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4) A multitude of Angels
The most well known appearance of Angels is to the shepherds of Bethlehem.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us. (Luke 2:8-15)
We note here these men saw a multitude of real beings, as this was not a dream. Jacob saw also many angels, but in a vision (Genesis 28:12). Job, who may have lived before 2000BC, is told by Yahweh that the angels are called “sons of God” and that they were a multitude before creation.
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if you have understanding. ..Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4-7)
This means that the whole multitude of angels are older than this civilization. In Genesis it says “Mighty ones (or Angels) said, 'Let us make man in our image'” (Gen. 1:26). So humans look like angels! Angels are called the 'Morning stars', which is also a title of Jesus,
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star. (Rev 22:16)
This title will also be given to the redeemed (Revelation 2:28).
At Jesus' resurrection
There was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And sees two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. (Mat 28:2-5)(John 20:11-12)
This description shows the brightness of the face and the white clothes.
The ministering work of Angels
Angels have a role in looking after those that serve God.
Because you have made Yahweh, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:9-11)
The angel of Yahweh encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:7)
The angels are servants to the servants of God, and do not sit at Yahweh's right hand as Christ does.
To which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:13-14)
The children that followed Christ had angels who looked after them.
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)
The Angels are servants doing Yahweh's will perfectly, even when evil,
Who makes his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: (Psalm 104:4)
He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. (Psalm 78:49)
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. (Psalm 103:20)
But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36)
Angels may speak as if they are Deity Himself. Following is one case,
An angel of Yahweh .. said, “I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I swore unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you”.(Judges 2:1)
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