Eusebius of Caesarea

Holy Scripture teaches that God was seen by Israel dimly, meaning the Word of God. In the book of Numbers Moses prays, saying, "Since you are the Lord of this people who is seen by them face to face." … And it is said in Exodus, "Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel." …From the text, "No one has ever seen God," perhaps it might be thought that the above quotations contradict the Savior's words, implying that the invisible is visible. But if they are understood … as the Word of God, who was seen by the fathers "in many ways and various ways," no contradiction is involved. The God of Israel here seen is shown to be the same being who was seen by Israel, when he wrestled with the one who first changed his name from Jacob to Israel, saying, "You have striven with God." And when also Jacob, appreciating God's divine power, called the place of the struggle the Sight of God, saying, "I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved" … this was no other than the Word of God.