angel of the Lord

Or angel of Yahweh

A figure appearing frequently in the OT (Gen 16:7-13; Gen 22:11; Exod 3:2; Num 22:22; Judg 13:3; Zech 1:11; Zech 3:1) and also in the NT (Luke 2:9-15). The angel of the Lord seems to have been understood as distinct from other angels as a messenger from God responsible for preparing the way for God’s appearance and activity. In some passages, the term probably designates only “an” angel of God (1Kgs 19:4-8).