I do not prefer the word angel. I know for me it calls to mind images of non-human creatures: winged, sometimes fiery, maybe with four faces, maybe with musical pipes protruding from them, etc, etc.
In numbers we encounter the word angel many times and often it's not referring to those beings at all but a very special [mal·’āḵ] (Num 22:22, 22:35, 23:5 מַלְאָךְ֙ ) messenger, representative. I think it's The Messiah.
Maggie and I were just looking at the Hebrew text for Chapter 22 (still need her to do the linguistic heavy lifting for me at this point), and it can be translated to "king [the Name]". Of course that same word that's translated "king" is also translated "ambassador", "angel", and "messenger"... but the "donkey" experience has a different vibe than delivering a message or diplomatic representation. I would also lean toward *he's dealing with God personally* on that road. - jeffrey
I do not prefer the word angel. I know for me it calls to mind images of non-human creatures: winged, sometimes fiery, maybe with four faces, maybe with musical pipes protruding from them, etc, etc.
ReplyDeleteIn numbers we encounter the word angel many times and often it's not referring to those beings at all but a very special [mal·’āḵ] (Num 22:22, 22:35, 23:5 מַלְאָךְ֙ ) messenger, representative. I think it's The Messiah.
-Stacy
Maggie and I were just looking at the Hebrew text for Chapter 22 (still need her to do the linguistic heavy lifting for me at this point), and it can be translated to "king [the Name]". Of course that same word that's translated "king" is also translated "ambassador", "angel", and "messenger"... but the "donkey" experience has a different vibe than delivering a message or diplomatic representation. I would also lean toward *he's dealing with God personally* on that road.
Delete- jeffrey
Num 25:11-13 I want to stand in the gap for the people today and hope my family for all generations are blessed by God!
ReplyDelete-Stacy