Angels and Messengers

Lore & Background

Angels frequently appear as messengers of God, delivering specific instructions or promises. The angel of the LORD speaks to Hagar in the wilderness, telling her to return to her mistress and promising to multiply her seed (Genesis 16:9-10). Similarly, the angel of the LORD calls to Abraham from heaven, stopping him from sacrificing Isaac (Genesis 22:11) and later reiterating a blessing (Genesis 22:15). Angels also appear in dreams, as when Jacob sees a ladder with angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:12), and when the angel of God speaks to Jacob in a dream (Genesis 31:11). Angels also serve as protectors and guides for God's people. God promises to send an angel before the Israelites to keep them in the way and bring them into the promised land (Exodus 23:20, 23; Exodus 32:34; Exodus 33:2). The angel of God moves from before the camp of Israel to behind them during the Exodus (Exodus 14:19). In Genesis, angels are sent to Lot to warn him of Sodom's destruction (Genesis 19:1, 15), and they meet Jacob on his journey (Genesis 32:1). Some passages refer to a specific "angel of the LORD" who speaks with divine authority, such as the one who appears to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and to Hagar (Genesis 16:7-11). Jacob also refers to "the Angel which redeemed me from all evil" (Genesis 48:16), suggesting a special role. The New Testament passage notes that angels are ministering spirits for those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14), and an angel tells the women at Jesus' tomb not to fear (Matthew 28:5).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray angels primarily as intermediaries between God and humans, delivering messages and carrying out divine will. They are not depicted as independent agents but as beings sent by God (Hebrews 1:14; Exodus 23:20). Their appearances are often accompanied by specific instructions: the angel tells Hagar to return and submit (Genesis 16:9), commands Lot to flee Sodom (Genesis 19:15), and calls Abraham by name (Genesis 22:11). Angels also provide reassurance, as when the angel tells Hagar "fear not" (Genesis 21:17) and the angel tells the women at the tomb "Fear not ye" (Matthew 28:5). Angels are shown to be active in both the Old and New Testament contexts, though their roles are consistent: they are sent to guide (Exodus 23:20), protect (Exodus 14:19), and deliver divine promises (Genesis 16:10-11). The passages do not describe angels as having wings or specific physical forms, except for the ladder vision (Genesis 28:12) and the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). The term "angel" is also used interchangeably with "messenger" in some contexts, as when Jacob sends human messengers to Esau (Genesis 32:3, 6) and Joseph's brothers send a messenger (Genesis 50:16), though these human messengers are distinct from divine angels.

Did You Know?

• The angel of the LORD speaks with divine authority, promising to multiply Hagar's seed (Genesis 16:10) and calling Abraham by name (Genesis 22:11).
• Angels are described as 'ministering spirits' sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
• Jacob's dream of a ladder with angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:12) is one of the few visual descriptions of angelic activity in the passages.
• The angel of God moved from before the camp of Israel to behind them during the Exodus (Exodus 14:19), showing a protective role.