The Truth About Angels

Chapter 10—Angels From the Time of the Judges to the Early Kingdom

Christ as the “Angel of the Lord”

When God sent His angels anciently to minister or communicate to individuals, when they learned that it was an angel they had seen and talked with, they were struck with awe, and were afraid that they should die. They had such exalted views of the terrible majesty and power of God, they thought to be brought into such close connection with one direct from His holy presence, would destroy them.... Judges 6:22, 23; 13:21, 22; Joshua 5:13-15.—Spiritual Gifts 4b:152. TA 112.1

After the death of their leader [Joshua] and of the elders who were associated with him, the people began gradually to relapse into idolatry.... TA 112.2

The Lord did not permit the sins of His people to pass without rebuke. There were still faithful worshipers in Israel; and many others, from habit and early association, attended the worship of God at the tabernacle. A large company were assembled upon the occasion of a religious feast, when an angel of God, having first appeared at Gilgal, revealed himself to the congregation at Shiloh.... TA 112.3

This angel, the same that appeared to Joshua at the taking of Jericho, was no less a personage than the Son of God.... He showed them that He had not broken His promises to them, but they themselves had violated their solemn covenant. TA 113.1

“And it came to pass, when the angel of the Lord spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice and wept.” “And they sacrificed there unto the Lord.” But their repentance produced no lasting results.—The Signs of the Times, June 2, 1881. TA 113.2