A study of angelic manifestations in the Old Testament

Abstract

The main aim in writing this dissertation is to study angelic manifestations in the Old Testament in relation to Israelite history whilst taking into consideration significant comparisons with Ancient Near Eastern religions. Through researching a variety of books, Bible commentaries, dictionaries and articles, the accounts of angelic encounters in Scripture, the first ones appearing in Genesis, were analysed. The study outlines the development in the way angels are portrayed in the Old Testament and the links between the culture and the historical era in which the sacred authors wrote. It also briefly looks at the Septuagint and non-canonical apocalyptic Jewish literature. This work also looks at the roles and functions of angels. Angels are a means of communication between God and mankind. They undertake many roles including proclaiming God’s will, carrying messages, protecting, guiding, assisting and rescuing. Their involvement in salvation history cannot be ignored. Hence, an analysis of the most pertinent texts dealing with angels throws light on God’s salvific action in the world.