Messenger
Summary
A messenger in Scripture is one sent to convey a message or announcement, with the Hebrew and Greek terms (malak and angelos) used for both human envoys and divine angels.
☩Human Messengers
In the ancient East, messengers who ran on foot conveyed dispatches with remarkable speed, sometimes covering 150 miles in less than twenty-four hours. Such messengers brought news to David of Absalom's death, with Ahimaaz outrunning Cushi to reach the king first. Dromedaries were also used for conveying messages to greater distances, as Job alluded when comparing his fleeting days to a post.
☩Prophets as Messengers
The term 'messenger' acquired the meaning of an inspired teacher or prophet as the bearer of God's message. Haggai styled himself the Lord's messenger, and Malachi (whose name means 'my messenger') applied the title to the true priest who conserves spiritual knowledge. Most significantly, Malachi prophesied of a forerunner messenger who would prepare the way—fulfilled in John the Baptist—and the 'messenger of the covenant' identified with the Lord Himself.
☩Figurative Usage
Satan's 'messenger' was the thorn in Paul's flesh, permitted to buffet him lest he be exalted above measure. Paul also described certain fellow workers as 'messengers' (apostoloi) of the churches, sent to accompany the collection to Jerusalem.
Related Verses108 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Messenger," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Messenger," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).