Word as creator and life-giver. Jeremiah addresses this Word as 'Lord Yahweh,' confirming the Word's divine identity. The Word, who is Yahweh, is sent by Yahweh and appears in human form, touching Jeremiah's mouth.
Zechariah 2:8-11 presents a complex interaction where 'Yahweh of hosts' declares that 'he has sent me' (another Yahweh of hosts). This indicates that one Yahweh sends another Yahweh. The speaker who is coming to dwell in their midst (the Son) states that he was sent by Yahweh (the Father), thus illustrating the sending of one divine person by another, both bearing the name Yahweh.
The speaker concludes that these Old Testament passages provide a clear foundation for the Trinity, showing distinct divine persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) coexisting and interacting, all identified with Yahweh. This refutes the idea that the Trinity is solely a New Testament concept and emphasizes that early councils and church fathers acknowledged the Trinity in the Old Testament.