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

1 Kings 19:5,7; Acts 12:7

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

Judges 2:1-4

He rolls back the tombstone

Matthew 28:2

He rescues those in prison

Acts 5:19; Acts 12:8-9

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
1409  dream
1454  theophany
1469  visions
4110  angels
5174  prostration
5408  messenger