Angels In The Psalms

No fooling. In the Middle Ages theologians really did argue about how many angels could stand on the head of a pin. If someone actually wanted to count them, however, it would be difficult to get them to stand still long enough to count them, because in the Psalms they are always in action!

In bits and pieces the Psalms teach us quite a bit about angels. Here are a few verses about them:

Psalm 34:7

For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear him,

and he rescues them.

Psalm 35:6

Make their path dark and slippery,

with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

Psalm 91:11

For he orders his angels

to protect you wherever you go.

Psalm 103:20-21

Praise the LORD, you angels of his,

you mighty creatures who carry out his plans,

listening for each of his commands.

Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels

who serve him and do his will!

Psalm 148:2

Praise him, all his angels!

Praise him, all the armies of heaven!

The Psalms tell us that angels are busy, but they never do anything for themselves. Other Scriptures confirm this. Angels praise God (compare Psalm 148:2 with Luke 2:13-14). They watch over and rescue believers (compare Psalm 34:7 with Acts 12:6-10). At times they execute judgment on unbelievers (compare Psalm 35:5-6 with 2 Kings 19:35 and Acts 12:23). They care for God’s people and protect them (compare Psalm 91:11 with Hebrews 1:14).

At times angels can become visible, but usually they remain unseen. Do you recall the story in 2 Kings 6, when Elisha’s servant was afraid of the enemy’s army that had surrounded them? “Ah, my lord, what will we do now?” he cried out to the prophet.

“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him, “For there are more on our side than on theirs” (verses 15-16). Then the servant’s eyes were opened to see armies of angels surrounding the enemy. As long as God’s angelic hosts were there, Elisha wasn’t in any danger. And you aren’t either.

The Psalms assure us that the Lord, our Good Shepherd, is leading us and that his angels are surrounding us. With such sure protection, what do we have to be afraid of?

Onward, Christian, though the region

Where you are is dark and lone;

God has set a guardian legion

Very near you, so press on.

SAMUEL JOHNSON

“Seeing we are so dear to God, these angels take this charge upon them with all their hearts, and omit nothing in their duty from our birth to the end of our life.”

HENRY LAWRENCE