The Holy Angels Compared to the Wind, and to Flaming Fire

    THE HOLY ANGELS COMPARED TO THE WIND, AND TO FLAMING FIRE

    ---"Maketh his Angels spirits, and his ministers a Flaming Fire" Ps 104:4.

    "And of the Angels he saith, who maketh his Angels spirits, and his ministers a Flame of Fire," Heb 1:7.

    SOME of the modern Jews deny there is any mention made of Angels, in Ps 104:4, affirming, that the subject the Psalmist treats of, are the Winds, with thunder and lightning, which God employs as his messengers and ministers, to do his will and pleasure. But that the Psalmist means the Angels, is evident from the design and scope of the words.

    The consent of the ancient Jews lies against the sentiments of the modern; both the old translations, either made or embraced by them, expressly refer the words unto Angels; so Dr. Owen, on Heb 1., observes, as do the seventy; and so doth the Targum, thus rendering the place: "Who maketh his messengers or angels swift as spirits, and his ministers strong and powerful as a Flaming Fire." The supply of the note of similitude makes it evident that they understand the text of Angels, and not of Winds; and of making Angels as spirits, and not of making Winds to be Angels or messengers, which is in inconsistent with their words.

    The word XXXXXXX doth usually denote the Angels themselves, and no reason can be given why it should not do so in this place. The apostle puts it out of doubt positively, saying, "And of the Angels he saith," &c. That the apostle speaketh not here of the nature aud essence of Angels, but their dignity, honour, and employment, is evident; upon which account, saith our reverend author, he preferreth the Lord Jesus Christ before them.

    Observ. "God sendeth his Angels like the Winds, or like a Flame of Fire.

    METAPHOR

    I. The Wind is invisible, who can see it?

    DISPARITY

    I. Angels are invisible spirits; we are daily attended upon by them, but see them not.

    METAPHOR

    II. The Wind blows at God's command; he is said to "Hold the Wind in his fist."

    DISPARITY

    II. Angels go at God's command, he hath them at his beck, Ps 103:20.

    III. The Wind is quick, piercing, and powerful in its operation, the cause of many gracious effects, though sometimes sent as a judgment.

    DISPARITY

    III. Angels are quick, agile, and powerful in their working; and many great and glorious blessings, saints receive from their ministration, though sometimes sent as a scourge to nations, and particular persons, to execute God's displeasure, as on Sodom, &c.

    FLAMING-FIRE.

    METAPHOR

    I. A flaming Fire is of a burning quality.

    PARALLEL

    1. Seraphims signify burning, noting that mighty zeal they are attended with, in doing God's will.

    METAPHOR

    II. A flaming Fire is of a consuming, destroying, and devouring nature.

    PARALLEL

    II. So have the Angels of God been to many of God's implacable enemies, as hath been hinted.

    METAPHOR

    III. A flaming Fire is a good defence in a howling wilderness, especially if it be round about such as dwell therein.

    DISPARITY

    III. The Angels of God are a glorious defence to the Church, whilst in the wilderness of this world, where they are daily surrounded by wicked men, who are compared unto beasts of prey "The Angels of God encamp round about them that fear him," &c., Ps 34:7.

    INFERENCES.

    I. This may comfort the godly, who dwell among blood-thirsty enemies; they are surrounded with a Flame of Fire, viz., the holy Angels of God.

    II. Let ungodly ones tremble; can they stand before a Flaming Fire, and not be consumed? God can soon send his Angels to destroy them.

    III. It should also stir up believers to act with much zeal and fervency in the work and service of God. The Angels for zeal and agility are like a Flame of Fire. "We should do the will of God on earth, as the Angels of God do it in heaven.