Messengers

In both Hebrew ( mal'ak ) and Greek, “angel” means “messenger.” At the outset, the “angels” who appear to human beings are spiritual beings. Yahweh Himself comes to Abraham as the Angel of Yahweh (Genesis 18-19), and then to Gideon and Samson's parents. In each case, the human recipients offer sacrificial meals to the angelic messenger.

As the Old Testament progresses, however, the messengers become human messengers. Elijah is like an angel to the widow of Zarephath, and receives a sacrificial gift of food from the widow, as the angels had earlier received sacrifices (1 Kings 17). The Angel of Yahweh still appears, but He works through prophets who function as human angels. Spirit-angels are almost completely absent from the books of the writing prophets, and most of the messengers who are mentioned are human. The angelic vocation is being humanized.

Along the same lines, the Bible marks out a humanization of guidance and “divination.” Priests consult Urim and thummim; kings dream dreams; prophets see visions. People cast lots to determine what decision to make. Urim and thummim are still around in Ezra-Nehemiah, and the apostles are still casting lots in Acts 1. After the Spirit falls, lots disappear. Since all in the church receive the Spirit, all are made priests and kings, sons and daughters prophecy, old men dream dreams. This universalization of the gift of divination is also a humanization of guidance. Believers no longer consult lots or the urim. Believers become urim and thummim to one another.

(This is drawn from and inspired by a Sunday School class on Judges 6-7 by Matt Carpenter.)