Circumstantial evidence is evidence that relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion like a fingerprint at the scene of a crime. By contrast, direct evidence supports the truth of an assertion directly. It doesn’t need inference. But truth is often accompanied by inference or circumstantial evidence.
For example. We are taught that God created the cosmos through the son of God. This is direct scriptural evidence of a truth.
Colossians 1:15-16
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
We also read in the Old Testament that which seems like the son of God before he was born in Bethlehem. We read about the Angel (Messenger) of the LORD who many called God or the LORD, but he is identified as the Angel of the LORD. This aligns well with Colossians 1:15 quoted above.
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
You see, if Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, then the Angel of the LORD who was visible and called God, gives us a match. But this doesn’t prove outright that Jesus Christ preexisted as the Angel of the LORD. However, if God created all things through the Son of God, that means he existed before the cosmos and certainly it would be a good fit if he was this Messenger of the LORD because people often referred to this angel as God himself, yet we know that no one can see God.
Exodus 33:20
But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!”
Exodus 33:11
Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
Exodus 14:19
And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face and stood behind them.
GeneBalthrop.
