Some passages do speak of angels being involved with death. In studying the passages referred to in Exodus 12, it seems to indicate that the direct act of execution of the firstborn was supervised directly by God Himself. However, as I study this passage in particular and Scripture in general, I do not find a specific angel in charge of death. Photo Credit: GettyImages/Guilherme Ribeiro. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Today, the University has over 11,400 students on campus with 39,000 in the Distance Learning Program (now Liberty University Online), and he is the Dean of the School of Religion.Dr. The idea of a grim reaper has not only pervaded popular culture, such as in books like The Book Thief and Scythe, but it has also taken a featured spot in many religions. What Is Guy Fawkes Day in the UK Really About? Not too long before, there was a very strong reaction to the vi… from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a M.A. Towns has given theological lectures and taught intensive seminars at over 50 theological seminaries in America and abroad. that you shall say, It is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households. But death is not necessarily the sole duty of these beings, and was an angel the instrument who carried out the deaths referred to in Exodus 11 and 12? I, p. 697). But death is not necessarily the sole duty of these beings, and was an angel the instrument who carried out the deaths referred to in Exodus 11 and 12? Please note the reference to the “destroyer” as the agent used in killing the firstborn of the Egyptians. What Are All the Names of Angels in the Bible? And Jesus mentions that angels will be involved in the end-times judgment of the wicked (Matthew 13:49–50). Does a sole Angel of Death exist, realizing the idea of the Grim Reaper? On page 321 of MATTHEW HENRY’S COMMENTARY on Exodus 12:29, he states the following: “God’s Son, even His firstborn, released this judgment and conquered Pharaoh…” The angel of the Lord’s designation has been interpreted as being none other than Jehovah Himself (see Genesis 22:15, 16; Numbers 22:22-35; Judges 2:1-5; 6:21-23). An angel with lethal intent, identified as “the angel of the Lord,” bearing a sword gives a warning to Balaam (Numbers 22:31–33). A servant will obey whoever is in charge, not straying from commands. Job makes it clear God has numbered our days, but He alone chooses when we reach the end of our life on earth (Job 14:5). This last week marked the 40th anniversary of the first atomic bomb drop on Hiroshima. Although, one could argue that the four horsemen may not necessarily be angels or demons, but rather, symbolize rulers and authorities on earth. from Dallas Theological Seminary also in Dallas, a MRE from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a D.Min. He does not have the authority to do so. He [God] loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 2:2; 4:10). But death is not necessarily the sole duty of these beings, and was an angel the instrument who carried out the deaths referred to in Exodus 11 and 12? (LIBERTY BIBLE COMMENTARY, Vol. The following two tabs change content below. Some say the Archangel Michael plays some role in the process from passing from this world to the next, but no Bible verse or passage supports this notion. In 2 Kings 19:35, we read about an angel who put to death 185,000 Assyrians who had attacked Israel. This truth perfectly harmonizes with the truth that Christ is our Passover: “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus came to earth as a babe to die on the cross for our sins. Notice Exodus 12:12–14: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. When looking at Scripture, it appears angels do have a hand in some instances of death and destruction. “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. Why is He our Passover?

For instance, an angel of the Lord in 2 Kings 19:35 goes out at night and kills 185,000 Assyrians. The Bible describes angels as God’s servants (Psalm 103:20).

John the Baptist declared, “Behold!

. Your email address will not be published. In Revelation, God gives one of the angels the power to cause death, and the four horsemen have the power to wipe out one-fourth of the earth’s population (Revelation 6:8).

Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. Notice Exodus 12:12–14: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.” Notice the word “I.” We see that God Himself (Yahweh) was going to strike the Egyptian firstborn. The name Azrael never appears in the Bible as well. If Satan, one of the most powerful angels, has to obey God, it shows us that God will not allow for our lives to be taken until the determined time. Death Angels in the Bible. Notice Exodus 12:12–14: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. Do you have feedback or a Bible question to submit? God used angels in bringing the plagues on Egypt (Psalm 78:43, 49) and sent the destroying angel to execute the firstborn in Egypt at the Passover” (Exodus 12:13, 23). Send your Bible questions to nolson@garbc.org, or mail to Norman A. Olson in care of the Baptist Bulletin, 1300 N. Meacham Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173-4806. The actual term “death angel” or “angel of death” is not found in the Scriptures. Although angels may appear to cause death in some cases in the Bible, we should make a note that no sole angel (or demon) can do so without God willing it.