Angel of the Lord

The angel of the Lord is a heavenly being mentioned in the Bible. The title can also be translated as “the messenger of the Lord.” In the Old Testament, the angel of the Lord acted as God’s personal messenger and carried out special tasks at important times in Israel’s history.

The Old Testament describes the angel of the Lord serving in several ways. In every case, the purpose was to show God’s care for his people. Sometimes the angel helped one person, and sometimes he acted on behalf of the whole nation.

The angel guided and protected Israel (Exodus 14:19). He also went with the people during their journey through the wilderness (Exodus 23:20; 33:2; Numbers 20:16). At other times, he brought death or destruction as an act of judgment (2 Samuel 24:16). In each case, he acted to protect Israel’s covenant, the binding relationship between God and his people.

The angel of the Lord also appeared to individuals. These included Hagar, Balaam, and Abraham’s servant (Genesis 16:7; 21:17; 24:7, 40; Numbers 22:21–22). Other passages also mention this divine messenger (1 Samuel 29:9; 2 Samuel 14:20; 19:27; 1 Kings 19:7; 2 Kings 19:35; 1 Chronicles 21:15; 2 Chronicles 32:21).

In some passages, it is difficult to distinguish between the angel of the Lord and the Lord himself (Genesis 16:7–13; 21:17; 22:11–18; 24:7, 40; 31:11–13; 48:16; Exodus 3:2–10; Judges 6:12–14; 13:21–22). Sometimes the angel acts for the Lord but is addressed as the Lord.

God says that no one can see his face and live (Exodus 33:20). Yet Hagar, Jacob, and Moses are described as having seen God face to face in encounters connected with the divine presence (Genesis 16:13; 32:30; Exodus 33:11). God also promises that his presence will go with Israel, while other passages say that the angel will go with them (Exodus 23:20–23).

The commander of the Lord’s army also receives honor that belongs to God (Joshua 5:13–6:2). These passages show that the angel of the Lord carries God’s full authority and represents his character. God’s “name,” meaning his authority and presence, is said to be in this messenger (Exodus 23:20–21). The angel’s presence assures the reader that the one God is guiding the course of history (Genesis 16:7; 31:11; Exodus 3:2).

See also Angel.