In the Holy Bible, the word commonly translated as “angels” is “mal’ak” (מַלְאָךְ). The term “mal’ak” literally means “messenger” or “one who is sent.” While it can refer to human messengers in certain contexts, it is predominantly used to describe heavenly beings or spiritual entities that serve as messengers or intermediaries between God and humans.
The role of angels in the Bible is often associated with delivering divine messages, offering guidance, providing protection, executing judgments, and performing various tasks on behalf of God. They serve as God’s emissaries and carry out His will in the earthly realm.
It’s worth noting that there are different types of heavenly beings mentioned in the Bible, including cherubim and seraphim, who are also described as having angelic attributes. However, the general term “mal’ak” is used to refer to these celestial beings as well.
Overall, in the biblical Hebrew context, “angels” are understood as divine messengers or heavenly beings sent by God to fulfill specific purposes and tasks.
Angelic visitations are recorded in various places throughout the Bible. Here are a few notable examples:
- Angelic visitation to Abraham: In Genesis 18, three men appeared to Abraham near the oaks of Mamre. These men were later revealed to be angels, with one of them being the Lord Himself. They came to inform Abraham and Sarah about the upcoming birth of their son Isaac.
- Angelic visitation to Lot: In Genesis 19, two angels visited Lot in the city of Sodom. They warned him about the impending destruction of the city due to its wickedness and instructed him to flee with his family.
- Angelic visitation to Hagar: In Genesis 16, an angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar, who was pregnant with Abraham’s child, Ishmael. The angel comforted her, spoke to her about her future, and instructed her to return to Sarah.
- Angelic visitations to Jacob: In Genesis 28, Jacob had a dream in which he saw a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. This dream symbolized the connection between heaven and earth and God’s presence with Jacob. Additionally, in Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with an angel throughout the night and received a blessing.
- Angelic visitation to Moses: In Exodus 3, an angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush. The angel spoke to Moses, revealing God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and commissioning Moses to lead them.
- Angelic visitation to Daniel: In the book of Daniel, there are several instances of angelic visitations. For example, in Daniel 9, the angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel to provide him with understanding and insight into future events.
- Angelic visitation to Mary: In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. This visitation is known as the Annunciation.
These examples highlight some of the significant angelic visitations recorded in the Bible. Angels often served as messengers, bringing important announcements, guidance, and protection to individuals in various circumstances.
Angelic visitation to Daniel in the lion’s den:
In Daniel 6, Daniel was thrown into a den of lions as a consequence of his faithfulness to God. However, God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, protecting Daniel from harm. The next morning, when King Darius came to the den, he found Daniel alive and unharmed.
Throughout the book of Daniel, the prophet receives visions and dreams that are interpreted by angels. In Daniel 7, Daniel sees a vision of four beasts, representing various kingdoms. He also sees the Ancient of Days and receives understanding from an angel about the interpretation of the vision. In Daniel 9, Daniel was praying and seeking understanding about the future of Jerusalem and the Jewish people. In response to his prayer, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and provided a detailed prophecy about the seventy weeks, which is often interpreted as seventy weeks of years. In Daniel 10, Daniel had another vision in which he saw a glorious and powerful being. This being, described as a man, touched Daniel and spoke to him. Daniel was weakened and fell into a deep sleep, but the angel strengthened him and provided him with further insight into future events.
Angels were sent by God to provide guidance, interpretation of visions, protection, and strength to Daniel in his encounters with various challenges and prophetic revelations.
Lord, I thank you for giving Your angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways! Psalm 91:1 – For He will command His angels in regard to you, to protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service].