Who is the Angel of His Presence?
“In all their affliction he was afflicted, And the angel of his presence saved them: In his love and in his pity he redeemed them (Isaiah 63:9 KJV)
The expression “angel of his presence” appears only once in the entire scriptures. Furthermore, the context in which Isaiah uses this phrase shows us plainly that this angel is no ordinary angel; the angel of His presence is God Himself, identified in Isaiah 63 as the Holy Spirit. But how could God be called an angel?
God is not an angel but frequently appeared to His people as angels did. Though this thought appears absurd to us today, it was common in those days for God’s people to call God an “Angel.” For example, Jacob clearly called God an angel in Genesis 48:15-16. However, angels never call God an angel in the scriptures; God’s people call Him that way mainly because He appeared to them the same way angels did. Interestingly, God Himself also used the term “Angel” to refer to His visible presence that accompanied the people ( Exo. 23:20).
The context of Isaiah 63:9 identifies the One Isaiah called the Angel of His Presence. In verse 10, Isaiah says, “But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit.” He repeats this truth from verses 11 through 14, describing their interactions with the Spirit of God, who was the Angel that led them through the desert. They saw this Angel of His Presence as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Note, however, there are other visible appearances of Yahweh as the “Angel of the Lord” that some scholars also believe is the pre-incarnate Christ.
The Holy Spirit, as in Isaiah 63:9-10), is the Angel of God’s Presence. Calling Him, an Angel does not mean He is one amongst the many angels in heaven; instead, it means, He is a Carrier or Messenger (the meaning of the word “angel” here) of God’s Presence in the same way that Jesus, the Word of God, is the Messenger of God’s Word (John 10:36).
The Angel of God’s presence is permanently in you today as a Christian.
Read more: The Holy Spirit: The Presence and the Power of God
Can you see how the Lord relates His Presence to the Spirit in Ps. 51:11?
Develop consciousness of God’s Presence with you today. The Holy Spirit in you is the very definition of the Presence of God.
Thank the Lord for giving you His Spirit. Ask the Father to teach you to develop a closer relationship with this Angel of His Presence.
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when ever I’m either praying or worshipping God. Sometimes it’s an open eye or sometimes it’s open Please what does it mean?
Chuks, not sure I understand your question. Please clarify. Blessings
Thanks for helping
You are welcome, blessings
Thank you my eyes sees the Lord, reading this has made me realised which Angel appeared so people could say the presence of God is upon you, many times when I minister the word or worship the atmosphere would change without laying of hands power would manifest, I was shocked as it just happened …..
Praise the Lord!! More and more grace in that flow of the Spirit
Was very blessed thank you. I was actually doing a search for something God showed me and your resource ended up being in the search. It truly ministered to me and was used by the Lord. Be richly blessed and filled. God bless
Amen!! Thank you Kenelia for those kind words. Blessings