Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4100 Supernatural beings » 4140 angel of the Lord A title given to those angelic servants of God who are given specific tasks in furthering God's purposes among humanity. These tasks include the giving of revelations, guidance, encouragement, warnings and the execution of judgment on those who oppose God's purposes. The status of the angel of the Lord He is identified with the Lord Exodus 3:2-6 The angel of the LORD here speaks for God and is recognised as God and as a messenger from God. This may indicate that the angel speaks on God's behalf (compare with the role of the prophets) or, as some believe, this may be a manifestation of the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ. See also Genesis 16:7,13; Genesis 31:11-13; Judges 2:1-2; Judges 6:11-12,14; Judges 13:19-22; Zechariah 3:1-2 He is distinguished from the Lord 2 Samuel 24:16 pp 1 Chronicles 21:15 See also Zechariah 1:12-13; Luke 1:19; Hebrews 1:4 The angel of the Lord is active in various ways He calls and speaks Genesis 16:7-8; Genesis 21:17; Genesis 22:11,15; 2 Kings 1:3,15 He has physical contact with people He appears in human likeness Genesis 18:2,16,22; Genesis 19:1; Judges 6:11-12; Acts 27:23 He appears in supernatural form, often evoking fear Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22-24,31; 1 Chronicles 21:16; Luke 1:11-12; Luke 2:9 He appears in dreams and visions Genesis 31:11; Zechariah 1:8,11; Zechariah 3:1,5; Matthew 2:13,19; Acts 10:3 Functions of the angel of the Lord He reveals information, often about forthcoming births Judges 13:3 See also Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:11,13 He gives guidance and instruction Acts 8:26 See also Genesis 16:9; Genesis 22:11-12; Genesis 24:7,40; Exodus 23:23; Numbers 22:35 He comforts those in need Genesis 21:17 See also 1 Kings 19:5-7; Acts 27:23-25 He affirms promises and gives blessing Genesis 22:15-18 See also Luke 1:26-28,30-33; Luke 2:10-11 He leads, delivers and protects Israel Psalm 34:7 See also Exodus 14:19; Isaiah 63:9 He rebukes sinful Israel He rolls back the tombstone He rescues those in prison He executes judgment on sin Acts 12:23 See also 2 Samuel 24:15-16 pp 1 Chronicles 21:14-15; 2 Kings 19:35 pp Isaiah 37:36; Psalm 35:4-6 See also
1210 God, human descriptions |
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