Bible Dictionaries
Messenger

Holman Bible Dictionary

One sent with a message. Messenger is often used in the literal sense (Genesis 32:3 ,Genesis 32:3,32:6; Numbers 20:14; Numbers 24:12; Deuteronomy 2:26 ). In an extended sense, the prophets (2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Isaiah 44:26; Haggai 1:13 ) and priests (Malachi 2:7 ) are termed messengers in their role as bearers of God's message for humanity. The Hebrew and Greek terms for messenger are frequently rendered “angel,” the heavenly messengers of God. See Angels. Sometimes messengers made advance travel arrangements for their master (Luke 9:52 ). In this sense the prophetic messenger of Malachi 3:1 prepares for the Lord's coming. The Gospel writers applied this preparatory function to John the Baptist ( Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27 ). See Herald .