Then the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! – Isaiah 37:36
bible verses about angels killing
The Purpose of Angels in Judgment
In our understanding of both the love and justice of God, angels play a vital role, particularly in executing divine judgment. We may consider angels as agents who serve a purpose beyond our worldly perspective. When we examine the Scripture, we see instances where angels act as God’s messengers, bringing about His will. Sometimes this involves judgment upon those who oppose His authority. As we reflect on these verses, let us remember that angels are not merely celestial beings; they fulfill divine roles that emphasize God’s holiness and righteousness.
2 Samuel 24:16
When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD was grieved because of the calamity and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.” The angel of the LORD was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. – 2 Samuel 24:16
Revelation 7:1
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. – Revelation 7:1
Matthew 13:41
The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. – Matthew 13:41
Acts 12:23
Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. – Acts 12:23
1 Chronicles 21:15
And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; but as the angel was about to destroy it, the LORD saw it and was grieved over the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand!” The angel of the LORD was then standing at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. – 1 Chronicles 21:15
Angels and Divine Protection
The love of God is evident in the ways He provides protection through His angels. While God has the power to judge, He equally desires to protect and guide us. These angels, fulfilling their protective role, remind us that God always watches over us. We recognize that their presence can be a stronghold during times of trouble. Even in the face of overwhelming threats, we can take comfort knowing that God employs angels for our defense, showing us His power and love.
Psalm 91:11
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. – Psalm 91:11
Luke 4:10
For it is written: “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully.” – Luke 4:10
Hebrews 1:14
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? – Hebrews 1:14
Matthew 18:10
See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. – Matthew 18:10
Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. – Psalm 34:7
Angels as Messengers of Wrath
Throughout the Scripture, we witness that angels serve as messengers of God’s wrath. These instances remind us that God’s purpose entails both mercy and justice. While He longs for all to turn back to Him, there are times when rejection of His grace leads to divine retribution. As we reflect on these verses, we can contemplate how we need to embrace God’s grace and goodness in our lives, so we avoid facing His wrath, which can come through His angelic beings.
Revelation 14:18
Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.” – Revelation 14:18
Exodus 23:23
My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. – Exodus 23:23
2 Thessalonians 1:7
And give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. – 2 Thessalonians 1:7
Revelation 15:1
I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed. – Revelation 15:1
Exodus 12:23
When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. – Exodus 12:23
The Role of Angels in Spiritual Warfare
As believers, we often face unseen battles, and angels serve as warriors in these struggles. They fight on our behalf, battling against spiritual forces that oppose us. When we engage in prayer and lean into God’s Word, we invite the help of angels into our lives. This participation in spiritual warfare reassures us that we are never alone. Angels act not only as defenders but as warriors who fulfill God’s plan, showcasing His power and love even in conflict.
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:12
Daniel 10:13
But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. – Daniel 10:13
Revelation 12:7
Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. – Revelation 12:7
2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. – 2 Kings 6:17
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8
Angels in the Context of God’s Sovereignty
As we delve into how angels operate under God’s sovereignty, we see how their actions reflect His ultimate authority. It is crucial for us to recognize that nothing happens outside of God’s will. Angels, in both their protective and judgmental roles, operate on His command. Therefore, as we reflect on their part in God’s plan, we can reaffirm our faith, knowing that God is in control. This understanding helps us to surrender to His divine purpose and trust that He is working everything for good.
Job 38:7
while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? – Job 38:7
Psalm 103:20
Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. – Psalm 103:20
Matthew 24:31
And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. – Matthew 24:31
Colossians 1:16
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. – Colossians 1:16
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39
Angelic Assurance in Times of Crisis
Within the Scripture, we find comfort in knowing that angels are present during our critical times. Their role is profoundly important during moments of fear, grief, or uncertainty. We can lean on the assurance that God has sent angels as protectors and comforters during these experiences. This should embolden us to face our challenges with strength, as we remember that angels stand with us. They are constantly at work, intervening in our lives, reminding us that God’s love is indeed unconditional.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. – Isaiah 63:9
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. – Hebrews 13:2
Matthew 28:2
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. – Matthew 28:2
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our exploration of the topic surrounding angels and their divine roles, we can reflect on the greater purpose they serve. Angels are not just beings from another realm; they act as messengers and warriors in our lives, fulfilling the justice and love of God. We can find hope knowing that they protect us and intervene in times of distress. It is a comfort that we can lean into God’s sovereignty, trusting that everything falls under His control. As we move forward, let us be mindful of the spiritual forces at work and the mighty provision of angels in our lives.
We encourage you to deepen your journey in understanding the Scriptures further by exploring other topics such as bible verses about killing children and bible verses about killing animals. Each of these themes holds valuable lessons that can guide our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.