The Angel of the Lord

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Hebrew malʾakh YHWH (“messenger of the LORD”), indicating an authorized representative who speaks and acts for YHWH.
  • Period/Era: Patriarchal Period through Divided Kingdom (appears across multiple eras of Israel’s history).
  • Main References: Genesis 16; Genesis 22; Exodus 3; Judges 6; Judges 13; 2 Kings 19.
  • Key Connections: The Abrahamic family; Moses and Israel’s deliverance; Israel’s judges (Gideon; Manoah and his wife); Jerusalem in the Assyrian crisis.

Who was The Angel of the Lord?

The “angel of the LORD” is a recurring figure in the Hebrew Bible who delivers divine messages and instructions.
He often appears in key covenant moments, addressing individuals and Israel during crises.
In several narratives he speaks in the first person as the LORD, reflecting ancient agency language.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Hagar in the wilderness (Genesis 16): Announces her son’s future and instructs her return, naming the child Ishmael.
  • Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3): Appears in the flame and commissions Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt.
  • Jerusalem delivered (2 Kings 19): Strikes the Assyrian army during Sennacherib’s invasion.

Life Lesson & Legacy

The Angel of the LORD highlights how the LORD communicates guidance and protection at decisive moments in Israel’s covenant history.

Key Verse

"And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush." — Exodus 3:2, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. In the account involving Hagar in the wilderness, what did the angel of the LORD instruct her to do?

2. During Sennacherib’s invasion, what action is attributed to the angel of the LORD?