Dictionary of Bible Themes 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. Exodus 3:2-6The status of the angel of the Lord He is identified with the Lord See also Genesis 16:7,13; 31:11-13The 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. Judges 2:1-2; 6:11-12,14; 13:19-22Zechariah 3:1-2 2 Samuel 24:16 He is distinguished from the Lord See also Zechariah 1:12-13pp 1Ch 21:15 Luke 1:19Hebrews 1:4 Genesis 16:7-8; 21:17; 22:11,15 The angel of the Lord is active in various ways 2 Kings 1:3,15He calls and speaks 1 Kings 19:5,7Acts 12:7 He has physical contact with people Genesis 18:2,16,22; 19:1Judges 6:11-12 He appears in human likeness Acts 27:23Exodus 3:2 Numbers 22:22-24,31 He appears in supernatural form, often evoking fear 1 Chronicles 21:16Luke 1:11-12; 2:9 Genesis 31:11 Zechariah 1:8,11; 3:1,5 He appears in dreams and visions Matthew 2:13,19Acts 10:3 Judges 13:3 Functions of the angel of the Lord See also He reveals information, often about forthcoming births Matthew 1:20Luke 1:11,13 Acts 8:26 See also He gives guidance and instruction Genesis 16:9; 22:11-12; 24:7,40Exodus 23:23 Numbers 22:35 Genesis 21:17 See also He comforts those in need 1 Kings 19:5-7Acts 27:23-25 Genesis 22:15-18 See also He affirms promises and gives blessing Luke 1:26-28,30-33; 2:10-11Psalms 34:7 See also He leads, delivers and protects Israel Exodus 14:19Isaiah 63:9 Judges 2:1-4 He rebukes sinful Israel Matthew 28:2He rolls back the tombstone Acts 5:19; 12:8-9He rescues those in prison Acts 12:23See also He executes judgment on sin 2 Samuel 24:15-162 Kings 19:35 pp 1Ch 21:14-15 Psalms 35:4-6See also pp Isa 37:36 1210 God, human descriptions1409 dream 1454 theophany 1469 visions 4110 angels 5174 prostration 5408 messenger |
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