Luke 1:19

Gabriel The name means -Hero of God." He is also mentioned in Luke 1:26, and in Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21-23 (-idem Angelus, idem negotium," Bengel). The only other Angel or Archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Judges 9) named in Scripture is Michael (-Who is like God?" Daniel 10:21). In the Book of Enoch we read of -the fourgreat Archangels Michael, Uriel, Raphael, Gabriel," and so too in Pirke Rabbi Eliezer, iv. In Tob 12:15, "I am Raphael (Healer of God), one of the seven holy Angels which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One." Since Michael was despatched on messages of wrath and Gabriel on messages of mercy, the Jews had the beautiful saying that "Gabriel flew with two wings, but Michael with only one."

that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee He was thus one of the "Angels of the Presence" (Isaiah 63:9; cf. Matthew 18:10),

"One of the Seven

Who in God's presence, nearest to His throne,

Stand ready at command, and are His eyes

That run through all the heavens, and down to the earth

Bear His swift errands over moist and dry,

O'er sea and land."

Milton, Paradise Lost, iii. 650.

See Revelation 8:2; Daniel 7:10; 1 Kings 22:19. The supposed resemblance to the Amshaspands in the Zendavesta is shewn by Dr Mill to be purely superficial. Mythical Interpretation, p. 127.

to shew thee these glad tidings The word euangelisasthai-to preach the Gospel" is common in St Luke and St Paul, but elsewhere is only found in 1 Peter 1:12; Matthew 11:5. It comes from the LXX. (Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 61:1).