And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 

Luke 24:27

Where is the Angel of the Lord in Scripture?

Gen. 16 – Gives a promise to Hagar in the wilderness.

Gen. 22 – Reaffirms the messianic promise with Abraham.

Gen. 31 – Appears to Jacob in a dream, and refers to Himself as “The God of Bethel.”

Gen. 32 – Wrestles with Jacob.

Exod. 3 – In the burning bush.

Exod. 23:20 & 32:34 – Goes before God’s people, leading the way to the promised land.

Num. 22 – Opposing Balaam.

Judges 2 – Reminding God’s people of His deliverance, guidance, protection, and promises.

Judges 5 – Cursing Meroz in Deborah & Barak’s song.

Judges 6 – Appears to Gideon.

Judges 13 – Talks with Samson’s parents, and ascends to heaven in a flame.

2 Sam. 24 & 1 Chron. 21 – Carries out judgment against God’s people (and obediently relents) for David’s census.

1 Kings 19 – Feeds Elijah in the wilderness.

2 Kings 1 – Sends Elijah to denounce King Ahaziah.

2 Kings 19, Chron. 32, & Isa. 37 – Struck down 185,000 Assyrians.

Ps. 34 & 35 – Described as a guardian and a warrior.

Zech 1 – Appears in a position of authority, and submission to God, zealous for the salvation of Israel.

Zech 3 – Removes filthy garments, and replaces them with pure vestments.

Zech 12:8 – Equivalent with God.

Mal. 3:1 – The messenger of the Covenant in whom you delight, behold, He is coming.

Who is the Angel of the Lord?

The LORD says to my Lord:  “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”[1]

Psalm 110:1

Pre-incarnate Jesus (Christophany)[2]

Viewed as God – Gen. 16 & John 14:9

Speaks as God – Judges 2:1-2 & Jn. 10:30

Submissive to God – 1 Chron. 21:27 & Jn. 6:38 (1 Cor. 11:3)

Sent by God – Judges 13:9 & Jn. 8:42

Has the Authority of God – Judges 13:12-14 & Matt. 7:28-29; 8:27

Forgives Sins! – Zech 3:3-4 & Matt. 9:2

Righteous Warrior – Josh. 5:13-14 (1 Chron. 21:16; 2 Ki. 19) & Rev. 19:11-16

Accepts Worship – Judges 6:19ff & Matt. 28:9

Miraculously Feeds In the Wilderness – 1 Ki. 19 & Lk. 9

“I AM” – Ex. 3:14 & Jn. 8:58

Makes Divine Promises – Gen. 16:10 & Jn. 14:1-3

Seeing & Savoring Jesus

The Angel of the Lord …The Lord of angels (Heb. 1:4ff) …God acting as His own messenger.

*Worshipping angels is a no-no! (Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9), but this “angel” is different. The angel of the Lord speaks and acts as God, and He receives worship (Genesis 16:7-12; 21:17-18; 22:11-18; Exodus 3:2; Judges 2:1-4; 5:23; 6:11-24; 13:3-22; 2 Samuel 24:16; Zechariah 1:12; 3:1; 12:8).

[1] Matt. 22:44; 26:64; Mk. 12:36; Lk. 20:42; Acts 2:32-35; 1 Cor. 15:25; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet. 3:22.

[2] The appearances of the angel of the Lord cease after the incarnation of Christ. Angels are mentioned numerous times in the New Testament, but “the angel of the Lord” is never mentioned in the New Testament after the birth of Christ.