Interesting Facts

• This angel acts as a direct messenger and intermediary of the Lord.
• The angel possesses the authority to deliver divine pronouncements and promises.
• In some instances, the angel’s actions are equated with the actions of the Lord, suggesting a close identification or representation. For example, “the Lord plagued Pharaoh… because of Sarai Abram’s wife” and later “the angel smote him heavily”.
• The angel intervenes in human affairs, providing aid, protection, and guidance.
• The angel can appear in visions and dreams.

Genealogy

• The provided sources do not explicitly detail the genealogy or familial relationships of the Angel of the Lord or the Angel of God.
• This figure appears to be a direct agent or manifestation of God Himself.

Historical Context

The Angel of the Lord or Angel of God appears in various historical contexts throughout the narratives presented in the sources. These range from the early generations after the separation of peoples to the time of Abraham, and later during the time of Joseph in Egypt. During Abraham’s time, the angel’s interventions are often related to the covenant and the promises made to him regarding his descendants. In the context of Hagar, the angel appears in a time of distress in the wilderness. The angel’s appearance to Joseph occurs during his confinement in the dungeon in Egypt. These interventions suggest a divine concern and involvement in key moments and with significant individuals in these early histories.

Narrative

The Angel of the Lord or Angel of God plays a crucial role in several key narratives within the sources. When Hagar flees from Sarai, an angel of the Lord finds her by a well in the wilderness, instructs her to return and submit, and promises her a multitude of descendants through her son Ishmael. During Abraham’s interactions with Pharaoh regarding Sarai, an angel of the Lord intervenes to protect Sarai from Pharaoh’s advances, inflicting plagues upon Pharaoh and his household. When the Lord tests Abraham by commanding him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, an angel of the Lord calls out from heaven at the crucial moment, preventing Abraham from completing the act and reaffirming the Lord’s knowledge of Abraham’s fear of God. In the narrative of Jacob, after Hagar gives birth to Ishmael, the angel appears again and reiterates the promise of Ishmael’s numerous offspring. Later, during Jacob’s preparations to meet his brother Esau, the Lord sends three angels who appear to Esau and his men as a formidable force, causing them great fear and ultimately preventing Esau from attacking Jacob. When Joseph is wrongly imprisoned in Egypt, the Lord sends an angel in the night to teach him all the languages of mankind, preparing him for his future role in Pharaoh’s court. These instances highlight the angel’s function as a direct agent of divine will, communicating messages, ensuring the safety of the chosen individuals, and furthering the Lord’s plans within the unfolding narrative.