Angels in the Old Testament A survey

Review God created spiritual beings as well as this physical universe He created a variety of such beings One type of such beings is “Angels” In this lesson, we will look at what angels did in the OT

From the Beginning Job 38:7 – present at the creation of the physical universe Gen 16 – Prophesied to Hagar Gen 18 – Prophesied to Abraham and Sarah Gen 19 – Saved Lot & family Gen 22 – Saved Isaac Gen 24 – Believed to have helped find a wife for Isaac

In the life of Jacob Gen 28 – seen in a dream before God spoke Gen 31 – Helped against Laban’s deceit Gen 31 – Sent him home Gen 32 – Met him on the way home Gen 32 – Blessed him after wrestling with him all night

In the life of Moses Ex 3, Ax 7 - Appeared at burning bush Ex 14 – Led Israel in the cloudy pillar Ex 14 – Protected Israel from the Egyptians Heb 2 – Gave the Law to Moses Ex 23, Num 20 – Led them in the wilderness Num 22 – Warned Balaam of his sin

In the time of the Judges Jud 2 – Rebukes Israel for sin Jud 5:23 – Tells Israel to curse Meroz for its sin Jud 6 – Calls Gideon to lead Israel Jud 13 – Prophesies to Manoah and his wife

In the days of the Kings 2 Sam Punishes Israel for David’s sin 1 Kgs 19 – Saves Elijah 2 Kgs 1 – Sends Elijah on God’s errand 2 Kgs 6:15-17 – Protects Elisha from enemies 2 Kgs 19 – Slays 185,000 enemies

During the Babylonian captivity Ezekiel sees various spiritual beings in many visions Dan 3 – Rescues the 3 young men from fire Dan 6 – Rescues Daniel from lions Dan 8-9 – Prophesied to Daniel

After the Return to Israel Zech 1-6 – Appear in 8 visions to encourage the people to complete the building of the temple

In the Psalms of Israel Psa 8:5 Psa 34:7 Psa 35:1-6 Psa 78:25, Psa 91:1-16 Psa 103:19-22 Psa 148:2

Summary “Angel” means “messenger” –[Note: In all descriptions, appeared as a man; no wings, no halos, etc] –We have seen angels delivering verbal messages (prophecies) from God –We have seen angels rescue and lead God’s people (a message that God was with them) –We have seen angels warn and punish evildoers (a message that God is against them) In our next lesson we will study about Cherubim and Seraphim