Angels mentioned in the Bible
Genesis
Genesis 3:24
"After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." Cherubim are sometimes understood as angelic beings, although their exact nature is not fully clear.
Mission:
The beings referred to as cherubim are often understood to have been angelic beings. Their mission/task in this passage was to guard the way to the tree of life after Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:24 says, "After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." The cherubim's task was to ensure that Adam and Eve did not re-enter the garden and eat from the tree of life, which would grant them immortality. By guarding the way to the tree of life, the cherubim were fulfilling God's command and preventing humans from accessing the tree and the immortality it offered.
Lesson:
The episode in Genesis 3, which includes the mention of the cherubim, teaches several important lessons. One key lesson is the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden and lost access to the tree of life because they disobeyed God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The cherubim's task of guarding the way to the tree of life underscores the gravity of their disobedience and the importance of following God's commands. Another lesson that can be drawn from this episode is the reality of sin and its impact on humanity. The fall of humanity described in Genesis 3 is the origin of sin in the world, which has had far-reaching consequences for all of humanity. The cherubim's task of guarding the way to the tree of life serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of sin and the need for repentance and redemption. Finally, the episode in Genesis 3 underscores the mercy of God. Despite Adam and Eve's disobedience, God provides them with clothing and promises a future deliverance from the effects of sin. The mention of the cherubim guarding the way to the tree of life reminds us of God's mercy in limiting the consequences of humanity's sin and offering a path toward redemption.
References:
There are a few other verses in the Bible that refer back to the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden as described in Genesis 3:24. Here are a few examples:
Revelation 2:7: "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." This verse refers to the "tree of life" mentioned in Genesis 3:24, but it also speaks of a future time when believers will be able to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.
Ezekiel 28:14-16: "You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones." This passage is not directly related to Genesis 3:24, but it does mention the role of the "guardian cherub" and could be seen as an allusion to the story of Adam and Eve.
Hebrews 9:24: "For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence." This verse speaks of Christ's entrance into heaven, which could be seen as a parallel to the cherubim guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden. Just as the cherubim prevented Adam and Eve from returning to the garden, Christ's entrance into heaven paves the way for believers to enter into God's presence.
Genesis 16:7-14
"The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, 'Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?' 'I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,' she answered. Then the angel of the Lord told her, 'Go back to your mistress and submit to her.' The angel added, 'I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.' The angel of the Lord also said to her: 'You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.' She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.'"
What was the task/mission of the angel?
In Genesis 16:7-14, the function of the angel of the Lord was to provide guidance, comfort, and assurance to Hagar, who was fleeing from her mistress Sarai, the wife of Abram. The angel instructed Hagar to return to her mistress and submit to her, and promised that her descendants would be numerous. The angel also revealed to Hagar that she would give birth to a son and instructed her to name him Ishmael. The angel's message to Hagar shows that God was watching over her and had a plan for her and her future child, despite her difficult circumstances. The encounter with the angel also resulted in Hagar's recognition of God's presence and care in her life.
What lesson can be drawn from this episode?
God sees and cares for the oppressed: Hagar was a slave who had been mistreated by her mistress Sarai. However, God saw her plight and sent an angel to comfort and guide her.
God has a plan for each of us: Despite Hagar's difficult circumstances, the angel revealed to her that she would give birth to a son and that her descendants would be numerous. This shows that God has a plan for each of us, even when we are facing challenging situations.
God's promises are trustworthy: The angel promised Hagar that her descendants would be too numerous to count, and this promise was fulfilled when Ishmael became the father of a great nation.
Obedience leads to blessings: The angel instructed Hagar to return to her mistress and submit to her, and Hagar obeyed. As a result, she was blessed with a son and became the mother of a great nation.
God is present even in the midst of our struggles: Hagar recognized that God had seen her and cared for her, even in the midst of her difficult circumstances. This is a reminder that God is present with us even in the midst of our struggles and challenges.
Undesigned coincidence in Genesis 16:7-14
In Genesis 16:7-14, the angel of the Lord finds Hagar by a spring of water in the wilderness and tells her to return to her mistress and submit to her. The angel also tells Hagar that her son will be named Ishmael and that he will be a wild donkey of a man, living in hostility toward all his brothers. Hagar then calls the Lord who spoke to her "the God who sees," saying that she has seen Him and that He has seen her. The undesigned coincidence involves an apparent reference to this event in Genesis 21:14-19, when Hagar and her son are sent away from Abraham's household by Sarah. After running out of water in the wilderness, Hagar puts Ishmael under a bush and moves away from him, unable to bear seeing him die. In verse 17, the angel of the Lord appears to Hagar and asks her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there."
The coincidence lies in the fact that the angel's words to Hagar in Genesis 21:17, "God has heard the boy crying as he lies there," seem to explain why Hagar called the Lord "the God who sees" in Genesis 16:13. In other words, Hagar's name for God in Genesis 16:13 makes sense in light of the angel's statement in Genesis 21:17, which suggests that God had indeed seen and heard Ishmael's distress in the wilderness. This coincidence suggests that the events described in both passages are historically accurate and were not fabricated or invented later on.
Genesis 18:1-2
"The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground."
What was the mission of the angel?
These three men were angels sent by God to deliver an important message to Abraham and Sarah.
To confirm God's promise: The angels came to confirm the promise that God had made to Abraham and Sarah about having a son in their old age. The angels told Abraham that Sarah would have a son, which reassured them of God's faithfulness.
To bring judgment: The angels also came to bring judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were wicked and had angered God. The angels informed Abraham of God's plans to destroy the cities, and Abraham interceded on behalf of the righteous people who lived there.
To provide hospitality: The angels allowed themselves to be welcomed by Abraham and Sarah and received their hospitality. In this way, the angels also modeled for Abraham and Sarah the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to others.
References in the Bible to Genesis 18:1-2
Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." This passage is often interpreted as a reference to the visitation of the angels to Abraham in Genesis 18.
Genesis 19:1 - "The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city." This passage describes the arrival of the two angels to Sodom, which is believed to be the same two angels who visited Abraham in Genesis 18.
Luke 24:4 - "While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them." This passage describes the appearance of two angels at the tomb of Jesus after His resurrection, and the phrase "two men" is often interpreted as a reference to the two angels who visited Abraham in Genesis 18.
These references suggest that the visitation of the LORD and two angels to Abraham in Genesis 18 is an important and memorable event in the Bible, and that it is often used as a symbol of God's presence and grace.
Genesis 18:16-22
"When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the Lord said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.' Then the Lord said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.' The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood before the Lord."
What was the mission of the angel?
In Genesis 18:16-22, the function of the angel is to deliver a message of judgment to Abraham regarding the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The three men who appeared to Abraham in the previous verses were actually angels, and one of them stayed behind to speak with Abraham while the other two went on to Sodom.
The angel's function in this passage was to inform Abraham of God's plan to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness. The angel shared with Abraham the outcry against the cities and how their sin had become so great that it had reached God's ears.
Abraham then interceded on behalf of the righteous people who might be living in those cities, asking if God would spare the cities if there were just 50 righteous people in them. The angel agreed, and Abraham continued to bargain down the number until he asked if God would spare the cities if there were only ten righteous people in them.
The angel's function in this passage was therefore to convey God's plan of judgment, as well as to allow Abraham the opportunity to intercede and appeal for mercy on behalf of the righteous people who might be living in those cities. Ultimately, the angel's message confirmed the righteousness of God's judgment and also showed the importance of intercessory prayer.
Lessons:
The seriousness of sin: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning about the seriousness of sin and the consequences that can result from a society's moral decay.
God's mercy and justice: While God was just in His decision to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, He also showed mercy to those who were righteous. This demonstrates that God is both just and merciful.
The power of intercessory prayer: Abraham's intercession on behalf of the righteous people in the cities serves as a powerful example of the importance of prayer and the role it can play in God's plans and purposes.
The need for righteousness: The story emphasizes the importance of righteousness and the fact that God will spare the righteous from judgment. It encourages us to strive for righteousness in our own lives and to pray for the righteousness of others.
God's desire for relationship: The fact that God engaged in conversation with Abraham and allowed him to intercede on behalf of the cities shows God's desire for relationship and communication with His people.
References:
Genesis 19:1-29 - This passage describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot and his family by the two angels.
2 Peter 2:6-8 - "if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—" This passage references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot, highlighting the righteousness of Lot and the consequences of ungodliness.
Luke 17:28-29 - "It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all." This passage references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the warning to be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man.
These references highlight the importance of righteousness and the consequences of sin, as well as the mercy and justice of God. They also demonstrate how events and themes in the Bible are often interconnected and build upon each other to convey a message of faith and salvation.
Genesis 19:1-22
"The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 'My lords,' he said, 'please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.' 'No,' they answered, 'we will spend the night in the square.' But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.' Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, 'No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never
What was the mission of the angel?
In Genesis 19:1-22, the mission of the two angels who visited Lot in Sodom was to deliver a message of judgment and rescue Lot and his family from the destruction of the city. The angels arrived in Sodom to investigate the city's wickedness and see if there were any righteous people there. Lot, Abraham's nephew, welcomed the angels into his home and offered them hospitality, as was customary in that culture. However, the men of the city soon discovered the presence of the angels and demanded that Lot send them out so that they could have sex with them. Lot, in an attempt to protect the angels, offered his own daughters to the men instead, but they refused and tried to force their way into Lot's home. At this point, the angels intervened and struck the men with blindness, preventing them from entering the house. The angels then urged Lot and his family to flee the city before it was destroyed. The angels' function in this passage was therefore to deliver a message of judgment on the city of Sodom and to rescue Lot and his family from destruction. They also demonstrated God's mercy by providing a way of escape for Lot and his family. The story of the angels in Genesis 19:1-22 also serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of following God's commands. It shows that God will not tolerate wickedness forever and that there are consequences for our actions. At the same time, it demonstrates God's mercy and grace, as He provided a way of escape for Lot and his family.
Lessons:
The consequences of sin: The story highlights the devastating consequences of sin and the way it can lead to destruction. The city of Sodom was destroyed because of its wickedness and refusal to turn away from its sinful practices.
The importance of hospitality: The story emphasizes the importance of hospitality and the value of welcoming strangers into our homes. Lot's decision to offer hospitality to the angels, despite the risks involved, showed his generosity and kindness.
The power of prayer: Lot's decision to pray to God for help when he was in trouble demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of relying on God in difficult situations.
The consequences of compromise: Lot's decision to offer his daughters to the men of the city rather than allow harm to come to his guests shows the dangers of compromise and the compromises we make when we try to avoid difficult situations.
The importance of obedience: The story highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. Lot's wife looked back when she was told not to and was turned into a pillar of salt as a result.
The story serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of living a righteous life. It also highlights the importance of showing kindness and hospitality to others, relying on God in difficult situations, and obeying His commands.
References:
There are several other parts of the Bible that reference Genesis 19:1-22, which describes the visitation of the two angels to Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah:
2 Peter 2:4-10 - This passage references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of the judgment that will come upon the ungodly, and mentions Lot as a righteous man who was rescued from the destruction.
Jude 1:7 - "In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire." This passage also references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of the judgment that will come upon the ungodly.
Luke 17:28-29 - "It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all." This passage references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the warning to be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 10:15 - "Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town." This passage references the judgment that will come upon those who reject the message of the Gospel, and compares it to the judgment that came upon Sodom and Gomorrah.
These references highlight the consequences of sin and the importance of righteousness and repentance. They also demonstrate how events and themes in the Bible are often interconnected and build upon each other to convey a message of faith and salvation.
Genesis 21:17
"God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.'"
The mission of the angel was to provide comfort, assurance, and guidance to Hagar and her son Ishmael, who had been sent away by Abraham at the urging of his wife Sarah. Hagar and her son were wandering in the desert with limited provisions when they ran out of water. In her distress, Hagar placed her son under a bush and went a distance away so she wouldn't have to watch him die of thirst. It was at this point that the angel of God appeared to her and spoke to her. The angel comforted Hagar by telling her not to be afraid and promising to make a great nation from her son Ishmael. The angel also provided guidance by telling Hagar where to find water to save her son's life. The function of the angel in this passage, therefore, was to provide comfort and assurance to Hagar in her distress and to guide her and her son to safety. The story highlights God's compassion and concern for even the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society and serves as a reminder that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments.
Lessons:
God's compassion for the vulnerable: The story highlights God's compassion and concern for even the most vulnerable members of society. Hagar and Ishmael were outcasts, having been sent away by Abraham and Sarah, but God saw their plight and intervened to save them.
The importance of trusting in God: Hagar's distress at the prospect of her son dying of thirst in the desert is understandable, but she trusted in God's promise to make a great nation from her son and was rewarded with the guidance she needed to save his life. The story reminds us of the importance of trusting in God and His promises, even when our circumstances seem dire.
The consequences of human actions: The story also serves as a reminder of the consequences of human actions. Hagar and Ishmael were sent away by Abraham and Sarah due to their own actions, but God still intervened to save them. This highlights the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and being mindful of their impact on others.
The power of prayer: The story emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of turning to God in times of need. Hagar's distress led her to cry out to God, and He answered her prayers by sending the angel to comfort and guide her.
The story teaches us about God's compassion, the importance of trusting in Him, taking responsibility for our actions, and the power of prayer. It also serves as a reminder that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments.
Genesis 22:11-12
"But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, 'Abraham! Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied. 'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' he said. 'Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.'"
In Genesis 22:11-12, the angel's mission or task was to stop Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac on the altar. When Abraham was about to kill his son as a sacrifice to God, the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And Abraham responded, "Here I am."
The angel then said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." The angel's task was to intervene and prevent Abraham from completing the act of sacrificing his son, and to confirm Abraham's faith and obedience to God.
Lessons:
Obedience to God: Abraham's willingness to obey God's command, even when it was difficult and seemed to contradict God's promise to make his descendants into a great nation through Isaac, shows the importance of trusting and obeying God's will.
Faith: Abraham's faith in God's goodness and power is evident in his willingness to offer his son as a sacrifice. He trusted that God would provide for him and keep his promises, even if it meant sacrificing something precious to him.
Provision: God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac, demonstrating his provision and faithfulness to those who trust and obey him.
Sacrifice: The story also teaches about the concept of sacrifice, that sometimes we must give up something we love or value in order to honor God and follow his will.
Was it evil by god to ask Abraham to sacrifice his son?
There is debate among scholars and theologians about whether God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac was evil. However, it is important to note that the story does not present God as commanding Abraham to actually sacrifice Isaac, but rather as testing Abraham's faith and obedience. In the story, God tests Abraham by asking him to offer his son as a sacrifice, but at the last moment, God intervenes and provides a ram as a substitute. The purpose of the test was to demonstrate Abraham's willingness to obey God, even when it meant sacrificing something precious to him. The story should be understood within the cultural and historical context in which it was written. Child sacrifice was a common practice in many ancient cultures, but the story of Abraham and Isaac demonstrates a rejection of this practice and a recognition of the value of human life. The Bible emphasizes God's love and care for humanity and the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
Genesis 24:7
"The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father’s household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land'—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there."
In Genesis 24, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant asks Abraham about the possibility of the woman not wanting to come with him, and in verse 7, Abraham responds by saying, "The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land' - he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there." In this passage, the mission of the angel is to go before Abraham's servant to ensure that he successfully finds a wife for Isaac. The angel is sent by God to assist in this important task and to help ensure that Isaac's lineage and God's promise to Abraham are continued.
Lessons
Trust in God's plan: Abraham trusted in God's promise to give his offspring the land of Canaan. He knew that God would provide a wife for his son Isaac, and he had faith that everything would work out according to God's plan. We too can trust in God's plan for our lives and have faith that He will guide us in the right direction.
Prayer and discernment: Abraham's servant prayed to God for guidance and was discerning in his search for a wife for Isaac. He asked for specific signs to confirm that God had led him to the right woman. We too can pray and discern God's will for our lives, seeking His guidance in all our decisions.
Hospitality and kindness: Rebekah showed hospitality and kindness to Abraham's servant when he arrived in her town. She gave him water to drink and offered to water his camels as well. We too can show hospitality and kindness to others, even strangers, as a reflection of God's love and grace.
Faithfulness and commitment: Rebekah was willing to leave her family and her homeland to marry Isaac, demonstrating her faithfulness and commitment to God's plan. We too can be faithful and committed to God's plan for our lives, even if it means leaving our comfort zones or making sacrifices.
This episode highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan, praying for guidance, showing hospitality and kindness, and being faithful and committed to God's will for our lives.
References:
In Genesis 50:24, when Jacob was about to die, he reminded his sons of the promise that God had made to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac, saying, "God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
In Exodus 33:2, God reminded Moses of the promise he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give them the land of Canaan, saying, "I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites."
In 1 Chronicles 16:15-16, the psalmist recounts the story of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and how God had fulfilled that promise by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of Canaan.
In Nehemiah 9:7-8, the Levites who were leading the people in a prayer of confession and repentance before God recalled God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, "You are the Lord God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Girgashites."
Genesis 24:40
"He replied, 'The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father’s family.'"
Mission
In Genesis 24:40, the mission of the angel was to guide and bless Abraham's servant in finding a wife for Isaac. The angel was sent by God to ensure that the servant would find the right woman who would become Isaac's wife and continue the lineage of Abraham's family. The angel's mission included providing divine guidance and protection to the servant during his journey to find a suitable wife for Isaac. Through the angel's guidance and blessing, the servant was able to successfully fulfill his mission and bring back Rebekah as Isaac's wife.
Faith in God's guidance: Abraham's servant trusted in God's guidance to find a wife for Isaac, and the angel's guidance proved instrumental in the success of his mission. The story encourages us to have faith in God's guidance in our lives, trusting that He will provide direction and protection as we seek to fulfill our missions and purpose.
Prayer and discernment: The servant's prayer and discernment in seeking a wife for Isaac demonstrates the importance of seeking God's wisdom and discernment in our decision-making processes. We can learn from the servant's example and seek God's guidance through prayer and seeking His will in our decisions.
God's faithfulness: Throughout the story, God's faithfulness is evident in the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham to bless his family and provide a wife for Isaac. This encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness in our lives, even when circumstances may seem uncertain or challenging.
Honesty and integrity: The servant's honesty and integrity in his dealings with Rebekah and her family demonstrate the importance of integrity and honesty in our relationships with others. We can learn from the servant's example and strive to maintain honesty and integrity in all of our interactions with others.
Lesson:
The lesson that can be learned from Genesis 24:40 is about the importance of honoring and blessing those who do good for us or for others. In this verse, Rebekah's family is not only welcoming the servant into their home, but they are also expressing their gratitude for the good things he has done for them. By blessing Rebekah and her future offspring, they are showing appreciation for the servant's efforts and acknowledging the role he played in bringing Isaac and Rebekah together. In our own lives, it's important to recognize and acknowledge those who do good for us or for others. By expressing our gratitude and offering blessings, we not only show our appreciation but we also contribute to a positive and supportive community. This lesson reminds us that kindness and generosity can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.
There are no direct references to Genesis 24:40 in the Bible, but there are other verses that speak to the importance of showing gratitude and honoring those who do good for us. Here are a few examples:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." This verse speaks to the importance of acknowledging and honoring those who work hard and care for us in the Lord. It emphasizes the need for gratitude and respect in our relationships with others.
Proverbs 3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." This verse speaks to the importance of doing good for others and not withholding kindness or help when it is in our power to provide it. It reminds us that showing gratitude and honoring others should be a two-way street.
Romans 13:7: "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." This verse emphasizes the importance of giving honor and respect where it is due. It reminds us that we should honor and respect those who have helped us or who have earned our respect in some way.
Genesis 28:12
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Mission:
In Genesis 28:12, Jacob had left his home and was traveling to a place called Haran. While he was sleeping with his head on a stone, he had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven.
The angels in Jacob's dream were not assigned a specific mission or job, but rather were serving as messengers and mediators between God and Jacob. The stairway in the dream represented a connection between heaven and earth, and the angels were using it to travel between the two realms. The dream was a way for God to communicate with Jacob and to reassure him that He was with him and would protect him on his journey.
So, the job of the angel in Genesis 28:12 was to serve as a messenger between God and Jacob, to provide comfort and reassurance, and to facilitate communication between the divine realm and the earthly realm.
Lesson:
In Genesis 28:12, we read about Jacob's dream where he saw a ladder extending from the earth to the heavens, with angels ascending and descending on it. This dream is significant because it represents God's promise to Jacob that He will be with him and protect him, wherever he goes. One lesson that can be learned from this passage is the importance of faith and trust in God. Despite Jacob's difficult circumstances and his own flaws, he still had faith that God would fulfill His promises to him. This faith enabled him to persevere through trials and tribulations and ultimately led to God's blessings in his life. Additionally, the ladder in Jacob's dream can be seen as a symbol of the bridge between heaven and earth, and the importance of connecting with God in prayer and worship. Just as the angels ascended and descended on the ladder, we too can connect with God through prayer and worship, seeking His guidance and direction in our lives. Overall, the lesson from Genesis 28:12 is to trust in God's promises and to seek Him through prayer and worship, recognizing that He is always with us and will guide us through life's challenges.
References:
John 1:51 - In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Nathanael and says, "Very truly I tell you, you will see 'heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on' the Son of Man." Jesus is referencing Jacob's dream as a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth that he himself embodies.
Hebrews 1:14 - This verse says, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" This verse implies that the angels in Jacob's dream were serving as ministering spirits to him, providing him with comfort and reassurance.
Genesis 32:1-2 - In this passage, Jacob is returning home to Canaan after many years away, and he has another encounter with angels: "Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, 'This is the camp of God!' So he named that place Mahanaim." This passage shows that Jacob had a continued awareness and appreciation for the role that angels played in his life, even after the dream in Genesis 28.
Genesis 32:1-2
"Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, 'This is the camp of God!' So he named that place Mahanaim."
In Genesis 32:1-2, Jacob is returning home to Canaan after many years away, and he has an encounter with angels. The Bible does not provide a specific mission or job for the angels in this encounter. However, the fact that they met Jacob on his journey home and were identified as "the angels of God" suggests that they were sent by God to provide him with protection, guidance, and reassurance. The encounter with the angels would have been significant to Jacob, as it was a reminder that God was with him and watching over him. Naming the place "Mahanaim," which means "two camps" or "two armies," further emphasizes the idea of divine protection and support in the face of potential danger or conflict. So, while the Bible does not provide a specific mission or job for the angels in this verse, it is likely that their purpose was to serve as messengers and instruments of God's protection and guidance for Jacob on his journey.
Lesson:
The encounter between Jacob and the angels in Genesis 32:1-2 teaches us several important lessons:
God is always with us: The fact that the angels of God met Jacob on his journey home is a reminder that God is always with us, even in the midst of difficult and challenging circumstances. No matter what we face in life, we can be assured that God is watching over us and providing us with protection and guidance.
We can find comfort in the presence of God: Jacob was comforted and reassured by the presence of the angels of God. In the same way, we can find comfort and peace in knowing that God is with us and that we are never alone.
God's protection is powerful: The naming of the place "Mahanaim," which means "two camps" or "two armies," emphasizes the idea of divine protection and support in the face of potential danger or conflict. We can trust that God's protection is powerful and that He will go to great lengths to keep us safe.
We should be grateful for God's protection and guidance: Jacob's naming of the place "Mahanaim" is an act of gratitude and recognition of God's protection and guidance. We too should be grateful for the ways in which God protects and guides us, and should express our gratitude through prayer and worship.
References:
Hosea 12:3-4 - In this passage, the prophet Hosea refers to Jacob's encounter with the angel and his subsequent wrestling match with God: "In the womb he [Jacob] grasped his brother’s heel; as a man he struggled with God. He struggled with the angel and overcame him; he wept and begged for his favor." This passage emphasizes Jacob's persistence in seeking God's favor and blessing, even in the face of struggle and adversity.
Hebrews 1:14 - This verse says, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" This verse implies that the angels who met Jacob in Genesis 32:1-2 were serving as ministering spirits to him, providing him with comfort and reassurance.
Psalm 34:7 - This verse says, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." This verse emphasizes the idea of divine protection, which is also evident in Jacob's encounter with the angels.
Acts 12:7 - In this passage, the apostle Peter is imprisoned and awaiting trial, when "suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists." This passage shows how angels continued to play a role in God's work throughout history, including in the New Testament era.
These references demonstrate the significance of Jacob's encounter with the angels in Genesis 32:1-2, and show how it is connected to other stories and themes throughout the Bible.
Exodus
Exodus 3:2-6
"There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God."
Mission:
In Exodus 3:2-6, an angel is not mentioned as having a specific mission or job. Instead, it is Moses who encounters the Angel of the Lord in the form of a burning bush while he was tending to his father-in-law's flock in the wilderness.
According to the passage, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and God spoke to Moses from the midst of the fire. The purpose of the encounter was to commission Moses as God's chosen instrument to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt and to lead them to the Promised Land.
During their conversation, God revealed to Moses His divine name "I AM WHO I AM" and instructed him to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go. Therefore, the mission of the encounter was to prepare Moses for his role as the leader and deliverer of the Israelites and to convey God's message to him through the Angel of the Lord.
Lessons:
Firstly, it teaches us that God can use anyone for His purposes, even someone like Moses who had a troubled past and lacked confidence in his abilities.
Secondly, the passage demonstrates God's compassion and concern for His people. Despite the Israelites' disobedience and unbelief, God did not abandon them but instead chose to intervene and deliver them from their bondage.
Thirdly, the passage teaches us about the character of God. When Moses asked for God's name, God revealed Himself as "I AM WHO I AM," which indicates His self-existence, eternality, and faithfulness.
Finally, the encounter between Moses and the Angel of the Lord highlights the importance of obedience to God's call. Moses initially hesitated to obey God's command to go to Pharaoh, but eventually, he trusted in God's promises and led the Israelites out of Egypt. This teaches us that we must trust in God's leading and obey His commands, even if they seem difficult or challenging.
References:
Exodus 3:2-6 is a well-known passage in the Bible, and there are several other verses in the Bible that refer to this event or allude to its significance. Here are a few examples:
In Mark 12:26-27, Jesus references the burning bush when He was answering a question about the resurrection. He says, "But about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!"
In Acts 7:30-34, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, refers to the burning bush in his defense before the Jewish leaders. He says, "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.'"
In Hebrews 11:24-26, the author of Hebrews references Moses' encounter with the burning bush as an example of faith. The author says, "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward."
Exodus 14:19
"Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them,"
Mission
This verse describes the movement of the angel of God and the pillar of cloud from the front of the Israelites to behind them as they fled from the pursuing Egyptian army after crossing the Red Sea. It is possible that the mission of the angel was to guide and protect the Israelites as they made their escape. However, the text does not provide any further details about the angel's mission or purpose.
Lesson
This verse comes from the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt, which is a well-known story in the Bible. The lesson that can be learned from this verse is that God is always with us and will guide us even in difficult and challenging situations.
In this particular verse, the Israelites were being pursued by the Egyptian army and were trapped between the Red Sea and their enemies. The angel of God and the pillar of cloud moved to stand behind the Israelites, providing protection and guidance for them. This is a powerful reminder that God is always with us, and even in our darkest moments, He is there to guide and protect us.
Furthermore, this verse also teaches us that we should trust in God and have faith in His plan for our lives. The Israelites could have easily panicked and lost hope when they were trapped between the Red Sea and their enemies, but instead, they trusted in God and His plan for their deliverance. As a result, they were able to cross the Red Sea and escape from their pursuers.
In summary, Exodus 14:19 teaches us that God is always with us, and we should trust in His guidance and have faith in His plan for our lives, even in the face of difficult and challenging circumstances.
References
Psalm 77:19-20: "Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron."
Isaiah 63:11-14: "Then he remembered the days of old, of Moses and his people. Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is he who put his Holy Spirit in the midst of them, who caused his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name, who led them through the depths? Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble. Like livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest. So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name."
1 Corinthians 10:1-2: "For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea."
Revelation 15:2-3: "And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, 'Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!'"
Jude 1:5: "Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe."
Exodus 23:20-23
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out."
Mission
The mission of the angel referred to is to guide and protect the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land. God promised to send an angel ahead of them to guard them on the way and bring them to the place that He had prepared. The Israelites were instructed to pay attention to the angel and listen to what he said, and not rebel against him, because God's name was in him.
The mission of the angel was to lead the Israelites to victory over their enemies, the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and to wipe them out, as God had promised to do for His people. The angel's guidance and protection were essential to the success of the Israelites' journey, and they were to trust and obey the angel's words as if they were the very words of God.
Lesson:
God sends His angels to guard and guide us, and we should listen to their counsel and follow God's commands. The passage also emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises.
In this passage, God promises to send an angel ahead of the Israelites to guide and protect them on their journey to the land He had prepared for them. God instructs the Israelites to pay attention to the angel and to listen to his words, for he speaks with the authority of God. God warns the Israelites not to rebel against the angel, for he will not forgive their rebellion, as God's name is in him.
The passage also contains a promise from God that if the Israelites listen carefully to the angel's words and obey God's commands, He will be an enemy to their enemies and oppose those who oppose them. God assures the Israelites that His angel will go ahead of them and bring them to the land of their enemies, and that He will wipe them out.
In summary, Exodus 23:20-23 teaches us to trust in God's promises and guidance, and to listen to the counsel of His angels. The passage emphasizes the importance of obedience and warns us against rebellion, for disobedience can lead to consequences. Overall, the passage encourages us to have faith in God's plan for our lives and to follow His commands.
References:
Joshua 5:13-15: "When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us, or for our adversaries?' And he said, 'No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, 'What does my lord say to his servant?' And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so."
Psalm 78:52-53: "But he led out his people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies."
Acts 7:30-32: "Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.' And Moses trembled and did not dare to look."
Hebrews 11:28-29: "By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned."
Revelation 14:6-7: "Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.'"
Exodus 32:34
"Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”
Mission:
In this passage, the mission of the angel is again to guide and protect the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. God instructs Moses to lead the people to the place He had spoken of, and God promises to send His angel before them. The angel's mission was to guide and protect the Israelites from harm and ensure that they arrived safely at their destination.
However, it is important to note that in this passage, God also warns Moses that when the time comes for Him to punish the Israelites for their sin, He will do so. The mission of the angel in this case does not include preventing God from punishing the Israelites, but rather to guide and protect them until that time comes.
Lesson:
The lesson that can be learned from this verse is that God is just and righteous, and sin will not go unpunished. The verse also teaches us the importance of repentance and turning away from sin.
In this verse, God commands Moses to lead the people to the place He had spoken of, and promises that His angel will go before them. However, God also warns that when the time comes for Him to punish, He will punish them for their sin. This serves as a reminder that God's justice is perfect and sin will not go unpunished.
The verse also teaches us about the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. Although God warns of punishment, He also provides a way for the people to avoid it by turning away from their sinful ways and following His commands. In this way, the verse encourages us to recognize our sins and to turn away from them, seeking forgiveness and following God's ways.
In summary, Exodus 32:34 teaches us about God's justice and the consequences of sin, while also emphasizing the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. The verse encourages us to seek forgiveness and to follow God's ways, recognizing that He is just and righteous in all His ways.
References:
Exodus 33:2: "I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites."
Numbers 14:40-44: "And they rose early in the morning and went up to the heights of the hill country, saying, 'Here we are. We will go up to the place that the Lord has promised, for we have sinned.' But Moses said, 'Why now are you transgressing the commandment of the Lord, when that will not succeed? Do not go up, for the Lord is not among you, lest you be struck down before your enemies. For there the Amalekites and the Canaanites are facing you, and you shall fall by the sword. Because you have turned back from following the Lord, the Lord will not be with you.'"
Psalm 78:38-39: "Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again."
Amos 5:18-20: "Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! Why would you have the day of the Lord? It is darkness, and not light, as if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall, and a serpent bit him. Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?"
Hebrews 10:30-31: "For we know him who said, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay.' And again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Genesis
Genesis 3:24
"After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." Cherubim are sometimes understood as angelic beings, although their exact nature is not fully clear.
Mission:
The beings referred to as cherubim are often understood to have been angelic beings. Their mission/task in this passage was to guard the way to the tree of life after Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:24 says, "After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." The cherubim's task was to ensure that Adam and Eve did not re-enter the garden and eat from the tree of life, which would grant them immortality. By guarding the way to the tree of life, the cherubim were fulfilling God's command and preventing humans from accessing the tree and the immortality it offered.
Lesson:
The episode in Genesis 3, which includes the mention of the cherubim, teaches several important lessons. One key lesson is the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden and lost access to the tree of life because they disobeyed God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The cherubim's task of guarding the way to the tree of life underscores the gravity of their disobedience and the importance of following God's commands. Another lesson that can be drawn from this episode is the reality of sin and its impact on humanity. The fall of humanity described in Genesis 3 is the origin of sin in the world, which has had far-reaching consequences for all of humanity. The cherubim's task of guarding the way to the tree of life serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of sin and the need for repentance and redemption. Finally, the episode in Genesis 3 underscores the mercy of God. Despite Adam and Eve's disobedience, God provides them with clothing and promises a future deliverance from the effects of sin. The mention of the cherubim guarding the way to the tree of life reminds us of God's mercy in limiting the consequences of humanity's sin and offering a path toward redemption.
References:
There are a few other verses in the Bible that refer back to the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden as described in Genesis 3:24. Here are a few examples:
Revelation 2:7: "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." This verse refers to the "tree of life" mentioned in Genesis 3:24, but it also speaks of a future time when believers will be able to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.
Ezekiel 28:14-16: "You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones." This passage is not directly related to Genesis 3:24, but it does mention the role of the "guardian cherub" and could be seen as an allusion to the story of Adam and Eve.
Hebrews 9:24: "For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence." This verse speaks of Christ's entrance into heaven, which could be seen as a parallel to the cherubim guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden. Just as the cherubim prevented Adam and Eve from returning to the garden, Christ's entrance into heaven paves the way for believers to enter into God's presence.
Genesis 16:7-14
"The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, 'Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?' 'I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,' she answered. Then the angel of the Lord told her, 'Go back to your mistress and submit to her.' The angel added, 'I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.' The angel of the Lord also said to her: 'You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.' She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.'"
What was the task/mission of the angel?
In Genesis 16:7-14, the function of the angel of the Lord was to provide guidance, comfort, and assurance to Hagar, who was fleeing from her mistress Sarai, the wife of Abram. The angel instructed Hagar to return to her mistress and submit to her, and promised that her descendants would be numerous. The angel also revealed to Hagar that she would give birth to a son and instructed her to name him Ishmael. The angel's message to Hagar shows that God was watching over her and had a plan for her and her future child, despite her difficult circumstances. The encounter with the angel also resulted in Hagar's recognition of God's presence and care in her life.
What lesson can be drawn from this episode?
God sees and cares for the oppressed: Hagar was a slave who had been mistreated by her mistress Sarai. However, God saw her plight and sent an angel to comfort and guide her.
God has a plan for each of us: Despite Hagar's difficult circumstances, the angel revealed to her that she would give birth to a son and that her descendants would be numerous. This shows that God has a plan for each of us, even when we are facing challenging situations.
God's promises are trustworthy: The angel promised Hagar that her descendants would be too numerous to count, and this promise was fulfilled when Ishmael became the father of a great nation.
Obedience leads to blessings: The angel instructed Hagar to return to her mistress and submit to her, and Hagar obeyed. As a result, she was blessed with a son and became the mother of a great nation.
God is present even in the midst of our struggles: Hagar recognized that God had seen her and cared for her, even in the midst of her difficult circumstances. This is a reminder that God is present with us even in the midst of our struggles and challenges.
Undesigned coincidence in Genesis 16:7-14
In Genesis 16:7-14, the angel of the Lord finds Hagar by a spring of water in the wilderness and tells her to return to her mistress and submit to her. The angel also tells Hagar that her son will be named Ishmael and that he will be a wild donkey of a man, living in hostility toward all his brothers. Hagar then calls the Lord who spoke to her "the God who sees," saying that she has seen Him and that He has seen her. The undesigned coincidence involves an apparent reference to this event in Genesis 21:14-19, when Hagar and her son are sent away from Abraham's household by Sarah. After running out of water in the wilderness, Hagar puts Ishmael under a bush and moves away from him, unable to bear seeing him die. In verse 17, the angel of the Lord appears to Hagar and asks her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there."
The coincidence lies in the fact that the angel's words to Hagar in Genesis 21:17, "God has heard the boy crying as he lies there," seem to explain why Hagar called the Lord "the God who sees" in Genesis 16:13. In other words, Hagar's name for God in Genesis 16:13 makes sense in light of the angel's statement in Genesis 21:17, which suggests that God had indeed seen and heard Ishmael's distress in the wilderness. This coincidence suggests that the events described in both passages are historically accurate and were not fabricated or invented later on.
Genesis 18:1-2
"The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground."
What was the mission of the angel?
These three men were angels sent by God to deliver an important message to Abraham and Sarah.
To confirm God's promise: The angels came to confirm the promise that God had made to Abraham and Sarah about having a son in their old age. The angels told Abraham that Sarah would have a son, which reassured them of God's faithfulness.
To bring judgment: The angels also came to bring judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were wicked and had angered God. The angels informed Abraham of God's plans to destroy the cities, and Abraham interceded on behalf of the righteous people who lived there.
To provide hospitality: The angels allowed themselves to be welcomed by Abraham and Sarah and received their hospitality. In this way, the angels also modeled for Abraham and Sarah the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to others.
References in the Bible to Genesis 18:1-2
Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." This passage is often interpreted as a reference to the visitation of the angels to Abraham in Genesis 18.
Genesis 19:1 - "The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city." This passage describes the arrival of the two angels to Sodom, which is believed to be the same two angels who visited Abraham in Genesis 18.
Luke 24:4 - "While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them." This passage describes the appearance of two angels at the tomb of Jesus after His resurrection, and the phrase "two men" is often interpreted as a reference to the two angels who visited Abraham in Genesis 18.
These references suggest that the visitation of the LORD and two angels to Abraham in Genesis 18 is an important and memorable event in the Bible, and that it is often used as a symbol of God's presence and grace.
Genesis 18:16-22
"When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the Lord said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.' Then the Lord said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.' The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood before the Lord."
What was the mission of the angel?
In Genesis 18:16-22, the function of the angel is to deliver a message of judgment to Abraham regarding the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The three men who appeared to Abraham in the previous verses were actually angels, and one of them stayed behind to speak with Abraham while the other two went on to Sodom.
The angel's function in this passage was to inform Abraham of God's plan to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness. The angel shared with Abraham the outcry against the cities and how their sin had become so great that it had reached God's ears.
Abraham then interceded on behalf of the righteous people who might be living in those cities, asking if God would spare the cities if there were just 50 righteous people in them. The angel agreed, and Abraham continued to bargain down the number until he asked if God would spare the cities if there were only ten righteous people in them.
The angel's function in this passage was therefore to convey God's plan of judgment, as well as to allow Abraham the opportunity to intercede and appeal for mercy on behalf of the righteous people who might be living in those cities. Ultimately, the angel's message confirmed the righteousness of God's judgment and also showed the importance of intercessory prayer.
Lessons:
The seriousness of sin: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning about the seriousness of sin and the consequences that can result from a society's moral decay.
God's mercy and justice: While God was just in His decision to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, He also showed mercy to those who were righteous. This demonstrates that God is both just and merciful.
The power of intercessory prayer: Abraham's intercession on behalf of the righteous people in the cities serves as a powerful example of the importance of prayer and the role it can play in God's plans and purposes.
The need for righteousness: The story emphasizes the importance of righteousness and the fact that God will spare the righteous from judgment. It encourages us to strive for righteousness in our own lives and to pray for the righteousness of others.
God's desire for relationship: The fact that God engaged in conversation with Abraham and allowed him to intercede on behalf of the cities shows God's desire for relationship and communication with His people.
References:
Genesis 19:1-29 - This passage describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot and his family by the two angels.
2 Peter 2:6-8 - "if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—" This passage references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot, highlighting the righteousness of Lot and the consequences of ungodliness.
Luke 17:28-29 - "It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all." This passage references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the warning to be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man.
These references highlight the importance of righteousness and the consequences of sin, as well as the mercy and justice of God. They also demonstrate how events and themes in the Bible are often interconnected and build upon each other to convey a message of faith and salvation.
Genesis 19:1-22
"The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 'My lords,' he said, 'please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.' 'No,' they answered, 'we will spend the night in the square.' But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.' Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, 'No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never
What was the mission of the angel?
In Genesis 19:1-22, the mission of the two angels who visited Lot in Sodom was to deliver a message of judgment and rescue Lot and his family from the destruction of the city. The angels arrived in Sodom to investigate the city's wickedness and see if there were any righteous people there. Lot, Abraham's nephew, welcomed the angels into his home and offered them hospitality, as was customary in that culture. However, the men of the city soon discovered the presence of the angels and demanded that Lot send them out so that they could have sex with them. Lot, in an attempt to protect the angels, offered his own daughters to the men instead, but they refused and tried to force their way into Lot's home. At this point, the angels intervened and struck the men with blindness, preventing them from entering the house. The angels then urged Lot and his family to flee the city before it was destroyed. The angels' function in this passage was therefore to deliver a message of judgment on the city of Sodom and to rescue Lot and his family from destruction. They also demonstrated God's mercy by providing a way of escape for Lot and his family. The story of the angels in Genesis 19:1-22 also serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of following God's commands. It shows that God will not tolerate wickedness forever and that there are consequences for our actions. At the same time, it demonstrates God's mercy and grace, as He provided a way of escape for Lot and his family.
Lessons:
The consequences of sin: The story highlights the devastating consequences of sin and the way it can lead to destruction. The city of Sodom was destroyed because of its wickedness and refusal to turn away from its sinful practices.
The importance of hospitality: The story emphasizes the importance of hospitality and the value of welcoming strangers into our homes. Lot's decision to offer hospitality to the angels, despite the risks involved, showed his generosity and kindness.
The power of prayer: Lot's decision to pray to God for help when he was in trouble demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of relying on God in difficult situations.
The consequences of compromise: Lot's decision to offer his daughters to the men of the city rather than allow harm to come to his guests shows the dangers of compromise and the compromises we make when we try to avoid difficult situations.
The importance of obedience: The story highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. Lot's wife looked back when she was told not to and was turned into a pillar of salt as a result.
The story serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of living a righteous life. It also highlights the importance of showing kindness and hospitality to others, relying on God in difficult situations, and obeying His commands.
References:
There are several other parts of the Bible that reference Genesis 19:1-22, which describes the visitation of the two angels to Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah:
2 Peter 2:4-10 - This passage references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of the judgment that will come upon the ungodly, and mentions Lot as a righteous man who was rescued from the destruction.
Jude 1:7 - "In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire." This passage also references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of the judgment that will come upon the ungodly.
Luke 17:28-29 - "It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all." This passage references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the warning to be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 10:15 - "Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town." This passage references the judgment that will come upon those who reject the message of the Gospel, and compares it to the judgment that came upon Sodom and Gomorrah.
These references highlight the consequences of sin and the importance of righteousness and repentance. They also demonstrate how events and themes in the Bible are often interconnected and build upon each other to convey a message of faith and salvation.
Genesis 21:17
"God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.'"
The mission of the angel was to provide comfort, assurance, and guidance to Hagar and her son Ishmael, who had been sent away by Abraham at the urging of his wife Sarah. Hagar and her son were wandering in the desert with limited provisions when they ran out of water. In her distress, Hagar placed her son under a bush and went a distance away so she wouldn't have to watch him die of thirst. It was at this point that the angel of God appeared to her and spoke to her. The angel comforted Hagar by telling her not to be afraid and promising to make a great nation from her son Ishmael. The angel also provided guidance by telling Hagar where to find water to save her son's life. The function of the angel in this passage, therefore, was to provide comfort and assurance to Hagar in her distress and to guide her and her son to safety. The story highlights God's compassion and concern for even the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society and serves as a reminder that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments.
Lessons:
God's compassion for the vulnerable: The story highlights God's compassion and concern for even the most vulnerable members of society. Hagar and Ishmael were outcasts, having been sent away by Abraham and Sarah, but God saw their plight and intervened to save them.
The importance of trusting in God: Hagar's distress at the prospect of her son dying of thirst in the desert is understandable, but she trusted in God's promise to make a great nation from her son and was rewarded with the guidance she needed to save his life. The story reminds us of the importance of trusting in God and His promises, even when our circumstances seem dire.
The consequences of human actions: The story also serves as a reminder of the consequences of human actions. Hagar and Ishmael were sent away by Abraham and Sarah due to their own actions, but God still intervened to save them. This highlights the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and being mindful of their impact on others.
The power of prayer: The story emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of turning to God in times of need. Hagar's distress led her to cry out to God, and He answered her prayers by sending the angel to comfort and guide her.
The story teaches us about God's compassion, the importance of trusting in Him, taking responsibility for our actions, and the power of prayer. It also serves as a reminder that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments.
Genesis 22:11-12
"But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, 'Abraham! Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied. 'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' he said. 'Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.'"
In Genesis 22:11-12, the angel's mission or task was to stop Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac on the altar. When Abraham was about to kill his son as a sacrifice to God, the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And Abraham responded, "Here I am."
The angel then said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." The angel's task was to intervene and prevent Abraham from completing the act of sacrificing his son, and to confirm Abraham's faith and obedience to God.
Lessons:
Obedience to God: Abraham's willingness to obey God's command, even when it was difficult and seemed to contradict God's promise to make his descendants into a great nation through Isaac, shows the importance of trusting and obeying God's will.
Faith: Abraham's faith in God's goodness and power is evident in his willingness to offer his son as a sacrifice. He trusted that God would provide for him and keep his promises, even if it meant sacrificing something precious to him.
Provision: God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac, demonstrating his provision and faithfulness to those who trust and obey him.
Sacrifice: The story also teaches about the concept of sacrifice, that sometimes we must give up something we love or value in order to honor God and follow his will.
Was it evil by god to ask Abraham to sacrifice his son?
There is debate among scholars and theologians about whether God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac was evil. However, it is important to note that the story does not present God as commanding Abraham to actually sacrifice Isaac, but rather as testing Abraham's faith and obedience. In the story, God tests Abraham by asking him to offer his son as a sacrifice, but at the last moment, God intervenes and provides a ram as a substitute. The purpose of the test was to demonstrate Abraham's willingness to obey God, even when it meant sacrificing something precious to him. The story should be understood within the cultural and historical context in which it was written. Child sacrifice was a common practice in many ancient cultures, but the story of Abraham and Isaac demonstrates a rejection of this practice and a recognition of the value of human life. The Bible emphasizes God's love and care for humanity and the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
Genesis 24:7
"The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father’s household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land'—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there."
In Genesis 24, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant asks Abraham about the possibility of the woman not wanting to come with him, and in verse 7, Abraham responds by saying, "The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land' - he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there." In this passage, the mission of the angel is to go before Abraham's servant to ensure that he successfully finds a wife for Isaac. The angel is sent by God to assist in this important task and to help ensure that Isaac's lineage and God's promise to Abraham are continued.
Lessons
Trust in God's plan: Abraham trusted in God's promise to give his offspring the land of Canaan. He knew that God would provide a wife for his son Isaac, and he had faith that everything would work out according to God's plan. We too can trust in God's plan for our lives and have faith that He will guide us in the right direction.
Prayer and discernment: Abraham's servant prayed to God for guidance and was discerning in his search for a wife for Isaac. He asked for specific signs to confirm that God had led him to the right woman. We too can pray and discern God's will for our lives, seeking His guidance in all our decisions.
Hospitality and kindness: Rebekah showed hospitality and kindness to Abraham's servant when he arrived in her town. She gave him water to drink and offered to water his camels as well. We too can show hospitality and kindness to others, even strangers, as a reflection of God's love and grace.
Faithfulness and commitment: Rebekah was willing to leave her family and her homeland to marry Isaac, demonstrating her faithfulness and commitment to God's plan. We too can be faithful and committed to God's plan for our lives, even if it means leaving our comfort zones or making sacrifices.
This episode highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan, praying for guidance, showing hospitality and kindness, and being faithful and committed to God's will for our lives.
References:
In Genesis 50:24, when Jacob was about to die, he reminded his sons of the promise that God had made to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac, saying, "God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
In Exodus 33:2, God reminded Moses of the promise he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give them the land of Canaan, saying, "I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites."
In 1 Chronicles 16:15-16, the psalmist recounts the story of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and how God had fulfilled that promise by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of Canaan.
In Nehemiah 9:7-8, the Levites who were leading the people in a prayer of confession and repentance before God recalled God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, "You are the Lord God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Girgashites."
Genesis 24:40
"He replied, 'The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father’s family.'"
Mission
In Genesis 24:40, the mission of the angel was to guide and bless Abraham's servant in finding a wife for Isaac. The angel was sent by God to ensure that the servant would find the right woman who would become Isaac's wife and continue the lineage of Abraham's family. The angel's mission included providing divine guidance and protection to the servant during his journey to find a suitable wife for Isaac. Through the angel's guidance and blessing, the servant was able to successfully fulfill his mission and bring back Rebekah as Isaac's wife.
Faith in God's guidance: Abraham's servant trusted in God's guidance to find a wife for Isaac, and the angel's guidance proved instrumental in the success of his mission. The story encourages us to have faith in God's guidance in our lives, trusting that He will provide direction and protection as we seek to fulfill our missions and purpose.
Prayer and discernment: The servant's prayer and discernment in seeking a wife for Isaac demonstrates the importance of seeking God's wisdom and discernment in our decision-making processes. We can learn from the servant's example and seek God's guidance through prayer and seeking His will in our decisions.
God's faithfulness: Throughout the story, God's faithfulness is evident in the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham to bless his family and provide a wife for Isaac. This encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness in our lives, even when circumstances may seem uncertain or challenging.
Honesty and integrity: The servant's honesty and integrity in his dealings with Rebekah and her family demonstrate the importance of integrity and honesty in our relationships with others. We can learn from the servant's example and strive to maintain honesty and integrity in all of our interactions with others.
Lesson:
The lesson that can be learned from Genesis 24:40 is about the importance of honoring and blessing those who do good for us or for others. In this verse, Rebekah's family is not only welcoming the servant into their home, but they are also expressing their gratitude for the good things he has done for them. By blessing Rebekah and her future offspring, they are showing appreciation for the servant's efforts and acknowledging the role he played in bringing Isaac and Rebekah together. In our own lives, it's important to recognize and acknowledge those who do good for us or for others. By expressing our gratitude and offering blessings, we not only show our appreciation but we also contribute to a positive and supportive community. This lesson reminds us that kindness and generosity can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.
There are no direct references to Genesis 24:40 in the Bible, but there are other verses that speak to the importance of showing gratitude and honoring those who do good for us. Here are a few examples:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." This verse speaks to the importance of acknowledging and honoring those who work hard and care for us in the Lord. It emphasizes the need for gratitude and respect in our relationships with others.
Proverbs 3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." This verse speaks to the importance of doing good for others and not withholding kindness or help when it is in our power to provide it. It reminds us that showing gratitude and honoring others should be a two-way street.
Romans 13:7: "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." This verse emphasizes the importance of giving honor and respect where it is due. It reminds us that we should honor and respect those who have helped us or who have earned our respect in some way.
Genesis 28:12
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Mission:
In Genesis 28:12, Jacob had left his home and was traveling to a place called Haran. While he was sleeping with his head on a stone, he had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven.
The angels in Jacob's dream were not assigned a specific mission or job, but rather were serving as messengers and mediators between God and Jacob. The stairway in the dream represented a connection between heaven and earth, and the angels were using it to travel between the two realms. The dream was a way for God to communicate with Jacob and to reassure him that He was with him and would protect him on his journey.
So, the job of the angel in Genesis 28:12 was to serve as a messenger between God and Jacob, to provide comfort and reassurance, and to facilitate communication between the divine realm and the earthly realm.
Lesson:
In Genesis 28:12, we read about Jacob's dream where he saw a ladder extending from the earth to the heavens, with angels ascending and descending on it. This dream is significant because it represents God's promise to Jacob that He will be with him and protect him, wherever he goes. One lesson that can be learned from this passage is the importance of faith and trust in God. Despite Jacob's difficult circumstances and his own flaws, he still had faith that God would fulfill His promises to him. This faith enabled him to persevere through trials and tribulations and ultimately led to God's blessings in his life. Additionally, the ladder in Jacob's dream can be seen as a symbol of the bridge between heaven and earth, and the importance of connecting with God in prayer and worship. Just as the angels ascended and descended on the ladder, we too can connect with God through prayer and worship, seeking His guidance and direction in our lives. Overall, the lesson from Genesis 28:12 is to trust in God's promises and to seek Him through prayer and worship, recognizing that He is always with us and will guide us through life's challenges.
References:
John 1:51 - In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Nathanael and says, "Very truly I tell you, you will see 'heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on' the Son of Man." Jesus is referencing Jacob's dream as a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth that he himself embodies.
Hebrews 1:14 - This verse says, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" This verse implies that the angels in Jacob's dream were serving as ministering spirits to him, providing him with comfort and reassurance.
Genesis 32:1-2 - In this passage, Jacob is returning home to Canaan after many years away, and he has another encounter with angels: "Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, 'This is the camp of God!' So he named that place Mahanaim." This passage shows that Jacob had a continued awareness and appreciation for the role that angels played in his life, even after the dream in Genesis 28.
Genesis 32:1-2
"Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, 'This is the camp of God!' So he named that place Mahanaim."
In Genesis 32:1-2, Jacob is returning home to Canaan after many years away, and he has an encounter with angels. The Bible does not provide a specific mission or job for the angels in this encounter. However, the fact that they met Jacob on his journey home and were identified as "the angels of God" suggests that they were sent by God to provide him with protection, guidance, and reassurance. The encounter with the angels would have been significant to Jacob, as it was a reminder that God was with him and watching over him. Naming the place "Mahanaim," which means "two camps" or "two armies," further emphasizes the idea of divine protection and support in the face of potential danger or conflict. So, while the Bible does not provide a specific mission or job for the angels in this verse, it is likely that their purpose was to serve as messengers and instruments of God's protection and guidance for Jacob on his journey.
Lesson:
The encounter between Jacob and the angels in Genesis 32:1-2 teaches us several important lessons:
God is always with us: The fact that the angels of God met Jacob on his journey home is a reminder that God is always with us, even in the midst of difficult and challenging circumstances. No matter what we face in life, we can be assured that God is watching over us and providing us with protection and guidance.
We can find comfort in the presence of God: Jacob was comforted and reassured by the presence of the angels of God. In the same way, we can find comfort and peace in knowing that God is with us and that we are never alone.
God's protection is powerful: The naming of the place "Mahanaim," which means "two camps" or "two armies," emphasizes the idea of divine protection and support in the face of potential danger or conflict. We can trust that God's protection is powerful and that He will go to great lengths to keep us safe.
We should be grateful for God's protection and guidance: Jacob's naming of the place "Mahanaim" is an act of gratitude and recognition of God's protection and guidance. We too should be grateful for the ways in which God protects and guides us, and should express our gratitude through prayer and worship.
References:
Hosea 12:3-4 - In this passage, the prophet Hosea refers to Jacob's encounter with the angel and his subsequent wrestling match with God: "In the womb he [Jacob] grasped his brother’s heel; as a man he struggled with God. He struggled with the angel and overcame him; he wept and begged for his favor." This passage emphasizes Jacob's persistence in seeking God's favor and blessing, even in the face of struggle and adversity.
Hebrews 1:14 - This verse says, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" This verse implies that the angels who met Jacob in Genesis 32:1-2 were serving as ministering spirits to him, providing him with comfort and reassurance.
Psalm 34:7 - This verse says, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." This verse emphasizes the idea of divine protection, which is also evident in Jacob's encounter with the angels.
Acts 12:7 - In this passage, the apostle Peter is imprisoned and awaiting trial, when "suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists." This passage shows how angels continued to play a role in God's work throughout history, including in the New Testament era.
These references demonstrate the significance of Jacob's encounter with the angels in Genesis 32:1-2, and show how it is connected to other stories and themes throughout the Bible.
Exodus
Exodus 3:2-6
"There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God."
Mission:
In Exodus 3:2-6, an angel is not mentioned as having a specific mission or job. Instead, it is Moses who encounters the Angel of the Lord in the form of a burning bush while he was tending to his father-in-law's flock in the wilderness.
According to the passage, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and God spoke to Moses from the midst of the fire. The purpose of the encounter was to commission Moses as God's chosen instrument to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt and to lead them to the Promised Land.
During their conversation, God revealed to Moses His divine name "I AM WHO I AM" and instructed him to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go. Therefore, the mission of the encounter was to prepare Moses for his role as the leader and deliverer of the Israelites and to convey God's message to him through the Angel of the Lord.
Lessons:
Firstly, it teaches us that God can use anyone for His purposes, even someone like Moses who had a troubled past and lacked confidence in his abilities.
Secondly, the passage demonstrates God's compassion and concern for His people. Despite the Israelites' disobedience and unbelief, God did not abandon them but instead chose to intervene and deliver them from their bondage.
Thirdly, the passage teaches us about the character of God. When Moses asked for God's name, God revealed Himself as "I AM WHO I AM," which indicates His self-existence, eternality, and faithfulness.
Finally, the encounter between Moses and the Angel of the Lord highlights the importance of obedience to God's call. Moses initially hesitated to obey God's command to go to Pharaoh, but eventually, he trusted in God's promises and led the Israelites out of Egypt. This teaches us that we must trust in God's leading and obey His commands, even if they seem difficult or challenging.
References:
Exodus 3:2-6 is a well-known passage in the Bible, and there are several other verses in the Bible that refer to this event or allude to its significance. Here are a few examples:
In Mark 12:26-27, Jesus references the burning bush when He was answering a question about the resurrection. He says, "But about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!"
In Acts 7:30-34, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, refers to the burning bush in his defense before the Jewish leaders. He says, "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.'"
In Hebrews 11:24-26, the author of Hebrews references Moses' encounter with the burning bush as an example of faith. The author says, "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward."
Exodus 14:19
"Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them,"
Mission
This verse describes the movement of the angel of God and the pillar of cloud from the front of the Israelites to behind them as they fled from the pursuing Egyptian army after crossing the Red Sea. It is possible that the mission of the angel was to guide and protect the Israelites as they made their escape. However, the text does not provide any further details about the angel's mission or purpose.
Lesson
This verse comes from the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt, which is a well-known story in the Bible. The lesson that can be learned from this verse is that God is always with us and will guide us even in difficult and challenging situations.
In this particular verse, the Israelites were being pursued by the Egyptian army and were trapped between the Red Sea and their enemies. The angel of God and the pillar of cloud moved to stand behind the Israelites, providing protection and guidance for them. This is a powerful reminder that God is always with us, and even in our darkest moments, He is there to guide and protect us.
Furthermore, this verse also teaches us that we should trust in God and have faith in His plan for our lives. The Israelites could have easily panicked and lost hope when they were trapped between the Red Sea and their enemies, but instead, they trusted in God and His plan for their deliverance. As a result, they were able to cross the Red Sea and escape from their pursuers.
In summary, Exodus 14:19 teaches us that God is always with us, and we should trust in His guidance and have faith in His plan for our lives, even in the face of difficult and challenging circumstances.
References
Psalm 77:19-20: "Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron."
Isaiah 63:11-14: "Then he remembered the days of old, of Moses and his people. Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is he who put his Holy Spirit in the midst of them, who caused his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name, who led them through the depths? Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble. Like livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest. So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name."
1 Corinthians 10:1-2: "For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea."
Revelation 15:2-3: "And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, 'Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!'"
Jude 1:5: "Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe."
Exodus 23:20-23
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out."
Mission
The mission of the angel referred to is to guide and protect the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land. God promised to send an angel ahead of them to guard them on the way and bring them to the place that He had prepared. The Israelites were instructed to pay attention to the angel and listen to what he said, and not rebel against him, because God's name was in him.
The mission of the angel was to lead the Israelites to victory over their enemies, the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and to wipe them out, as God had promised to do for His people. The angel's guidance and protection were essential to the success of the Israelites' journey, and they were to trust and obey the angel's words as if they were the very words of God.
Lesson:
God sends His angels to guard and guide us, and we should listen to their counsel and follow God's commands. The passage also emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises.
In this passage, God promises to send an angel ahead of the Israelites to guide and protect them on their journey to the land He had prepared for them. God instructs the Israelites to pay attention to the angel and to listen to his words, for he speaks with the authority of God. God warns the Israelites not to rebel against the angel, for he will not forgive their rebellion, as God's name is in him.
The passage also contains a promise from God that if the Israelites listen carefully to the angel's words and obey God's commands, He will be an enemy to their enemies and oppose those who oppose them. God assures the Israelites that His angel will go ahead of them and bring them to the land of their enemies, and that He will wipe them out.
In summary, Exodus 23:20-23 teaches us to trust in God's promises and guidance, and to listen to the counsel of His angels. The passage emphasizes the importance of obedience and warns us against rebellion, for disobedience can lead to consequences. Overall, the passage encourages us to have faith in God's plan for our lives and to follow His commands.
References:
Joshua 5:13-15: "When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us, or for our adversaries?' And he said, 'No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, 'What does my lord say to his servant?' And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so."
Psalm 78:52-53: "But he led out his people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies."
Acts 7:30-32: "Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.' And Moses trembled and did not dare to look."
Hebrews 11:28-29: "By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned."
Revelation 14:6-7: "Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.'"
Exodus 32:34
"Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”
Mission:
In this passage, the mission of the angel is again to guide and protect the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. God instructs Moses to lead the people to the place He had spoken of, and God promises to send His angel before them. The angel's mission was to guide and protect the Israelites from harm and ensure that they arrived safely at their destination.
However, it is important to note that in this passage, God also warns Moses that when the time comes for Him to punish the Israelites for their sin, He will do so. The mission of the angel in this case does not include preventing God from punishing the Israelites, but rather to guide and protect them until that time comes.
Lesson:
The lesson that can be learned from this verse is that God is just and righteous, and sin will not go unpunished. The verse also teaches us the importance of repentance and turning away from sin.
In this verse, God commands Moses to lead the people to the place He had spoken of, and promises that His angel will go before them. However, God also warns that when the time comes for Him to punish, He will punish them for their sin. This serves as a reminder that God's justice is perfect and sin will not go unpunished.
The verse also teaches us about the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. Although God warns of punishment, He also provides a way for the people to avoid it by turning away from their sinful ways and following His commands. In this way, the verse encourages us to recognize our sins and to turn away from them, seeking forgiveness and following God's ways.
In summary, Exodus 32:34 teaches us about God's justice and the consequences of sin, while also emphasizing the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. The verse encourages us to seek forgiveness and to follow God's ways, recognizing that He is just and righteous in all His ways.
References:
Exodus 33:2: "I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites."
Numbers 14:40-44: "And they rose early in the morning and went up to the heights of the hill country, saying, 'Here we are. We will go up to the place that the Lord has promised, for we have sinned.' But Moses said, 'Why now are you transgressing the commandment of the Lord, when that will not succeed? Do not go up, for the Lord is not among you, lest you be struck down before your enemies. For there the Amalekites and the Canaanites are facing you, and you shall fall by the sword. Because you have turned back from following the Lord, the Lord will not be with you.'"
Psalm 78:38-39: "Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again."
Amos 5:18-20: "Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! Why would you have the day of the Lord? It is darkness, and not light, as if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall, and a serpent bit him. Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?"
Hebrews 10:30-31: "For we know him who said, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay.' And again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Last edited by Otangelo on Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:32 am; edited 12 times in total
