3:2 angel of the Lord. This was a theophany, a visible manifestation of God (v. 4). See note Gen. 16:7.

fire. A frequent biblical symbol for God’s presence (13:21; 19:18; Gen. 3:24; 1 Kin. 18:24, 38); it particularly expresses His all-consuming holiness (Heb. 12:29).