THE ANGELS OF HIS PRESENCE Ministering spirits for the heirs of salvation

THE ANGELS OF HIS PRESENCE

Ministering spirits for the heirs of salvation

The Angels of His Presence 2

Ministering spirits, sent forth to serve the heirs of salvation.

» A constant series of missions: guiding, protecting, assisting, chastening; subject to our free will. [Heb 1]

The Angel of Yahweh encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. [Ps 34:7]

» Their activity is not intermittent, only when we are in trouble. They are active always in all situations throughout our lives.

He shall give His Angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. [Ps 91:11]

» Like our Lord Jesus Christ, we must never presume or abuse the care and protection afforded by the Angels. It is there for what we cannot do ourselves.


Why are the Angels so important to us?

1. Angels are preparing us to be like them, doing what they do. They are our pattern of activity in the Kingdom.

2. Angels are concerned to save us mortals. This will be our concern in the Kingdom, and should be now.

3. Angels make known to us the Father and reflect His ways and character. They are of one mind with Him, and do His will as He would; yet are individual personalities.

4. Angels are with us always and know us thoroughly, even our thoughts. They rejoice when we respond to their working in our lives.

5. The Angel who has known us throughout our lifetime will be with us at the judgment seat.


Angels are called Men Because they are men, glorified men, who have come

through the experience of good and evil. Who have been exalted to immortality because they have chosen to make an absolute surrender of their will to the Father.

Angels are called God [Elohim: Mighty Ones] Because they are representatives of the Deity, the

mighty agents through whom Yahweh does His work, who bear His Name. A multitude of intelligent, powerful beings who are manifestations of Himself. They are made in His image, and are of His Spirit substance, and are incorruptible like Him.» “It is a well established principle of the Scriptures

that what the Eternal Father does by His agents, He is considered as doing Himself.” [Elpis Israel p183]


The Angels are subject to Yahweh

Bless the LORD, you His Angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure. [Ps 103:20]

The heavens will praise your wonders, O LORD; your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints [holy ones]. Who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty [heavenly beings] can be likened to Him? [Ps 89:5-6] » God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the

saints [holy ones], and to be held in reverence by all those around Him. [v7]

» They act in His Name to perform His will. They never act independently of Him, or out of harmony with His mind and His way, they never exalt themselves.


Yahweh created the heavens and earth by His Spirit through the Elohim.

In the beginning Elohim [plural noun] created [singular verb] the heavens and the earth. [Gen 1:1]

The LORD God made the earth and heavens. [Gen 2:4]

Yahweh, who created the heavens, who formed the earth and made it, who has established it. [Isa 45:18]

“The Elohim brought the latent elements of the world into play, they gave direction and application to power, and the Spirit of the Everlasting Father accomplished all they were employed to effect. » “God, by the Elohim created the heavens and the

earth. He said, ‘Let there be light;’ He made the Expanse; He called it Heaven; He did it all through them; they executed what He empowered them to perform.” [J Thomas, Herald of the Future Age, 1847]


There are limits to the Angels’ energy.

In six days Yahweh made the heavens and the earth, on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed. [Ex 31:17]

“The Angels, as the instruments and users of the energy employed in the work, are not to be thought of as inexhaustible Deity. Their power must be subject to a limitation unknown to ‘the Creator of the ends of the earth, who fainteth not, neither is weary’.

“It is not, an inconceivable idea that after the stupendous power put forth in the reorganization of this sublunary creation in six days, the Elohim should have welcomed the suspension of creative work on the 7th day, as affording an opportunity of replenishing spent energy by re-absorption from the Eternal Fountain.”

[R Roberts, Law of Moses, p41]


The Angels were the Morning Stars and Sons of Elohim who rejoiced at creation.

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?…who determined its measurements?… who stretched the line upon it? [Job 38:4-5] » To what were its foundations fastened? who laid its

cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of Elohim shouted for joy? [v6-7]

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from [the Angels of] your presence? [Ps 139:7]

Yahweh fills the universe with His Spirit, but works with us through the Angels—a much closer, more personal relationship. » Both malak in the O.T. and angelos in the N.T.

come from root words meaning one sent, as a messenger, an agent, a representative.


John Thomas defined ELOHIM as

”The one Eternal Spirit multitudinously manifested in mighty or powerful ones. Not a multitude of beings acting independently of each other.

Elohim is a word compounded of roots that signify Mighty Ones united together as One, and this idea is strengthened when the plural noun is used with a singular verb, as Gen 1:1—Elohim (pl.) created (sing.).”

[Phanerosis, p129, Logos Ed]

» They have Yahweh’s mind, they act for Him as He would act; yet they are all individual personalities, even as we will be in the Kingdom.


Angels are Elohim [Mighty Ones]

What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? You have made him a little lower than the Elohim, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. [Ps 8:4]

» You have made him a little lower than the Angels. [Heb 2:7]

Worship Him, all you Elohim. [Ps 97:7] » When He again brings the firstborn into the world,

He says: “Let all the Angels of God worship Him.” [Heb 1:6]


The Angels created man in their image and likeness.

Elohim said, “Let US make man in OUR image, according to OUR likeness…” Elohim created man in his own image; in the image of Elohim he created him; male and female he created them. [Gen 1:26-27]

In the day that Elohim created man, he made him in the likeness of Elohim. [Gen 5:1]

Then Yahweh Elohim said, “Behold, the man has become like one of US, to know [experimentally] good and evil. Now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life…” [Gen 3:22]

» We are like the Angels—and they are like us! They knew good and evil during their probation.


LIKE US—Knowing good and evil

To know good and evil is to know what is good and what is evil, and continually make free will choices.

Your little ones have no knowledge of good and evil. [Deut 1:39]

The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel… that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. [Isa 7:14]

Those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, those who have done evil, to condemnation. [John 5:29]

» Like us, the Angels experienced good and evil during their probationary period. There would have been no glory to God if their obedience was not the result of voluntary submission of their own free will.


The Angels passed through a mortal, probationary state like us.

“Sons of God is a title conferred upon men and Angels. They are styled ‘Sons of God’ and ‘Stars of the Dawn’, or ‘Morning Stars’. [Job 38:7]

“We do not mean to say that the Sons of God, called in Scripture Angels, or messengers, and Gods, are now mortal and corruptible, and weak of mind and body as we are; they have passed through this state, and now occupy a state beyond it, in which they are incorruptible, immortal, glorious, powerful, wise, and of spirit-corporeality.

“In their former state they were Sons of God subject to evil as we; in their present state, they are sons subject only to good.” [Eureka, vol 1, p29]


The Angels were actively engaged in developing Adam and Eve.

They heard the sound of Yahweh Elohim walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves among the trees of the garden. [Gen 3:8]

» For Adam and his wife Yahweh Elohim made tunics of skin, and clothed them. [v21]

» Yahweh Elohim drove out the man; and placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. [v24]

The Angels taught them the meaning of sacrifice:» The perfect offering that Yahweh would provide for

the forgiveness of sins.» The need for them to put to death the sinful nature

they now possessed.


CHERUBIM [one like the head]

A pictorial representation of the Yahweh Name, “I Will Be Who I Will Be”.

» They illustrate Yahweh’s intent to manifest Himself in a Host of Redeemed Ones, despite the failure of Adam and Eve.

The basic likeness is that of a man, because Yahweh has chosen to reveal Himself in glorified men/women.

» The Cherubim represent the new Elohim. They are not Angels, since the Angels already are what the cherubim represent.

“The cherubim are representative of the One Eternal Spirit in multitudinous manifestation.” [Eureka, vol 1, p76]


The Angels were active with Cain and Abel

Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to Yahweh. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. [Gen 4:3-5]

Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? If you do not do well, sin lies at the door. Its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” [v6-7]

Not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. Why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. [1John 3:12]

» Cain was practicing wickedness as his way of life.


The Angels saved Noah.

Yahweh saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth... Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with Elohim. » Elohim said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come

before me, for the earth is filled with violence; I will destroy them... I will establish my covenant with you; you shall go into the ark.” [Gen 6:5]

God did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly. [2Pet 2:5]

Noah and Enoch walked consciously aware of the presence of the Angels working in their lives. The flood is an example that the Angels can only do so much in their efforts to save mortals. The earth was out of control in spite of all their work. They will not override our freewill.


The Angels acted at the Tower of Babel.

Yahweh came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. [Gen 11:5]

» Yahweh said, “The people are one and they all have one language... now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. [v6]

» Come, let US go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” [v7]

» Yahweh scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. [v8]

The Angels were acting in Yahweh’s Name, actually doing what is attributed to Yahweh himself.


The Angels are the eyes of the Lord.

The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. [2Chr 16:9]

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. [Ps 34:15]

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. [Pro 15:3]

The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. [Pro 5:21]


The apparent failure of the Angels work was foreseen by Yahweh.

The earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. The creation was subjected to futility in hope. [Rom 8:19-20]

We who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. [v23]

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. [Eph 2:10]

We all, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. [2Cor 3:18]


The work the Angels began in Eden of creating man in their image and likeness will be completed when the Elect inherit the

Kingdom.

Then the King will say...”Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matt 25:34]

Those who are accounted worthy to attain that age and the resurrection from the dead... are equal to the Angels and are sons of God. [Luke 20:35]

The Angels will succeed if we trust God and accept their work in our lives and cooperate with them in their efforts to develop us.


Yahweh Elohim appeared to Abraham and Sarah and promised Isaac.

When Abram was 99 years old, YAHWEH appeared to Abram and said, “I am EL SHADDAI [the Strength of the Powerful Ones; the All-Sufficient Provider and Nourisher]; walk before me blameless. I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” [Gen 17:1]

Then Abram fell on his face, and ELOHIM talked with him, saying... “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. [v3-5]

Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish my covenant with him...” He finished talking with him, and ELOHIM went up from Abraham. [v19,22]


Three men appeared to Abraham in Yahweh’s Name.

YAHWEH appeared to him as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. THREE MEN were standing by him; when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant...” [Gen 18:1-3]

He took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; he stood by them under the tree as they ate. THEY said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” He said, “Here, in the tent.” [v8-9]

HE said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door behind him.) [v10]


The Angels know our thoughts and the intent of our hearts.

Abraham and Sarah were old, well-advanced in age; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Sarah laughed within herself, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” [Gen 18:11-12]

YAHWEH said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for Yahweh?” Sarah denied it, “I did not laugh,” she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh!” [v13-15]

By faith Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed; she bore a child when she was past the age, she judged Him faithful who had promised. [Heb 11:11]

» Sarah at first was incredulous, but then believed.


The Angels are not Omniscient, nor are they all equal in status.

YAHWEH said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing? The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, their sin is very grave, I will go down and see if they have done according to the outcry.” [Gen 18:17,20-21]

THE MEN went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before YAHWEH. He said, “If I find in Sodom 50 righteous within the city, I will spare the place for their sakes.” Abraham said, “I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to YAHWEH...” YAHWEH went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham. [Gen 18:22,26,27,33]

» There are degrees of authority among the Angels; certain ones bear Yahweh’s name.


What the Angels do depends upon how we respond.

Two ANGELS came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. He said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” They said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.” [Gen 19:1-2]

But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. Before they lay down… the men of Sodom… surrounded the house... They said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” They pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. [v3-4,9]


Angels have the power of the Spirit in doing Yahweh’s work.

THE MEN reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. [Gen 19:10]

They struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness… so that they became weary trying to find the door. [v11]

Then THE MEN said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, whomever you have in the city take them out of this place! [v12]

For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of Yahweh, and He has sent us to destroy it.” [v13]

» They were sent on a mission by God, but had leeway as to how they handled the situation.


The Angels demonstrate Yahweh’s compassion and kindness.

When morning dawned, THE ANGELS urged Lot to hurry… lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city. [Gen 19:15]

While he lingered, THE MEN took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, YAHWEH being merciful to him [the compassion of Yahweh was upon him]. [v16]

They brought him out and set him outside the city. “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” [v17]

» Lot is resisting, but the Angels are immensely patient; there was no chiding Lot for his lack of faith.


Lot continues to hold back and raise objections.

Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. [Gen 19:18-19]

This city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there and live.” [v20]

» Surely the Angels would protect him if they told him to go there!


The Angels are exceedingly patient with our weak faith.

The Angel said to Lot, “I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” [Gen 19:21]

He delivered righteous Lot, oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked; that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds. [2Pet 2:7]

Lot had a measure of faith and God responded to it. His compassion is great! The Elect are saved out of evil, despite our weak faith—for all things are for our sake.

» Visible demonstrations of the angels’ working are rare in Scripture; but they are the pattern of their care in ordering the events in the lives of His servants today.


Elohim tested Abraham; his faith was proven, certified, verified.

“Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering.” Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son... and the two of them went together. [Gen 22:2,6]

Isaac said, “My father... where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “My son, ELOHIM will provide for HIMSELF the lamb for a burnt offering.” They came to the place of which ELOHIM had told him. [v7-8]

Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. [v9-10]


An Angel of Yahweh called from heaven to spare Isaac and promised THE Seed.

The Angel of Yahweh called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; now I know that you fear Elohim, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” [Gen 22:11-12]

The Angel of Yahweh called to Abraham a second time out of heaven...”By Myself I have sworn, says Yahweh , because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, blessing I will bless you... your seed shall possess the gate of His enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” [15-17]

» The Angel was speaking and acting for Yahweh.


The Lord sent His Angel with Eliezer to get Rebekah for Isaac.

“Yahweh before whom I walk, will send His Angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my kindred, my father’s house.” [Gen 24:40]

[Eliezer] “O Yahweh Elohim of my master Abraham... I stand by the well of water... when the virgin comes out to draw water, and I say to her...‘Please give me a little water’... and she says to me, ‘Drink, and I will draw for your camels’... let her be the woman whom Yahweh has appointed for my master’s son.” [v12]

» The Angels were active in Abraham’s life because he walked faithfully before them.

» If our lives are in harmony with the Lord we can be confident He will guide our affairs.


Before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out!

“Please let me drink.” She said, “Drink and I will give your camels a drink.” I bowed my head and worshipped Yahweh... who led me in the way of truth to take the daughter of my master’s brother for his son. [Gen 24:45-48]

Bethuel said, “The thing comes from Yahweh... take her and go, let her be your master’s son’s wife, as Yahweh has spoken.” They called Rebekah “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will go.” [v50-51,58]

Eliezer never saw the Angel, nor heard his voice; yet he knew his prayer had been answered and the Angel had prospered his way.» The Angels anticipate and arrange events

beforehand. Rebekah was coming out before Eliezer had even asked for her.


Jacob was given the Abrahamic Promises, yet still had to learn to obey.

He dreamed, a ladder was set up on the earth, its top reached to heaven; there the Angels of Elohim were ascending and descending on it. Yahweh stood above [beside] it and said: “I am Yahweh Elohim of Abraham your father, the Elohim of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. [Gen 28:12-13] » I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and

will bring you back to this land; I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” [v15]

Jacob is given the absolute assurance the Angels are at work in his life; but that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to be subject to some terrific adversities and learn to trust and obey God through great affliction. » We can’t shortcut our preparation for the Kingdom.


Jacob’s ladder

“Upon this ladder of ages and generations, with Jacob at the bottom and his seed, the Shiloh, at the top, ‘the Angels of God were ascending and descending.’

This represented to him that the affairs of his posterity, natural and spiritual, in all their relations with the world, would be superintended by the Elohim, who would pass to and fro between earth and heaven in the performance of their work.

Hence, the apostle styles them, ‘all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall inherit salvation.’ Israel and the nations are under their vice-gerency [authority delegated by God] till the Lord Jesus comes to assume the sovereignty of the world.” [Elpis Israel, p271]


Jacob’s cleverness had been more than matched by Laban.

“I have been in your [Laban’s] house 20 years; I served you 14 years for your two daughters, and 6 years for your flock, and you have changed my wages 10 times.

Unless the Elohim of my father, the Elohim of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed.

Elohim has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” [Gen 31:41-42]

» Jacob was learning to cooperate with the Angel.


Jacob is on the way back and meets the Elohim and Esau.

Jacob went on his way, and the Angels of Elohim met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is Elohim’s camp.” He called the name Mahanaim. [Gen 32:1-2]

The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, he is coming to meet you, 400 men are with him.” Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; he divided the people that were with him… into two companies. [v6-7]

Jacob knew he could not protect his family; he could not go forward in his own strength.

» He had reached that point in his life that we all must come towe can’t go it alone.


Jacob pleads Yahweh’s help.

“O Elohim of my father Abraham and Elohim of my father Isaac, Yahweh who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you’. [Gen 32:9]

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which you have shown your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies. [v10]

Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children. For you said, ‘I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea.’” [v11-12]

» That is the frame of mind God must bring us to.


Jacob does what little he can to appease Esau…

…with a present of 500 animals, but realized he is totally dependent upon Elohim to preserve his family, and is powerless before Esau. This shows Jacob’s changed attitude toward Esau, he is now concerned for him.

The present went on over before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp. He arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, his eleven sons, and sent them over the brook Then Jacob was left alone. [Gen 32:12-24]

Jacob went back alone, looking for the Angels who had met him earlier.


An Angel wrestled with Jacob

and changed his name to Israel—the Angel had been wrestling with Jacob throughout his entire life.

A MAN wrestled [to grasp, grapple] with him until the breaking of day. When He saw that He did not prevail against him [because Jacob would not let him go], He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket was out of joint.

He said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” He said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me!” [Gen 32:24-26]

» Unless Elohim took charge of his family, they would not make it. We each reach a point in life when we realize we cannot do it in our own strength, and plead with the Lord to do it his way, to bring about God-likeness in us and in our family.


The Angel wrestled until Jacob prevailed by weeping and praying.

He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and in his strength he struggled with Elohim. He struggled with the Angel and prevailed; he wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us. [Hos 12:3-4]

Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear. [Heb 5:7]

Like our Lord, Jacob prevailed by weeping and praying.


Jacob went forward limping…

…no longer in his own strength, and no longer afraid of Esau, but a completely changed man.

He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel [God strives, governs, masters]; you have struggled with Elohim and with men, and have prevailed.” [Gen 32:28]

Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen Elohim face to face, and my life is preserved.” Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped. [v30-31]


The Angel who had been with Jacob all his life blessed the sons of Joseph.

ELOHIM spoke to Israel in the visions of the night: “Jacob, Jacob! I am EL, the ELOHIM of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you up again.” [Gen 46:2-4]

“ELOHIM, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, THE ELOHIM who has fed me all my life long to this day, THE “Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; let them grow into a multitude in the earth.” [Gen 48:15-16]

» Elohim had cared for him and the Angel had redeemed him from all evil throughout his life.


Joseph’s dreams endorsed his character and his way of life

Yahweh was with Joseph, he was a successful man; he was in the house of his master the Egyptian... Yahweh made all he did to prosper in his hand...

Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison... Yahweh was with Joseph and showed him mercy, He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. [Gen 39:2-3,20-21]

“Elohim sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, to save your lives by a great deliverance. It was not you who sent me here, but Elohim ; He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, ruler throughout Egypt.” [Gen 45:7-8]

Yahweh saved Israel by Joseph, a type of our Lord Jesus Christ.


The activity of the Angels then is a pattern for us now.

Their activity as demonstrated in the lives of the Patriarchs is the pattern for the elect of all generations; the Angels are as active in our lives now as they were then.

Most of Yahweh’s work through the Angels has been unseen. Their visible intervention was the exception, and serves to illustrate their continuous ministrations to the heirs of salvation.

» In order for us to develop genuine faith it is essential that the Angels not be visible.


An Angel appeared to Moses at Horeb.

The Angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. When Yahweh saw that he turned aside to look, Elohim called to him from the midst of the bush “I am the Elohim of your father…”

Moses hid his face, he was afraid to look upon Elohim. Yahweh said: “I have surely seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry I have come down to deliver them…” [Ex 3:2-8]

» It’s apparent the Spirit deliberately used the three names Angel, Yahweh, Elohim with no attempt to distinguish between them, because all that the Angels do is equivalent to Yahweh doing it Himself.


YAHWEH the Memorial Name.

Elohim said to Moses, “I am who I am”. You shall say to the children of Israel, “I am has sent me to you. Yahweh Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever, my memorial to all generations.” [Ex 3:14-15]

» Ehyeh asher ehyeh = I will be who I will be.

» Ehyeh: The first person singular of the future tense of the verb “to be”.

» Asher: The pronoun “who”, singular and plural, masculine and feminine. “My Memorial Name for the purpose of

developing a generation of the race” [Bro Thomas]


The presence of the Angel was not sufficient to develop genuine faith.

“This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. [Acts 7:35]

This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected; in their hearts they turned back to Egypt. [v38]


Yahweh sent destroying Angels to slay the firstborn of Egypt.

Thus says Yahweh: “About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt; and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die...” [Ex 11:4]

At midnight Yahweh struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. [Ex 12:29]

He cast on them the fierceness of His anger, wrath, indignation... by sending Angels of destruction among them. [Ps 78:49]

» The Angels are never elevated above Yahweh; it’s very clear that He is doing it through them.


The Angel went before Israel in a pillar of cloud and fire.

Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light... [Ex 13:21]

The Angel of Elohim who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. [Ex 14:19]


Angels came down on Mt. Sinai in Yahweh’s Name to give Israel the law.

Yahweh said to Moses, “On the third day Yahweh will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people...” Yahweh came down... and called Moses to the top of the mountain; Moses went up. [Ex 19:11,20]

Yahweh said to him, “Away! Get down... do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to Yahweh, lest He break out against them.” [v24]

Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; Elohim has come to test you, that His fear may be before you, that you may not sin.” [Ex 20:20]

Who have received the law by the direction of Angels and have not kept it. [Acts 7:53]

If the word spoken through Angels … [Heb 2:2]


Yahweh sent His Angel to guard and guide Israel and put His Name in him.

Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, obey His voice; do not provoke him, for he will not pardon your transgressions; for my name is in him. [Ex 23:20-21]

If you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. [v22]

My Angel will go before you and bring you in...” [v23]

» Moses learned to know personally and trust the Angel; Israel never did, but disobeyed despite the Angel’s presence.


Nadab and Abihu saw the Elohim and shared a fellowship meal with them.

Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and 70 of the elders of Israel, and they saw the Elohim of Israel. There was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity… They saw Elohim , and they ate and drank. [Ex 24:9-11]

Despite having been with the Angels, Nadab and Abihu were slain for entering into the tabernacle, very likely while drunk with wine, and offering strange incense on the very day they were consecrated [Lev 10].

We must be holy in our approach to the LORD.


The golden calf nearly lost for Israel the Angel of His Presence.

Yahweh to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt... I will send my Angel before you. [Ex 33:1-2]

Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” [v3]

» What appears to be happening is that the Angel of Yahweh’s Presence has refused to go any further with them; but is sending another Angel of a lesser status, one Moses did not know.


Moses is not willing to go unless the Angel of His Presence goes with them.

Moses said to Yahweh, “You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you said, ‘I know you by name, and you have found grace in my sight.’ Show me now your way, that I may know you... and consider that this nation is your people.” [Ex 33:12-13]

Yahweh said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Moses said, “If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. How will it be known that your people and I have found grace in your sight, except you go with us?” [v14-16]

Yahweh: “I will do this thing that you have spoken; you have found grace in my sight, I know you by name.” [v17]


Moses saw the unconcealed glory of the Angel of His Presence.

Moses said: “Please, show me your glory.” [Ex 33:18-19]Yahweh said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and proclaim the name of Yahweh before you. You cannot see my face; no man shall see me, and live.”

Yahweh descended in the cloud and stood with him there… “Yahweh Elohim, merciful, gracious, longsuffering, abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty“ [v5-7]

Moses bowed his head and worshipped. “If now I have found grace in your sight, let Yahweh go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and sin, take us as your inheritance.” [v8-9]


Balaam refused the Angel’s discipline; he chose the wages of sin.

Elohim’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of Yahweh took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. The donkey saw the Angel of Yahweh in the way and turned aside. [Num 22:22-23]

Yahweh opened Balaam’s eyes, he saw the Angel of Yahweh standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; he bowed his head and fell on his face. [v31]

The Angel of Yahweh said…”Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before me... Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak.” [v32,35]

» The Angels are there always trying to turn us from evil; but not against our will.


Joshua entered the land with the Angel as Captain of the Host of Yahweh.

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” [Josh 5:13]

He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of Yahweh I have now come.” Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshipped. [v14]

Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. [6:1]

Yahweh said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand.” [v2]


The Angel later refused to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan.

Then the Angel of Yahweh came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; I said, I will never break my covenant with you. [Jud 2:1]

You shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars. But you have not obeyed my voice. Why have you done this? [v2]

Therefore I said, I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.” [v3]


An Angel was active with Deborah and Barak.

Deborah said to Barak, “Up! this is the day in which Yahweh has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not Yahweh gone out before you?” Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him. [Jud 4:14]

Yahweh routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword before Barak. Sisera alighted from his chariot, fled away on foot. [v15]

“Curse Meroz,” said the Angel of Yahweh, “Curse its inhabitants bitterly, because they did not come to the help of Yahweh against the mighty.” [5:23]


An Angel came in Yahweh’s Name and commissioned Gideon to deliver Israel.

The Angel of Yahweh came and sat under the terebinth tree... while Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress... “Yahweh is with you, mighty man of valor!”

Gideon said to him, “O my lord, if Yahweh is with us, why then has all this happened to us?... Yahweh has forsaken us, delivered us over to the Midianites.”

Yahweh turned to him, “Go in this might of yours, you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites.” He said, “O Yahweh , how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, I am the least in my father’s house.” Yahweh said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites. [Jud 6:11-16]

» It was clear Yahweh was doing it through His Angel.


Gideon asked for a Sign.

Gideon went in and prepared a young goat, unleavened bread... brought them out to him. The Angel of Elohim said, “Take the meat and unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, pour out the broth.” He did so.

The Angel of Elohim put out the end of the staff that was in his hand, touched the meat and the unleavened bread; fire rose out of the rock and consumed them... The Angel of Yahweh departed out of his sight.

Gideon perceived he was the Angel of Yahweh. “Alas, O Adonai Yahweh! I have seen the Angel of Yahweh face to face.”

Yahweh: “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” [Jud 6:17-23]


An Angel appeared to Manoah’s wife.

The Angel of Yahweh appeared to the woman and said...”You shall conceive and bear a son.” [Jud 13:3]

The woman told her husband, “A man of Elohim came to me, and His countenance was like the countenance of the Angel of Elohim, very awesome…” [v6]

Manoah prayed to Yahweh, “O Yahweh, let the man of Elohim whom you sent come to us again and teach us what we shall do for the child who will be born.” [v8]

Elohim listened to the voice of Manoah, and the Angel of Elohim came to the woman again as she was sitting in the field... The woman ran in haste and told her husband. [v9-10]

Samson was to be a Nazirite from birth.


Manoah is still not aware the man is an Angel of Yahweh.

Manoah: “Are you the man who spoke to this woman?”. The Angel of Yahweh: “I am. All that I said to the woman… let her observe.” [Jud 13:11,13]

Manoah: Please let us detain you, and we will prepare a young goat for you.” The Angel: “Though you detain me, I will not eat your food. If you offer a burnt offering, you must offer it to Yahweh.” (Manoah did not know he was the Angel of Yahweh.) [v15-16]

Manoah took the young goat with the grain offering, and offered it upon the rock to Yahweh. He did a wondrous thing… the Angel of Yahweh ascended in the flame of the altar!… Then Manoah knew that he was the Angel of Yahweh. [v19-21]


Yahweh called Samuel—and let none of his words fall.

Yahweh came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant hears.” [1Sam 3:10]

Then Yahweh said to Samuel: “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. [v11]

Samuel grew, and Yahweh was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. [v19-20]


An Angel rescued David from Achish.

David arose and fled that day from before Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. The servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of him to one another in dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”

David took these words to heart, and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. He changed his behavior before them, feigned madness in their hands, scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard. [1Sam 21:10-12]

Achish said to his servants, “You see the man is insane. Why have you brought him to me?” David departed from there and escaped. [v15,22:1]


Psalm 34 is a Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech.

» Abimelech was the royal title of Achish, the King of Gath, who sent David away.

This poor man cried out, and Yahweh heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The Angel of Yahweh encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that Yahweh is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! [Ps 34:6]

» David, acting in faith, did what he could—but it was the Angel of Yahweh who delivered him, and David was well aware of it.


Angels defeated David’s enemies.

The Philistines went up again and deployed in the Valley of Rephaim. When David inquired of Yahweh , He said, “You shall not go up; circle around behind them, come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. [2Sam 5:22-23]

When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. Yahweh will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” David did so, drove back Philistines. [v24-25]

Let those be turned back and brought to confusion who plot my hurt. Let the Angel of Yahweh chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery, let the Angel of Yahweh pursue them. [Ps 35:4-5]


David was sensitive to Yahweh’s hand in his affairs.

David said to Abigail: “Blessed is Yahweh Elohim of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.” [1Sam 25:32-33]

When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be Yahweh , who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept His servant from evil!” [v39]

» The natural reaction would have been to reject Abigail’s entreaty and to silence Shimei’s cursing.


Shimei’s cursing―don’t reject the Lord’s instruction in unexpected ways.

Shimei cursed David: “You bloodthirsty man Yahweh has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul.”

» Abishai: “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head!”

David: ”Let him alone, and let him curse; for so Yahweh has ordered him. It may be that Yahweh will look on my affliction, and that Yahweh will repay me with good for his cursing this day.” [2Sam 16:5-12]

» By nature we react against criticism and hinder the Angels efforts to redirect our lives.

» We always have the option of rejecting their discipline, but David accepted it with humility.


When David numbered Israel, an Angel was sent to destroy Jerusalem.

Yahweh said to the Angel who was destroying, “It is enough; restrain your hand”. [1Chr 21:15]

David saw the Angel of Yahweh standing between earth and heaven, with a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. David said to Elohim, “Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I am the one who sinned; these sheep, what have they done?” [v16-17]

The Angel of Yahweh commanded Gad to say to David that David should go and erect an altar to Yahweh on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. [v18]

» The Lord did not move David against his will. If we toy with sin and allow our minds to dwell on that which is sinful, we will be drawn irresistibly in that direction.


The City was spared and the Temple site identified.

David built there an altar to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on Yahweh; He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering. Then Yahweh commanded the Angel, and he returned his sword to its sheath. [1Chr 21:26-27]

When David saw that Yahweh had answered him on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. The tabernacle of Yahweh and the altar of the burnt offering were at the high place in Gibeon. David could not go before it to inquire of Elohim, he was afraid of the sword of the Angel of Yahweh.

David: “This is the [place for the] house of Yahweh Elohim, this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” [1Chr 22:1]


The Angel of Yahweh met Elijah in the wilderness.

Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. He prayed that he might die “It is enough! Now, Yahweh, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” [1K 19:4]

As he lay and slept suddenly an Angel touched him “Arise and eat.” He looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. [v5-6]

The Angel of Yahweh came back the second time, and touched him “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” He arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of Elohim. [v7-8]


What are you doing here, Elijah?

Elijah went into a cave, and spent the night in that place. Yahweh came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah: “I have been very zealous for Yahweh Elohim of

hosts; the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, killed your prophets I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” [1K 19:9-10]

Yahweh: “Go, return... I have reserved 7000 in Israel, whose knees have not bowed to Baal.” [v15,18]

» That’s our position in these last days. We can’t withdraw from His work and isolate ourselves from the brothers and sisters, but we each must do what we can to strengthen our ecclesia.


Elisha knew the Angels were there.

Elisha: “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha prayed: “Yahweh, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then Yahweh opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. [2K 6:16-17]

An Angel slew 185,000 Assyrians. It came to pass on a certain night that the Angel of

Yahweh went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians 185,000; and when people arose, there were the corpses. [2K 19:35]


Micaiah’s vision of the Host of Heaven standing by the throne of Yahweh.

Micaiah: “Hear the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left. [1K 22:19]

Yahweh: ‘Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ One spoke in this manner, another in that. Then a spirit came forward and stood before Yahweh, and said, ‘I will persuade him.’ [v20-21]

Yahweh: ‘In what way?’ He said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ Yahweh: ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’ [v22]

Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and Yahweh has declared disaster against you.” [v23]


Discussions between Yahweh and the Angels is what we would expect.

The heavens will praise your wonders, O Yahweh; your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.

Who in the heavens can be compared to Yahweh? Who among the sons of El can be likened to Yahweh?

El is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the holy ones, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him. [Ps 89:5-7]

» We would expect discussion between Yahweh and the Angels: that the Angels would have input to deal with situations, to use the wonderful intellect they now possess and we hope to be given.


Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew the Angels had power to deliver them.

but they did not know the outcome,nor do we in our circumstances.

“Our Eloah whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. [Dan 3:17]

But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” [v18]

» We are in exactly the same position: we know God can deliver, and He can heal, but we often do not know what His purpose is. He makes no mistakes ever; He always knows what is best.


Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged an Angel had delivered Daniel’s 3 friends.

Nebuchadnezzar: “Blessed be the Eloah of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word“ [Dan 3:28]

Nebuchadnezzar said of his insanity: “This decision is by the decree of the watchers, the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men.“ [Dan 4:17]

The Angels reached the limit of their forbearance with Nebuchadnezzar, and they can do so with us. They are patient with our waywardness, but when our conscience is seared, their work with us becomes ineffective.


Gabriel responded immediately to Daniel’s prayer

because his whole life was in harmony with the Lord. “My Eloah sent His Angel and shut the lions’ mouths,

so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him.“ [Dan 6:22]

I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the river, who called, “Gabriel [El is Mighty], make this man understand the vision.” [Dan 8:16]

While I was praying, the man Gabriel... being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. He talked with me: “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. [Dan 9:21-22] » At the beginning of your supplications the

command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved.” [v23]


The Angel’s working with us depends upon our frame of mind.

whether we are receptive, and pleading their help. Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble

on my knees and on the palms of my hands. [Dan 10:10]

Gabriel: “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you. [v11]

Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your Elohim, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.” [v12]


Michael helped Gabriel with the prince of Persia.

An insight into how the Angels cooperate, even as we would expect to do in the Kingdom.

Gabriel: The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me 21 days; Michael [who like El], one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.” [Dan 10:13]

Gabriel: “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; when I have gone forth, the prince of Greece will come. [v21]

“I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince. In the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.” [10:21/11:1]


The Angels and the Lord Jesus Christ.

All their work through the centuries would be for nought if it were not for the Lord Jesus Christ.

There was only so much they could do. None of them could redeem us.

They recognized that unless God intervened, the great work of making men and woman in their image and likeness would never be fulfilled.

This accounts for their great joy at the birth of God’s Son. They had not themselves been of that caliber.

» There is a great uniqueness about God’s son.


Gabriel was sent to Zacharias to announce John’s birth.

An Angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, you shall call his name John.

He will be great in the sight of the Lord, and... will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb... He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to... make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Zacharias: “How shall I know this? I am an old man, my wife is well advanced in years.”

The Angel: ”I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you.” [Luke 1:11-19]


Zacharias did not believe the Angel.

“You will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” [Luke 1:20]

Gabriel knew that Zacharias disbelieved in his heart. They made signs to his father what he would have him

called. [He was deaf as well as dumb]. He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” [v62-63]

Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue loosed, and he spoke praising God. [v64]

Gabriel’s response was immediate. He was right there and knew everything!


Gabriel was sent to Mary to tell her she would bear God’s Son.

The Angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin, Mary. “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” [Luke 1:26-28]

She was troubled at his saying The Angel: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. [v29-31]

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, of His kingdom there will be no end.” [v32-33]


Mary believed the Angel.

Mary said to the Angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” [Luke 1:34]

The Angel: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest will overshadow you... that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. [v35]

Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; this is now the 6th month for her who was called barren. With God nothing will be impossible.” [v36-37]

Mary: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” [v38]

» “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” [v45]


An Angel came to Joseph in a dream to take Mary as his wife.

After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. [Matt 1:18-19]

While he thought about these things, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. [v20]

“She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” [v21]


The Angel came again to Joseph:take the child and Mary to Egypt.

An Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream: “Arise, take the young child and his mother, flee to Egypt, stay there until I bring you word; Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” [Matt 2:13]

A third time, telling him return to Israel. When Herod was dead, an Angel of the Lord appeared

in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: “Arise, take the young child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” [Matt 2:19-20]


Angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Messiah.

Shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night. An Angel of the Lord stood before them, the glory of the Lord shone around them. [Luke 2:8-9]

The Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid… I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” [v10-11]

Suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God: “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” [v13-14]

» No Angel could have redeemed us; only one of the race who had our human nature. The Angels rejoiced that God was doing that which they could never do.


The tempter taunted him.

It was a misuse of the Angels’ care in Psalm 91. The devil took him up into the holy city, set him on the

pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. [Matt 4:5-6]

For it is written: ‘He shall give His Angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” [v6]

Jesus said to him, “It is written, you shall not test the Lord your God.” Then the devil left him, and behold, Angels came and ministered to him. [v10-11]


Nathanael was to see heaven open and the Angels of God ascending and descending

upon the Son of Man. Jesus saw Nathanael… “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in

whom is no deceit!” [no guile] [John 1:47]

Nathanael: “How do you know me?” Jesus: “Before Philip called you, when you were under

the fig tree, I saw you.” [v48] Nathanael: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the

King of Israel!” [v49] Jesus: “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig

tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these. Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” [v50-51]


Five days before the Passover, with the cross before Him

“Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” The people who heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An Angel has spoken to Him.” [John 12:28]

An Angel appeared to him from heaven, strengthening him in Gethsemane. There

was nothing automatic about what he went through. His most severe trial was upon him.

He knelt down and prayed, “Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.” An Angel appeared to him from heaven, strengthening him. [Luke 22:41-43]

Being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. His sweat like great drops of blood falling to the ground. [v44]


He could have 12 legions of Angels if he asked for them72,000 Angels!

Suddenly, one of those with Jesus drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Jesus: “Put your sword in its place, all who take the sword will perish by the sword.

Do you think that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He will provide me with more than twelve legions of Angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” [Matt 26:52-54]

It’s obvious no man took his life from him. The Father and Son together accomplished our redemption.


It was fitting the Angels would be given the honor of announcing his resurrection.

An Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door [of the tomb], and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. [Matt 28:2-4]

The Angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead, and he is going before you into Galilee; there you will see him.” [v5-7]

» Finally, one had been made in their image and glory!


The Angels brought Christ to the Father at his ascension.

“I was watching in the night visions, behold, one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they [the Angels] brought him near before Him. [Dan 7:13]

The Angels are now subject to Christ:they accepted this joyfully.

Jesus came and spoke to them: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” [Matt 28:18]

He has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, Angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to him. [1Pet 3:22]


Christ was made lower than the Angels, but is now superior—He was like us.

When he had by himself purged our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the Angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. [Heb 1:3-4]

To which of the Angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten you”? When He brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the Angels of God worship him.” [v5-6]

We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the Angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that he, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. [2:9]


The Angels had longed to look into the sufferings of Christ.

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently... what the Spirit of Christ was indicating when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow—things which Angels desire to look into [showing that progressive knowledge is a characteristic of immortals]. [1Pet 1:10-12]

Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh; justified in the Spirit; seen by Angels; preached among the Gentiles; believed on in the world; received up in glory. [1Tim 3:16]

The Angels are still learning, even as we would expect to in the Kingdom.


No Angel was found worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals.

There is a great uniqueness about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Then I saw a strong Angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”

No one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. [Rev 5:2-4]

One of the elders said, “Do not weep. The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” [v5]


Two Angels assured the Disciples that Christ would return.

While they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?

This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw him go into heaven.” [Acts 1:10]

» The Apostles were then given Angelic-type powers of healing to validate their preaching of the Gospel; but not to deliver themselves.


An Angel released Peter and the Apostles from prison.

They brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. A multitude gathered... bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

The high priest and those with him... laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. At night an Angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out: “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” [Acts 5:15-20] » The ecclesia in the wilderness was established by the

Angel of God’s Presence in their midstwhereas the ecclesias in the New Testament were established by the Apostles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.


An Angel sent Philip to meet an Ethiopian eunuch.

An Angel told Philip: “Arise, go toward the south…” A man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority who

had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. Sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.

The Spirit said to Philip: “Go near and overtake this chariot…” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. [Acts 8:26-35]

An Angel struck Herod because he did not give glory to God.

On a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel... gave an oration... The people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Immediately an Angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. He was eaten by worms and died. [Acts 12:21]


An Angel appeared to Cornelius.

Cornelius, a centurion... a devout man, one who feared God with all his household... saw in a vision an Angel of God [in bright clothing, v 30]: “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God... Send for Simon Peter. He will tell you what you must do.” [10:1-5]

Peter was shown in a vision that the Gentiles were to hear the Gospel.

Peter... fell into a trance, saw heaven opened... a great sheet... descending to him... In it were... wild beasts... A voice came “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” [Acts 10:9-13]

Peter: “Not so, Lord! I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” A voice spoke again “What God has cleansed you must not call common...” [v14-15]


An Angel roused Peter and led him from prisonIt is his Angel!

An Angel of the Lord stood by him, a light shone in the prison; he struck Peter on the side, raised him up: “Arise quickly!” His chains fell off his hands. The Angel: “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals... follow me.” [Acts 12:7]

When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; they went out… immediately the Angel departed from him. “Now I know the Lord has sent his Angel, and delivered me...”

As Peter knocked at the door of the gate... Rhoda... recognized his voice... They said, “You are beside yourself!”... She kept insisting it was Peter... They said, “It is his Angel.”


The Sadducees did not believe in Angels, the Pharisees did.

Paul…cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee... concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged...” A dissension arose... and the assembly was divided. Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. [Acts 23:6-8]

An Angel assured Paul he must be brought before Caesar.

There stood by me this night an Angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; God has granted you all those who sail with you.” [Acts 27:23]


The Angels were amazed at Paul’s sufferings for Christ.

I think God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to Angels and to men. [1Cor 4:9]

But even if we, or an Angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. [Gal 1:8]

Paul manifested Messiah to the Gentiles in his character and his way of life.


Joy in the presence of the Angels of God

The Angels and the Elect Why have we not been that aware of the

tremendous part the Angels play in our lives? Could it be the strong bias of our natural minds

against recognizing that they are aware of all that we do and say and think?

The discomfort we feel at having the Angels that close to us in our every action and thought?


These little ones who believe in me.

The disciples came to Jesus: “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” [Matt 18:1]

Jesus called a little child to him, set him in the midst of them: “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. [v2-3]

Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom... Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin... [v4,6]

Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their Angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” [v10]


Their Angels always see the face of my Father.

What this means is that my brother and sister each have their Angel who is concerned

about their spiritual welfare. When I am unkind to them, we can imagine the

discussions the Angels must have as to the circumstances that should be brought to bear in our lives, to help us to overcome our failings.

» I can’t mistreat my brother or sister without their angel being involved.

» The angels must deal with all my short comings, none are overlooked.


How intensely in the Kingdom we will labor to restore those in our care.

How great will be our joy when we succeed. The Son of Man has come to save that which was lost If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray,

does he not leave the 99 and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? [Matt 18:11-12]

If he should find it... he rejoices more over that sheep than over the 99 that did not go astray. [v13]

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. [v14]

Why do we not always have that anxious caring and concern for each other now?


There is joy in the presence of the Angels over one sinner who repents.

What man, having 100 sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the 99 and go after the one lost? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing, and calls together his friends. “Rejoice with me, I have found my sheep which was lost!” Likewise there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. [Luke 15:4-7]

What woman, having 10 silver coins, if she loses one, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, search carefully until she finds it... There is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner who repents. [v8-10]

The Angels who are working with us rejoice when we are of humble, repentant minds. We too will rejoice when those committed to our care in the Kingdom repent.


The Angels do not know the end for us, it would hinder their work with us.

Whoever confesses me before men, him the Son of Man will confess before the Angels of God. [Luke 12:8]

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and… I will confess his name before my Father and before His Angels. [Rev 3:5]

Those found worthy will be equal to the Angels. The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage.

But those counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead are equal to the Angels and are sons of God sons of the resurrection. [Lk 20:34]

» If we are to be like the Angels, this implies that the Angels are like us, as to their probation and the development of their character.


The Angels have exact recall of where we go and what we hear.

The women went in [to the empty tomb] and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they were greatly perplexed about this, two men stood by them in shining garments... “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! [Luke 24:3-6]

Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” They remembered His words. [v6-8]

» The Angels were there and have exact recall! When we realize this fully it will have a major restraint on our thoughts and words and actions.

» They will be with us at the judgment seat.


When we stand at the judgment seat of Christ with the Angel who has known us our entire lifetime, the time to develop spiritual

minds will have past.

“Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [Mark 8:34]

Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy Angels.” [v38]

» If we are willing to confess that we know Christ to those around us, by the way we live and the things we do, then he will be willing to confess that he knows us.


Some of the Elect will judge the world and the Angels.

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?

If the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge Angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? [1Cor 6:1-3]

Judge in the Greek is krino = to decide, determine, decree, ordain. » I judge that we should not trouble those... Gentiles

turning to God. [Acts 15:19] » They delivered... the decrees to keep determined

by the apostles and elders. [Acts 16:4] » Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus... [Acts 20:16]


We shall direct Angels

”Of the Future Age Paul says, ‘unto the Angels hath God not put in subjection the World to Come’ [Heb 2:5].

“From which we conclude, that he hath put in subjection the Present World, or Constitution of things, to the Elohim; but that ‘when he bringeth again the First Begotten into the world’, the Elohim will be subordinated to him in the administration of human affairs.

“Jesus and the Saints, equal in physical constitution to the Elohim, and superior to them in the Kingdom of God, will judge, rule, or direct the movements of the Elohim in governing the nations committed to their charge. Hence, ‘Know you not that we [the saints] shall judge Angels?’ They will cooperate with the Saints as their subordinates, having ceded to them their present direction of the affairs of nations.” [J Thomas, Herald of Future Age, 1847]


For the Angels’ sake, sisters should cover their heads at ecclesial meetings.

The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head... A man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. [1Cor 11:3,5,7]

For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the Angels. [v10]

1. Their presence now in the ecclesia;

2. Their part in the creation of man and woman;

3. Eve’s failed attempt to be like the Elohim.


We stand now in the presence of the Father, the Son, and

the elect Angels.

I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. [1Tim 5:21]

» If certain Angels are elect and chosen on the basis of free will and genuine faith, this implies that certain others failed in their period of probation.


The Angels are ministering spirits sent forth to serve those who will inherit salvation.

The Greek tense in Heb 1:14 is in the present continuous: a constant series of missions: guiding, protecting, assisting, chastening.

» Their ministering to us is not forced upon us. They are constrained and limited by our free will.

» Gradually over a lifetime, we learn to cooperate with them in our spiritual development.

Draw near to God, He will draw near to you. [Jas 4:8]

» He does it through the work of the Angels in our lives.


You have come to Mt. Zion

» to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,

» to an innumerable company of Angels,

» to the general assembly and ecclesia of the firstborn who are registered in heaven,

» to God the Judge of all,

» to the spirits of just men made perfect, » to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. [Heb 12:22]

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained Angels. [13:2]

» Abraham, Lot, Manoah.


The Angels will be with the redeemed around the throne worshipping God.

I heard the voice of many Angels around the throne, the living creatures, the elders; the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand [100 million], and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, blessing!” [Rev 5:11-12]

All the Angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying: “Amen! blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, might, be to our God forever and ever.” [7:11-12]


The Angels and the Elect will be one Elohim.

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. [Eph 3:14]

» Family in the Greek is patria = common fatherhood.

The Angels are fellow servants with the elect, and should not be worshipped.

Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of Angels... not holding fast to the head. [Col 2:18]

Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers... shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Rom 8:38]


The activity of the Angels when Christ returns.

The Angels will be with us at the resurrection and judgment.

The Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his Angels, and then he will reward each according to his works. [Matt 16:27]

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. [Matt 25:31]


The Angels will be involved in cleansing the earth.

The Parable of the Tares: The harvest is the end of the age, the reapers are the Angels... The Son of Man will send out his Angels to gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness. [Matt 13:39,41]

The Parable of the Dragnet: At the end of the age the Angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. [Matt 13:49]

When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. [2Thes 1:7-8]


The Angels did not know when the Lord Jesus Christ would return.

Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the Angels but my Father only. [Matt 24:36]

The world to come will not be in subjection to the Angels.

He has not put the world to come in subjection to Angels. [Heb 2:5]


The Harpers and the New Song.

“The Four Living Ones, and 24 stephaned Elders, are all harpers who harp with their harps...

The Angels within the Circle of the Throne listen with ravished ears to the divine melody of the new oratorio

How gratified they will be in beholding the Royal Child, whose birth they celebrated over eighteen centuries before, enthroned by the Eternal Power, in his father David’s seat;

» and songs of thanksgiving and praise, ascending in immortal strains to the Deity, from the innumerable multitude of the redeemed.”

[Eureka, vol. 5, p24]


How do we know when the Angels are active in our lives now?

They are active always, in every situation! We need to be aware of this and expect it!

They will not force themselves upon us. They are limited and constrained by our free will.

We gradually learn to be conscious of their presence and cooperate with them. They want us in the kingdom!» Work out your own salvation with fear and

trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. [Phil 2:12]

» He does it through the work of the angels.


Summary of the Angels’ characteristics.

They are subject to Yahweh and act in His Name They are Spirit beings, but do not have unlimited energy They are not omniscient, they do not know everything They are not all equal in status, some are of higher rank They attained exalted status by obedience under trial Their appearance is like us, we were created like them They know our thoughts and the intents of our hearts They have exact recall of what we do, hear, say They try to turn us from evil—but not against our free will What they do depends upon how we respond They do not know the final outcome for us They are active now in our lives as they were in the past


THE ANGELS Ministering spirits for the heirs of salvation

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THE ANGELS OF HIS PRESENCE Ministering spirits for the heirs of salvation