Mal'ak Elohim

The Angel of the LORD or "an Angel of the LORD" (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה Malakh YHWH "Messenger of Yahweh",LXX ἄγγελος Κυρίου) is an entity appearing repeatedly in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) on behalf of God (Yahweh). The term malakh YHWH, in English translation usually accompanied with the definite article, King James Version "the angel of the LORD", occurs 65 times in the text of the Hebrew Bible. In some instances it is made clear that the reference is to a theophany, i.e. an appearance of YHWH himself rather than a separate entity acting on his behalf. The related expression Angel of the Presence occurs only once (Isaiah 63:9). The New Testament uses the term "angel of the Lord" (ἄγγελος Κυρίου) several times, once (Luke 1:11–19) identified with Gabriel.

A closely related term is "Angel of God" (mal'akh 'Elohim), mentioned 12 times (2 of which are plural). Similarly, the Angel of Death refers to the appearance of such a "messenger" in instances where it kills the enemies of the Israelites.

Appearances of the "angel of the Lord" are often presented as theophanies. In Genesis 31:11–13, the "angel of God" says, "I am the God of Beth-el". In Exodus 3:2–6 the "angel of the Yahweh" appeared to Moses in the flame of fire, and then the God says to him: "I am the God of thy father". Compare also Genesis 22:11; Judges 6:11–22. At times the angel of the Lord speaks in such a way as to assume authority over previous promises (see Gen. 16:11 and 21:17).

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