How To Recognize An Angel!
Updated: Aug 9, 2022
Introduction
We hear many stories of encounters with Angelic beings who've helped individuals in dire or hopeless situations, providing hope, comfort, protection, and even the revelation of truth! The New Testament scriptures admonished its readers, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby have some entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2, KJV).
What is an Angel, and how do we recognize them according to the scriptures?
Who gives them their orders and missions to accomplish?
Who do they serve?
Have you had an encounter with an Angel?
These are the questions that we will briefly examine. Let's Begin!
Defining an "Angel"
The English word "Angel" was one of the earliest Germanic adaptations from Latin; originally from the Greek word "ággelos".
Messenger:
One that carries messages or performs errands as a servant; a prophet (American Heritage Dictionary, 5th ed. 2016)
The original Greek word for "Angel" is "ἄγγελος" (G32) Strong's Concordance, meaning, a messenger, delegate, or envoy who is sent, a messenger from the GOD of Israel ; bodied or disembodied
An "Angel of the LORD" or "a Messenger of the GOD of Israel" is a familiar term within the Original Testament scriptures.
The original Hebrew word for "Angel" is מֲלְאָךְ (H4397) Strong's Concordance, meaning, a messenger; representative, especially of the GOD of Israel (i.e. a prophet, priest, or teacher). From an unused root meaning to dispatch; either human (Mt 11:10; Lk 7:24, 9:52; Gal 4:14; Js 2:25) or heavenly (a celestial angel); someone sent (by God) to proclaim His message.
The English Bible uses the words "Angel" and "Messenger" interchangeably in place of the one Hebrew word, מֲלְאָךְ (H4397), but they are one and the same.
Genesis 32:1, KJV
"And Jacob went on his way, and the Angels (H4397) of the God of Israel met him"
Exodus 3:2, KJV
"And the Angel (H4397) of the GOD of Israel appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed" (Angel of the GOD of Israel)
Numbers 20:14, KJV
"And Moses sent Messengers (H4397) from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:" (Angels of Moses or מֲלְאָךְ of Moses)
Psalm 103:20, KJV
"Bless the GOD of Israel, ye HIS Angels (H4397), that excel in strength, that do HIS commandments, hearkening unto the voice of HIS word"
Isaiah 42:19, KJV
The GOD of Israel speaking to HIS prophet "Who is blind, but My servant? or deaf, as My Messenger (H4397) that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?"
Isaiah 44:26, KJV
The GOD of Israel "That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of HIS Messengers;(H4397)"
Psalm 104: 4, KJV
"Who maketh HIS Angels (H4397) spirits; HIS ministers a flaming fire"
Who do Angels serve?
According to the scriptures, not all Angels are invisible to the naked eye, and they are not limited to what we've restricted as being "celestial beings" limited to the Heavenly realm.
In Jacob's dream, there was a stairway that led upward to the Heavens, and the מֲלְאָךְ (Angels/Messengers) of the GOD of Israel, were ascending and descending thereby (Genesis 28:10-19, KJV). These מֲלְאָךְ were carrying out the mission and orders of the GOD of Israel. However, as we've seen, an מֲלְאָךְ is not just identified as a "messenger" but it is also descriptive of a "prophet", "priest", or "teacher" delivering the message of the GOD of Israel.
Haggai 1:13, KJV
"Then spake Hagai the GOD of Israel's Messenger (Angel / מֲלְאָךְ (H4397), in the GOD of Israel's message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the ETERNAL ONE"
Malachi 3:1, KJV
"Behold, I will send My "Messenger" (Angel / מֲלְאָךְ (H4397), and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the Messenger (Angel / מֲלְאָךְ (H4397) of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts"
When speaking of the Angels/Messengers of the Original Hebrew Testament, they delivered messages and carried out missions at the command of the GOD of Israel, also the GOD of Moses, Noah, and Abraham.
The Hebrew word /מֲלְאָךְ (H4397), is descriptive of physically bodied men as well as celestial disembodied Beings who both equally serve the GOD of Israel.
Be aware that there are also messengers of evil! Those who are messengers and servants of evil, influence and contribute to the wickedness in the world.
Those who are messengers of the GOD of Israel influence and contribute to righteousness and justice according to the Laws HE established for the world HE created. They fight against evil!
Interesting Facts About Angels
Here is a short list of interesting facts about these servants of the GOD of Israel to help you in recognizing their presence should you ever have the opportunity to encounter one.
As noted earlier, Angels/Messengers of the GOD of Israel fight against evil; they do not partake in it! (Proverbs 29:27, KJV). The /מֲלְאָךְ of the GOD of Israel have been known to slay those who break the commandments of the GOD of Israel. Examples of this can be found in the story of Sodom & Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-25, KJV), Balaam (Numbers 22:21-38), and the enemies of the GOD of Israel (2 Kings 19:35, KJV).
The /מֲלְאָךְ of the GOD of Israel can be either men or women, bodied or disembodied spirits. Examples of a female /מֲלְאָךְ (Angels/Messengers) of the GOD of Israel is Deborah (Judges 4:4-5, KJV). Some of the Angels/Messengers ate food, meaning they had a physical body to consume and digest physical elements such as food (Genesis 18:1-33;19:3, KJV). There was the Prophet Haggai who is identified as an /מֲלְאָךְ of the GOD of Israel (Haggai 1:13, KJV).
There are different ranks within the Angelic order. In the book of Daniel 10:13, KJV, one of the Chief Princes; Michael, is noted as helping a fellow Messenger (/מֲלְאָךְ) sent by the GOD of Israel to answer Daniel's prayer request. This Messenger also mentions that "the Prince of Persia withstood him", meaning, this "Prince of Persia" was not a Messenger or Angel of the GOD of Israel; they were enemies.
The /מֲלְאָךְ of the GOD of Israel must consciously make the disciplined choice, moment by moment, to obey the commands of the GOD of Israel. An example of this is found in the story of the /מֲלְאָךְ who looked upon the daughters of men and made the choice to interact with them intimately violating the commandment of the GOD of Israel and abandoning their duty in which HE assigned them (Genesis 6:1-2, KJV), and now awaiting judgment (Jude 1:6, KJV).
An /מֲלְאָךְ who faithfully serves the GOD of Israel will reflect this devotion in his speech and actions; his message and actions will coincide with the commands of the GOD of Israel. The /מֲלְאָךְ will love the things HE loves and hate the things HE hates (Psalm 97:10, Psalm 139:21-22, KJV).
A Telltale sign of an /מֲלְאָךְ of the GOD of Israel, is that they will encourage and admonish men to walk in the way of righteousness by keeping the commandments of the GOD of Israel. They are HIS representatives and live to honor and respect the ONE who is the GIVER of all life. HIS words are eternal and not to be broken because of the fickleness of man. Blessed are all those who keep HIS commandments (Beware of those who tell you not to obey the commands of the ALMIGHTY ONE! these are they who influence and contribute to the evil in the world.)
Proverbs 28:4, KJV
"They that forsake (do not keep the Law) praise the wicked: but such as keep the Law contend with them"
Psalm 119:1-3, KJV "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the Law of the GOD of Israel. Blessed are they that keep HIS testimonies, and that seek HIM with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in HIS ways. THOU hast commanded us to keep THY precepts diligently!"
I hope this article has been interesting and has given some insight into the mystery of the /מֲלְאָךְ of the GOD of Israel. There is so much more to learn and discover regarding these sacred Beings who do the will of the ETERNAL ONE, only to be revealed in HIS time.
Until then...
Remember...ALWAYS Choose to Do what is Right!
And perhaps you too will have a special encounter with an Angel or even better...
Become one!
Meeka ;)
