The Angel's Return and Instructions is a significant event in biblical narratives, often highlighting divine intervention and guidance. This entry explores instances where angels return to deliver messages or instructions, emphasizing their role as messengers of God.

Biblical Instances

1. The Angel and Hagar (Genesis 16:7-12, 21:17-19): Hagar, Sarai's maidservant, encounters an angel of the Lord twice. The first instance occurs when she flees from Sarai's harsh treatment. The angel finds her by a spring in the wilderness and instructs her to return and submit to Sarai, promising that her descendants will be too numerous to count. The angel also reveals the future birth of her son, Ishmael. In Genesis 21, after being cast out with her son, Hagar encounters an angel again, who reassures her of God's promise and provides water in the desert.

2. The Angel and Gideon (Judges 6:11-24): Gideon is visited by an angel while he is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The angel addresses him as a "mighty warrior" and instructs him to save Israel from Midian's oppression. Despite Gideon's doubts and requests for signs, the angel provides assurance of God's presence and guidance, leading to Gideon's eventual victory.

3. The Angel and Manoah's Wife (Judges 13:2-21): The angel of the Lord appears to the wife of Manoah, who is barren, and announces that she will bear a son, Samson. The angel provides specific instructions regarding the Nazirite vow, which Samson is to observe from birth. When Manoah seeks further guidance, the angel returns, reiterating the instructions and confirming the divine plan for Samson's life.

4. The Angel and Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-7): After fleeing from Jezebel, Elijah rests under a broom tree, despondent and exhausted. An angel touches him, providing food and water, and instructs him to eat and drink to sustain his journey. This divine provision enables Elijah to travel to Mount Horeb, where he encounters God.

5. The Angel and Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20): In the New Testament, the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah, a priest, while he is serving in the temple. Gabriel announces the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, providing specific instructions about his upbringing and mission. Zechariah's initial disbelief results in temporary muteness, underscoring the importance of faith in divine messages.

6. The Angel and Mary (Luke 1:26-38): Gabriel also visits Mary, announcing the miraculous conception of Jesus. The angel provides reassurance and instructions, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in the incarnation. Mary's faithful response exemplifies obedience to divine will.

7. The Angel and Joseph (Matthew 1:20-24, 2:13-20): Joseph receives angelic instructions in dreams on multiple occasions. The first dream reassures him about taking Mary as his wife, explaining the divine nature of her pregnancy. Subsequent dreams guide him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod's wrath and later to return to Israel, ensuring the safety of the Holy Family.

Theological Significance

Angels serve as divine messengers, bridging the gap between God and humanity. Their return and instructions often occur at pivotal moments, providing guidance, reassurance, and revelation. These encounters underscore God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the lives of His people. The obedience and faith demonstrated by the recipients of angelic messages highlight the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing. Through these narratives, believers are reminded of God's faithfulness and the assurance that He provides direction and support in times of need.