The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them. NIVUK

God’s angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray. The Message

‘One person’s testimony is only valuable to others if it rests on a changeless truth about God. So why was David able to enjoy such experiences? Because the angel of the LORD is the ever-present rescuing agent (7). Appearing to Hagar, the Angel of the Lord spoke about the Lord (Gn.16:11) and yet was the Lord (Gn.16:13…) Thus David’s testimony can be anyone’s because the Angel encamps (lives in a mobile home so as to move with the people of God in their earthly pilgrimage) with all who fear him. Hence, all are invited to taste and see, to take refuge (8), and find sufficiency (9-10).’ Alec Motyer

Many Bible commentators believe that, in the Old Testament, there are a number of pre-incarnate visitation of the Lord Jesus Christ as ‘”The angel of the LORD”. But also there are numerous other references to angels.

Amy Grant sang, and I think part wrote, a song called ‘Angels’. I’ve often thought about these words:

‘ “Take this man to prison,” the man heard Herod say
And then four squads of soldiers came and carried him away
Chained up between two watchmen, Peter tried to sleep
But beyond the walls an endless prayer was lifting for his keep
Then a light cut through the darkness of a lonely prison cell
And the chains that bound the man of God just opened up and fell
And running to his people before the break of day
There was only one thing on his mind, only one thing to say


Angels watching over me every move I make
Angels watching over me
Angels watching over me every step I take
Angels watching over me

God only knows the times my life was threatened just today
A reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way
Near misses all around me, accidents unknown
Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home
God, I know they’re all around me all day and through the night
When the enemy is closing in I know sometimes they fight
To keep my feet from falling I’ll never turn away
If you’re asking what’s protecting me then you’re gonna hear me say

Angels watching over me
Angels watching over me
Angels watching over me
Angels watching over me
Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home.’

Who can say how many times angels are dispatched in answer to the fervent believing prayers of God’s people? We are dealing here with a realm of wonder and mystery.

”Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14 NIVUK).

‘The angels are servants of the saints today and minister to us in ways we will never know about until we get to heaven (Heb.1:14).’ Warren Wiersbe