Messenger
Messengers deliver communications between leaders and nations.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
Messengers in the Hebrew scriptures are individuals sent to convey a message, often between leaders or nations. They appear in narratives involving Jacob, Moses, Israel, Joshua, Gideon, Jephthah, and others, and their role is primarily to deliver spoken or written communications, sometimes with diplomatic or military implications (Genesis 32:3; Genesis 32:6; Numbers 20:14; Numbers 21:21; Joshua 6:17; Judges 11:12). The term can also refer to a single person bearing news, such as the messenger who reported Israel's defeat to Eli (1 Samuel 4:17).
- First mention
- Jacob sends messengers to Esau (Genesis 32:3)
- Common senders
- Jacob, Moses, Israel, Joshua, Gideon, Jephthah, Balak (Genesis 32:3; Numbers 20:14; Numbers 22:5; Joshua 6:25; Judges 6:35; Judges 11:12)
- Common recipients
- Esau, king of Edom, Sihon king of the Amorites, Balaam, Abimelech, king of Ammon (Genesis 32:3; Numbers 20:14; Numbers 21:21; Numbers 22:5; Judges 9:31; Judges 11:12)
- Messenger as spy
- Rahab hides messengers sent to spy out Jericho (Joshua 6:17; Joshua 6:25)
Lore & Background
Messengers also serve as spies: Joshua sends messengers to spy out Jericho, and Rahab hides them, leading to her survival (Joshua 6:17; Joshua 6:25). A single messenger brings dire news to Eli: Israel has fled, his sons are dead, and the ark is taken (1 Samuel 4:17). The term is used broadly, from diplomatic envoys to bearers of military intelligence.
Reader's Guide
The passages portray messengers as essential intermediaries in ancient Near Eastern communication. They are sent by patriarchs, leaders, and kings to deliver specific verbal messages, often in tense situations. The content of their messages is quoted directly, showing that they were trusted to repeat words accurately (e.g., 'Thus saith thy brother Israel' in Numbers 20:14; 'Thy father did command' in Genesis 50:16). Messengers are not described as having personal agency beyond delivering the message; their role is functional. They can be sent singly or in groups (Genesis 32:3; Numbers 22:5). Their reports can provoke action, as when Jacob hears of Esau's approach (Genesis 32:6), or lead to negotiation, as with Jephthah and the Ammonites (Judges 11:12-14). The passages do not elaborate on the messengers' identities, backgrounds, or fates, except for the spies in Jericho who are hidden by Rahab (Joshua 6:17; Joshua 6:25). The term 'messenger' is thus a role rather than a named office, and the focus is on the message and its consequences.
Did You Know?
- Jacob sent messengers to Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom (Genesis 32:3).
- Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, identifying Israel as 'thy brother' (Numbers 20:14).
- Rahab the harlot was spared because she hid the messengers Joshua sent to spy out Jericho (Joshua 6:17; Joshua 6:25).
- A messenger reported to Eli that the ark of God was taken and his sons were dead (1 Samuel 4:17).
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"A messenger or courier is a person or thing that carries a message." — Messenger "Messenger, by night, drive on like the south wind! By day, be up like the dew!" — Messenger "The messenger runs like a wild ram and flies like a falcon. He leaves in the morning and returns already at dusk, like small birds at dawn." — Messenger "Epictetus Golden Sayings of Epictetus, 113, as translated by Hastings Crossley." — Messenger
More in Part 53–78
Elsewhere in the Figures of Scripture universe
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