John,
Perhaps this may help you on your question of the angel of the Lord.
In Judges we read about the prophesy of Samson's birth in chapter 13. An angel appears to Manoah's wife and give the prophesy of the unique "ministry" of Samson.
In recounting the prophesy to her husband, she acknowledges that it was the Angel of God. (verse6)
When the angel returns and speaks to both Manoah and his wife he distinguishes himself from the Lord by saying a burnt offering must not be offered to him, but to the Lord.
(verse16)
After the ascension of the angel, Manoah contemplates the visitation and confirms his beliefs that it was indeed the Angel of the Lord. (verse21)
But then he despairs, exclaiming to his wife: "We shall surely die, for we have seen God!" (verse 22)
Then his wise wife reasons that if the Lord had wanted to kill them, He wouldn't have accepted the offering or fortold such wonderful events in such dire times. (verse 23)
In these statements, Manoah demonstrates his understanding that the presence of the Angel is in fact the presence of the Lord, and his wife understands that the words of the Angel are, in fact, the official decree of the Lord.
I hope this helps.
catholicsoldier <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/takethat.gif" alt="" />
