CHAPTER 16 B
God has an angel who stands beside Him, who relays His prophetic messages to His prophets and the gospel of Jesus Christ to us. His angel is sent to give His prophets understanding concerning Jesus Christ. This angel is not God, but one created by God. He is obedient to the One Who commands him. And his obedience is a testimony to us regarding the government and love of God. His name is Gabriel.
Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision(mareh). https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-8/
Here we note that a Man is commanding Gabriel to cause Daniel to understand the appearance of the Mighty Man (mareh) or Michael (refer to chapter 15 on Daniel 8:15). Gabriel is not God, but from scripture we know he stands in the presence of God. And there is no other, except God, who has authority to command Gabriel.
Gabriel is H1403: גַּבְרִיאֵל Gabrîyʼêl, gab-ree-ale'; from H1397 and H410; man of God; Gabriel, an archangel:—Gabriel. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H1403&t=KJV
Gabriel is referred to as just “a man” twice in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 9:21 we are reminded that one of the beings that Daniel saw in the 2300-day vision (chazown) was Gabriel. But both times he is sent to give Daniel skill and understanding about the “appearance of the mighty Man” (mareh) or the Christ and to reveal the future concerning Him and humanity.
Daniel 9:21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision (mareh). https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-9/
Again, in Daniel 10, it is Gabriel that is sent to Daniel to give him understanding regarding the future.
Daniel 10:10 And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-10/
What can you learn about Gabriel from the above verses and following verses?
Luke 1:11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Luke-Chapter-1/
Because it was Gabriel that God sent to Daniel and because we know it is Gabriel who stands in the direct presence of God, and as we have seen it is Gabriel who specifically relays messages revealing things about Jesus Christ. Then we can safely know he is also the angel spoken of by John the revelator, who tells us the book of Revelation was relayed to us as it was given him from God per “His angel”.
Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-1/
At one time Lucifer held this position next to Christ called “covering cherub.” But he used his wisdom and understanding to try to be God, and to place a dark shadow over the understanding of God’s character rather than to reveal the true character of God and His Son to the world. In contrast, Gabriel chooses to fulfil his position next to Christ and to reveal the character of God and His Son in obedience to the commands of God.
Ezekiel 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
Ezekiel 28:2…. Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
3 Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee:
4 With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures:
5 By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ezekiel-Chapter-28/
The covering cherub was only a man or created being. Gabriel, as the servant of God, is sent to communicate the Revelation of Jesus Christ and the future to Daniel. This angel though coming from the direct presence of God, is careful to communicate his correct position to John.
Revelation 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-Chapter-19/
Revelation 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
From the above verses we can see that God has a personal angel. We learned the following:
He stands in the very presence of God and brings messages from God’s presence sometimes swiftly.
He’s a fellow servant or prophet and gives understanding regarding prophecy (the testimony of Jesus Christ).
He gives good news or glad tidings (the Gospel) or the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
He strengthens the suffering.
He fights battles against evil with Michael to help him.
He keeps the sayings and commands of God found in the Bible.
He helps us understand the future regarding Jesus Christ, sharing the testimony of Jesus Christ, as an angel prophet from heaven.
Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Luke-Chapter-22/
Here we see the angel Gabriel, strengthening Christ as He submits to His Father’s will. The Father’s will is His law. (See Psalms 40:8). That law is based on the standard of love (see Matthew 22:36-40) and shows us the character of both Christ and the Father in the event of the cross. We are seeing Gabriel, once again involved in revealing the character of the Father and the Son by strengthening Christ in His mission. Here Christ humbled Himself as a Man to take our guilt to the grave satisfying the claims of justice. But sacrifice was not the end that the Godhead desired (Psalms 40:6). Yes, the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. The death of Christ was not just any kind of death. It did more than satisfy justice. It was a perfect, selfless human/divine gift or perfect submission of the will of Christ to the will of the Father (Divine love). This submission of Christ frees us from grips of selfishness or sin (see Romans 6:4-9). Here we see the righteousness of God. This righteousness is stronger than sin or death. And Christ earned the right to freely give His righteousness (His life) to all who will receive it.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Psalms 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
Matthew 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-22/
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Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gabriel’s life work is the gift of prophecy or to share the testimony of Jesus Christ with us. Friend, will you receive His gift to you today? His perfect submission, His love for you draws you. Look to the cross. Try to understand. Let the Savior save you.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
God has an angel who stands beside Him, who relays His prophetic messages to His prophets and the gospel of Jesus Christ to us. His angel is sent to give His prophets understanding concerning Jesus Christ. This angel is not God, but one created by God. He is obedient to the One Who commands him. And his obedience is a testimony to us regarding the government and love of God. His name is Gabriel.
And there is no other, except God, who has authority to command Gabriel except God. Therefore we know that the Man commanding Gabriel in Daniel 8:16 is God.
Gabriel is referred to as just “a man” twice in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 9:21 we are reminded that one of the beings that Daniel saw in the 2300-day vision (chazown) was Gabriel. But both times he is sent to give Daniel skill and understanding about the “appearance of the mighty Man” (mareh) or the Christ and to reveal the future concerning Him and humanity.
Because it was Gabriel that God sent to Daniel and because we know it is Gabriel who stands in the direct presence of God, and as we have seen it is Gabriel who specifically relays messages revealing things about Jesus Christ. Then we can safely know he is also the angel spoken of by John the revelator, who tells us the book of Revelation was relayed to us as it was given him from God per “His angel”.
At one time Lucifer held this position next to Christ called “covering cherub.” But he used his wisdom and understanding to try to be God, and to place a dark shadow over the understanding of God’s character rather than to reveal the true character of God and His Son to the world. In contrast, Gabriel chooses to fulfil his position next to Christ and to reveal the character of God and His Son in obedience to the commands of God.
The covering cherub was only a man or created being. Gabriel, as the covering cherub and the servant of God, is sent to communicate the Revelation of Jesus Christ and the future to Daniel. This angel though coming from the direct presence of God, is careful to communicate his correct position to John.
Gabriel stands in the very presence of God and brings messages from God’s presence sometimes swiftly.
He’s a fellow servant or prophet and gives understanding regarding prophecy (the testimony of Jesus Christ).
He gives good news or glad tidings (the Gospel) or the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
He strengthens the suffering.
He fights battles against evil with Michael to help him.
He keeps the sayings and commands of God found in the Bible.
He helps us understand the future regarding Jesus Christ, sharing the testimony of Jesus Christ, as an angel prophet from heaven.
Gabriel, strengthened Christ as He submitted to His Father’s will. The Father’s will is His law. (See Psalms 40:8). That law is based on the standard of love (see Matthew 22:36-40) and shows us the character of both Christ and the Father in the event of the cross. We are seeing Gabriel, once again involved in revealing the character of the Father and the Son by strengthening Christ in His mission. Here Christ humbled Himself as a Man to take our guilt and sin to satisfy the claims of justice. But sacrifice was not the end that the Godhead desired (Psalms 40:6). Yes, the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. The death of Christ was not just any kind of death. It did more than satisfy justice. It was a perfect, selfless human/divine gift or perfect submission of the will of Christ to the will of the Father (Divine love). This submission of Christ frees us from grips of selfishness or sin (see Romans 6:4-9). Here we see the righteousness of God. This righteousness is stronger than sin or death. And Christ earned the right to freely give His righteousness (His life) to all who will receive it.
Gabriel’s life work is the gift of prophecy or to share the testimony of Jesus Christ with us. Friend, will you receive His gift to you today? His perfect submission, His love for you draws you. Look to the cross. Try to understand. Let the Savior save you.