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We do not walk alone through this life. There are angels who are delegated to assist us, bless and keep us in all our ways.
Psalm 91:11-12 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth and the angels sang
Job 38:4, 7
v.4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
v.7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Rev 12:4 his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:
Rev 12:9b the Devil, was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
The term angel is derived from the Greek and Hebrew and means messenger.
In general, in the bible when an angel appears, his task is to communicate a message or do the will of God who sent him. Since the focus of the passage is on the message, the messenger is rarely described in detail.
Angels are celestial beings. They worship God, attend Gods throne, and consist of Gods army.
We need to know what God's Word says about angels.
The Bible states that angels, are spirit beings created by God.
Psa 104:4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Angels = a messenger
A messenger is one that is sent by another.
Angels are heavenly messenger of God, who either bring a message to us, carries out Gods will, praises God, or guards Gods throne.
Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
The word "angel" is used of men in some passage of scriptures.
Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Rev 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Rev 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Luke 20:36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Rev 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
2 Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
The angel of the Lord rolled back the stone from the tomb of Jesus.
Mat 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Rev. 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
(2 Ki 19:35 NLT) . . . That night the angel of the LORD went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian troops. When the surviving Assyrians woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere.
Careful study of the Scriptures reveals classifications of angelic beings.
The evidence of the scriptures shows that they are organized in terms of authority and glory.
The ranking of celestial powers seems to follow a pattern something like this: archangel, seraphim, cherubim, principalities, authorities, powers, thrones, might and dominion. Any list that we make to rank angels may differ from other list, but we can be sure that they differ in power, some having authority others do not possess.
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
The word arch means chief and suggests that Michael is of a class of beings higher than ordinary angels.
Michael is mentioned as one of the chief princes of the heavenly hosts.
Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
He specially protects and defends God's people.
Daniel 10:21 But I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
Michael is apparently the commander in chief of a large group of angels who do battle against the devil and his angels and cast them from their domain, to the earth.
Revelation 12:7-9 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
These beautiful creatures are described in
Isaiah 6:1-7 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
They appear only in Isaiah’s vision and there attend God's throne and sing praises.
The ministry of the seraphim is to praise the name and character of God in heaven. Their ministry relates directly to God and His heavenly throne, they are positioned above the throne.
These were the first angels mentioned in the Bible.
Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Cherubim were made of gold and placed over the ark of the covenant.
Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
The cherubim function as guardians of the holiness of God.
They bear the throne, the chariot of God and are referred to as living creatures.
Ezek. 1:4-5 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
Ezek 10:15-20 And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them. When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them. Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.
In the N.T. the King James classifies this group of angels as "beasts" in
Revelation 4:6-9 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
Psa 18:10 . . . God rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
Ezek 28:14 . . . Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
principalities = first in rank or importance / chief
Supernatural spiritual powers, whether good or evil.
Principalities were created by Jesus and are thus subject to Him
(Col. 1:16).
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Michael the archangel was called one of the chief princes.
Dan 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Submission to the Authorities or the higher powers.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
powers = delegated influence, force, ability/strength or authority
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
throne = seat of power or authority
Psa 11:4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
Psa 89:14 NLT, Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
14 KJV Your throne is founded on two strong pillars--righteousness and justice. Mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Rev 2:13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Satan can work through political rulers who oppose God and His people.
The Christians at Smyrna knew their real opposition was inspired by Satan.
Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
dominion = power of governing; rulers; mastery, one in control or highly skilled
2 Pet 2:10 NLT The Lord is especially hard on those who follow their own evil, lustful desires and who despise authority. "or KJV government" These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling.
Psalm 78:49 NLT He loosed on them his fierce anger-- all his fury, rage, and hostility. He dispatched against them a band of destroying angels.
or KJV = by sending evil angels among them.
These evil or destroyer angels are supernatural agent of God's judgment.
Ex. 12:23; For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Heb. 11:28, Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
2 Sam. 24:15-16; So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.
2 Kings 19:35 And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
An interesting designation for angels is found in
Daniel 4:13, I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;
Dan 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Dan 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
Deu 33:8, And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
Exo 17:6,7 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Isa 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Rom 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The angel Gabriel is called by some to be the chief of telecommunications in heaven. He was used as a messenger and stands in the presence of God.
Luke 1:19a And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God;
Luke 1:13, But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings.
Luke 1:26-28 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
In the Old Testament Gabriels ministry was with the kingdom.
He appears several times in the book of Daniel to give important revelations concerning future events, especially relating to Gods kingdom.
Daniel 8:16-17, And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
Dan 8:19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
Daniel 9:20-22 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
The appearance of angels varies.
Only cherubim and seraphim are represented with wings.
Though angels are spirits, they can appear as ordinary men. Sometimes their appearance is described as a brilliant white; this is common in the New Testament. Angels always are referred to in the masculine. Angels do things and appear in a fashion that is undoubtedly non-human.
A) Angels guarded the tree of life Genesis 3:24
B) Angels ate with Abraham Genesis 18:1-8
C) Angels rescued Lot from Sodom Genesis 19:1, 15-16
D) Jacob saw angels on a ladder Genesis 28:12
E) A donkey saw an angel Numbers 22:23
F) The prophet Balaam saw an angel Numbers 22:31
G) Elijah was fed by an angel 1 Kings 19:5-7
H) Daniel had an angel with him in a den of lions Daniel 6:22
I) An angel made the announcement Luke 1:26-31
J) Angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus Luke 2:8-14
K) Angels strengthened Jesus in the wilderness Matthew 4:11
L) Angels were present at Jesus resurrection John 20:11-12
A guardian angel = a protector or defender
A) Angels especially minister to children Matthew 18:10
Mat 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
If you mistreat a child, that child’s angel tells it to the Father in heaven. One of the ministries of angels is to report what goes on down here.
B) Guardian angels are appointed to believers Hebrews 1:14
C) They are sent to minister for and to you Psalm 34:7, 91:11
Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psa 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Guardian angels are your attendants to take care of you.
D) If you fear God, you have an angel by your side to give protection Psalm 34:7
Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
It is commonly believed that each individual has a guardian angel assigned to them by God.
E) Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans 2 Kings 6:14-18
2 Ki 6:14 - 18 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
God's angels often protect His servants from potential enemies.
F) An Angel will go before thee Exodus 23:20 - 23
Exo 23:20 - 23 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.
Notice God said. An Angel will go before thee and bring thee to the place.
His instructions to the children of Israel apply to us as well: obey his voice and provoke him not. If we provoke angels, they will not let us off but we will receive a just recompense of reward.
Isa 63:9-10 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
H) Angels ministered to Jesus
1. In the wilderness Luke 22:43
2. In the garden of Gethsemane Luke 22:43
I) The angels minister to God's servants in times of hardship and danger Acts 5:17-20, 12:5-11, 27:23-25
Every believer in Christ should be encouraged and strengthened that there are angels are watching. They oversee the events of our lives and protect the interest of God, always working to promote His plans and to bring about His highest will for us.
Col 2:18 . . . Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
The reason God would have an angel appear to you is to give you a message or to let you know that you are protected in a dangerous situation.
Acts 23:9 . . . And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
A) An angel gave John a message Rev 1:1
Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
B) Angels delivered God's Word to Moses and the Prophet Heb 2:2
C) Law given by angels Acts 7:30, 35, Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19
D) Daniel and the Angel Daniel 10:12 - 14, 20
Daniel prayed and fasted for three weeks for understanding. Satan delayed the angel from getting to Daniel. Delay does not mean God has not heard you.
The angel had a message. He was to show Daniel what God foresaw would befall the world - especially Israel in the latter days.
Having finished his mission, the angel told Daniel he was returning to fight with the demon prince.
E) Philip was directed to go to a desert Acts 8:26
Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
An angel appeared with instructions for Philip to go to the desert.
Angels often instruct God's followers on decisions and actions they should take to follow God's will.
F) God declared Himself in a vision to Cornelius by an angel Acts 10:3 - 7
G) An angel announces the eternal gospel Rev 14:6,7
H) If an angel, preach any other gospel Gal 1:6 - 8
Revelation Knowledge can come by a vision or some supernatural experience. We need to beware that seeking after or looking for a vision or some supernatural experience can be dangers. If you are always looking for supernatural appearances then Satan may try to bring you satanic enlightenment. You need to test every thing by the word of God.
2 Cor 11:13 - 15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
1 John 4:1a . . . Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
The Bible says that throughout history angels have worked to carry out Gods judgments. Angels are God's official agents to carry out His judgment against those who deliberately reject Jesus Christ and the salvation God offers through Him.
Angels will share our rejoicing over those who repent Luke 15:10. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Exo 12:23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Psa 78:49, He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.
Psa 78:51 And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:
(Heb 11:28 NLT) . . . It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.
2 Sam 24:16, 17 And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite. And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.
1 Chr 21:15, 16 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
Num 22:21 - 34 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.
Acts 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Rev 14:17 - 20 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
Angels are going to participate in the Great Tribulation. The book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, speaks more of angels than any other book of the Bible. In the final battle between God and the devil, angels have an important role.
In the story of the rich man and Lazarus Luke 16, Jesus told of a beggar who died in faith.
Lk. 16:22 . . . And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Sometimes an angel will appear and you will not realize it.
We may not always be aware of the presence of angels. But angels have been said to be our neighbors. Often they may be our companions without our being aware of their presence.
Hebrews 13:2 . . . Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
John 5:4 . . . For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
