The angel of the Lord.
Because the word "angel" means messenger, it is used very freely and broadly in Scripture. Sometimes, men are called angels in the Bible 1 Samuel 29:9 Galatians 4:14. And sometimes angels are called men Genesis 32:24. And in other places, as will be soon shown, God Himself is identified as an angel. Of course, even angels are called angels.
What are the various titles given to specific angels in the Bible?
"Angel of the Lord" (Ex. 3:2), the "angel of God" (Ex. 14:19), and the "angel of his presence" (Isa. 63:9), "messenger of the covenant" (Mal. 3:1); also "an Angel" (Ex. 23:20), "mine Angel" (verse 23), and "his angel" (Dan. 3:28), Seraphim, and Cherubim, the devil and evil spirits, all are classified as angels.
Which of these titles belong to created angels?
"Angel of the Lord" (Ex. 3:2), the "angel of God" (Ex. 14:19), and the "angel of his presence" (Isa. 63:9), "messenger of the covenant" (Mal. 3:1); also "an Angel" (Ex. 23:20), "mine Angel" (verse 23), and "his angel" (Dan. 3:28), Seraphim, and Cherubim, the devil and evil spirits, all are classified as angels.
Which of these titles belong to created angels?
Seraphim and cherubim, angels good and bad (demons) and the devil, are all created angels.
How do we know that some of these angels referred to by these titles are not created angels?
We know this because of either (1) the context of the verse; (2) or because they are attributed with divine characteristics; (3) or they have accepted worship.
Who is the Messenger of the Covenant, who is also known as the Angel of the Covenant?
The Lord is clearly identified as the messenger of the Covenant.
Quote: Malachi 3:1: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts."
The word Messenger “mal’ak is elsewhere translated Angel of the Lord. Malachi 3:1 is a well-known Messianic prophecy.
Who is Michael the Archangel?
How do we know that some of these angels referred to by these titles are not created angels?
We know this because of either (1) the context of the verse; (2) or because they are attributed with divine characteristics; (3) or they have accepted worship.
Who is the Messenger of the Covenant, who is also known as the Angel of the Covenant?
The Lord is clearly identified as the messenger of the Covenant.
Quote: Malachi 3:1: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts."
The word Messenger “mal’ak is elsewhere translated Angel of the Lord. Malachi 3:1 is a well-known Messianic prophecy.
Who is Michael the Archangel?
In the Greek New Testament, the word "angel" means "messenger," and "arch" means "chief, principle, greatest, or highest." So "archangel" simply means "highest or greatest messenger." The Hebrew name "Michael," found in the Old Testament, means "who is like God" So the title Michael the archangel can be translated as "The greatest messenger who is God."
There are five references to Michael; three of these are in the Old Testament book of the prophet Daniel, and two are found in the New Testament books of Jude and Revelation.
Why in Jude 1:9 does Michael the Archangel invoke the Lord to rebuke the devil?
In Zechariah 3:2, the Lord does the same thing. Maybe God the Son, is appealing to the name of His Father in rebuking Satan.
Why is Michael called one of the chief Princes, your Prince and the great Prince? (See Daniel 10:13; 10:21; 12:1.)
Isaiah 9:6 tells us that one name applied to the Messiah is "Prince of Peace." Daniel 8:25 "Prince of princes" is actually the same term that is translated "prince of the host" in verse 11. This is similar to "Lord of lords" (Psalm 136:3), "God of gods"
(Deuteronomy 10:17), and "King of kings" (Revelation 19:16). All these are titles of deity. Jesus is referred to as "Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25). Isaiah 9:6: "And his name shall be called …The Prince of Peace." Acts 3:14, 15: "But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and … killed the Prince of life." Acts 5:30, 31: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour." Revelation 1:5: "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth."
There are five references to Michael; three of these are in the Old Testament book of the prophet Daniel, and two are found in the New Testament books of Jude and Revelation.
Why in Jude 1:9 does Michael the Archangel invoke the Lord to rebuke the devil?
In Zechariah 3:2, the Lord does the same thing. Maybe God the Son, is appealing to the name of His Father in rebuking Satan.
Why is Michael called one of the chief Princes, your Prince and the great Prince? (See Daniel 10:13; 10:21; 12:1.)
Isaiah 9:6 tells us that one name applied to the Messiah is "Prince of Peace." Daniel 8:25 "Prince of princes" is actually the same term that is translated "prince of the host" in verse 11. This is similar to "Lord of lords" (Psalm 136:3), "God of gods"
(Deuteronomy 10:17), and "King of kings" (Revelation 19:16). All these are titles of deity. Jesus is referred to as "Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25). Isaiah 9:6: "And his name shall be called …The Prince of Peace." Acts 3:14, 15: "But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and … killed the Prince of life." Acts 5:30, 31: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour." Revelation 1:5: "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth."
Since Michal is called a Prince is He just one of many?
In Daniel 10:13 Michael is described as “one” of the Princes. The word "one" comes from the Hebrew word "echad," which is also frequently translated as "first," this changes the whole meaning of the verse to Michael being first of, greatest or highest of, to the chief of princes—again a reference to Jesus.
Daniel 10:21 refers to Michael as your Prince. Daniel 9:25, refers to Messiah the Prince.
These clearly identify Jesus.
Note in John 12:31 Jesus calls Satan "the prince of this world"
Who is “the Angel of the Lord?
In Genesis 16:7-13, Hagar recognized the angel of the Lord, who spoke to her as God,
In Genesis 22:11, 12 Abraham recognized the angel of the Lord: as God. This is clear from the Angel’s statement, “ thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me….for now I know that thou fearest God” .In Genesis 22:15-18 the Angel identifies Himself as the LORD
In Acts 3:25, Peter also identifies this "angel of the Lord" who made a covenant with the Patriarch, as God.
In Genesis 31:11, the angel of God spoke to Jacob: In verse 13, this "angel of God" identifies Himself: "I am the God of Beth-el, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me."
In Genesis 32:22-32, Jacob declared concerning the angel with whom he wrestled, “That he had seen God face to face”. This angel gave Jacob a new name. In Matthew 3:5-12 and Revelation 2:17, it is Jesus that gives His people new names.
In Genesis 48:15,16 Jacob uses the terms angel and God interchangeably. He refers to the angel as “the Angel that redeemed me” Note: Jesus is our Redeemer.
In Exodus 3:2-4 the angel of the Lord identifies Himself as "The God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (Acts 7:30-32).
In Exodus 13:21 and Exodus 14:19 Moses describes the Lord who went before them, during the wilderness wanderings, in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night as “the Angel of God.”
In Numbers 22:35, and Numbers 23:4,5 Balaam also encounters divinity when the angel of the Lord speaks with him.
In Judges 13:3,13,17,18, In reply to Manoah’s question, concerning the name of the angel “The King James.” says that the name of the “angel of the Lord” was "Secret," with a margin notation that translates it as "Wonderful." Note: In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus would be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" The name "Wonderful" connected this "angel" with the coming Messiah who was to be called "Wonderful." In Judges 13:22 Manoah said, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!"
Who is “an angel of the Lord”?
In Daniel 10:13 Michael is described as “one” of the Princes. The word "one" comes from the Hebrew word "echad," which is also frequently translated as "first," this changes the whole meaning of the verse to Michael being first of, greatest or highest of, to the chief of princes—again a reference to Jesus.
Daniel 10:21 refers to Michael as your Prince. Daniel 9:25, refers to Messiah the Prince.
These clearly identify Jesus.
Note in John 12:31 Jesus calls Satan "the prince of this world"
Who is “the Angel of the Lord?
In Genesis 16:7-13, Hagar recognized the angel of the Lord, who spoke to her as God,
In Genesis 22:11, 12 Abraham recognized the angel of the Lord: as God. This is clear from the Angel’s statement, “ thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me….for now I know that thou fearest God” .In Genesis 22:15-18 the Angel identifies Himself as the LORD
In Acts 3:25, Peter also identifies this "angel of the Lord" who made a covenant with the Patriarch, as God.
In Genesis 31:11, the angel of God spoke to Jacob: In verse 13, this "angel of God" identifies Himself: "I am the God of Beth-el, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me."
In Genesis 32:22-32, Jacob declared concerning the angel with whom he wrestled, “That he had seen God face to face”. This angel gave Jacob a new name. In Matthew 3:5-12 and Revelation 2:17, it is Jesus that gives His people new names.
In Genesis 48:15,16 Jacob uses the terms angel and God interchangeably. He refers to the angel as “the Angel that redeemed me” Note: Jesus is our Redeemer.
In Exodus 3:2-4 the angel of the Lord identifies Himself as "The God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (Acts 7:30-32).
In Exodus 13:21 and Exodus 14:19 Moses describes the Lord who went before them, during the wilderness wanderings, in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night as “the Angel of God.”
In Numbers 22:35, and Numbers 23:4,5 Balaam also encounters divinity when the angel of the Lord speaks with him.
In Judges 13:3,13,17,18, In reply to Manoah’s question, concerning the name of the angel “The King James.” says that the name of the “angel of the Lord” was "Secret," with a margin notation that translates it as "Wonderful." Note: In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus would be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" The name "Wonderful" connected this "angel" with the coming Messiah who was to be called "Wonderful." In Judges 13:22 Manoah said, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!"
Who is “an angel of the Lord”?
When the title “angel of the Lord” does not apply to divinity it is preceded by “an” not “the”, for example in Luke 1:11. An angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias. This angel later identified himself as Gabriel. I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God," (Luke 1:19).
In Luke 1:26.Gabriel was also sent to Mary Gabriel is probably one of the two covering cherubs who flank the throne of God.
Note: The phrase "angel of the Lord" is found 68 times in Scripture.
In Judges 6:14 the title “an angel of the Lord” is used, but it is later clarified (Judges 6:14) as possessing divinity. This is a case where it is necessary to consider the context so a correct distinction can be made between an angel having the qualities of divinity, and that of a created angel.
How can “the angel of the Lord” be identified as God when John 1:18, clearly states that no man has seen God?
The "angel of the Lord" is frequently identified to be God Himself. Obviously, since no man has seen God the Father, all of these Old Testament sightings of God as the "angel of the Lord" must have been Jesus, God the Son, veiling His glory so they could endure His presence without being consumed.
Who is the archangel?
In Thessalonians 4:16, it is the voice of the archangel that raises the dead in Christ, and the Lord Himself who shouts it. This indicates that they are one and the same. Note: Created angels don't have the power to resurrect the dead.
The title "Michael the archangel" means "The greatest messenger who is as God." Only Jesus is in "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15).
Who is Michael?
In Luke 1:26.Gabriel was also sent to Mary Gabriel is probably one of the two covering cherubs who flank the throne of God.
Note: The phrase "angel of the Lord" is found 68 times in Scripture.
In Judges 6:14 the title “an angel of the Lord” is used, but it is later clarified (Judges 6:14) as possessing divinity. This is a case where it is necessary to consider the context so a correct distinction can be made between an angel having the qualities of divinity, and that of a created angel.
How can “the angel of the Lord” be identified as God when John 1:18, clearly states that no man has seen God?
The "angel of the Lord" is frequently identified to be God Himself. Obviously, since no man has seen God the Father, all of these Old Testament sightings of God as the "angel of the Lord" must have been Jesus, God the Son, veiling His glory so they could endure His presence without being consumed.
Who is the archangel?
In Thessalonians 4:16, it is the voice of the archangel that raises the dead in Christ, and the Lord Himself who shouts it. This indicates that they are one and the same. Note: Created angels don't have the power to resurrect the dead.
The title "Michael the archangel" means "The greatest messenger who is as God." Only Jesus is in "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15).
Who is Michael?
Michael is another emblematic name for Jesus the embodiment and leader of good. In Revelation 12:7, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels". Revelation 12:9 tells us the dragon is Satan.
Who is the “Captain of the Lord’s hosts?
The phrase "Lord of hosts" appears 245 times in the Bible, and it refers to the "commander of God's angelic army."
In Joshua 5:13-15 And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:13-15). Joshua worshiped this being, and the heavenly captain received his worship. Only the presence of Divinity makes something holy; and a created angel will not receive worship see Luke 4:8 and Revelation 22:8, 9.
The "captain of the Lord's host" that Joshua saw was not an angel, but Jesus Himself.
Conclusion: Jesus who although having the authority and attributes that belong only to God, is sometimes named in Scripture as Michael, the archangel, the angel of the Lord, the Messenger of the Covenant, the great Prince or the Commander of the Lord’s army. He who veils His divinity and appears in the form of a humble angel is our Blessed Savior, Redeemer and friend.
Who is the “Captain of the Lord’s hosts?
The phrase "Lord of hosts" appears 245 times in the Bible, and it refers to the "commander of God's angelic army."
In Joshua 5:13-15 And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:13-15). Joshua worshiped this being, and the heavenly captain received his worship. Only the presence of Divinity makes something holy; and a created angel will not receive worship see Luke 4:8 and Revelation 22:8, 9.
The "captain of the Lord's host" that Joshua saw was not an angel, but Jesus Himself.
Conclusion: Jesus who although having the authority and attributes that belong only to God, is sometimes named in Scripture as Michael, the archangel, the angel of the Lord, the Messenger of the Covenant, the great Prince or the Commander of the Lord’s army. He who veils His divinity and appears in the form of a humble angel is our Blessed Savior, Redeemer and friend.
