Why did God send angels instead of Himself when visiting people in the Bible like Abraham, Lot, etc.?

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of divine visitations in which angels are sent as messengers to interact with and deliver messages to individuals such as Abraham, Lot, and others. The question of why God chose to send angels instead of appearing Himself is a thought-provoking and multi-faceted topic that invites theological, philosophical, and interpretative reflections.

One possible explanation for God's use of angels as messengers is the concept of divine intermediaries. Angels, as beings created by God, serve as conduits for divine communication and interaction with humanity. They are depicted as messengers who convey God's will, deliver important revelations, and provide guidance to individuals. In this role, angels act as representatives of God, facilitating divine encounters while maintaining a sense of reverence and awe in the presence of the Almighty.

Furthermore, the use of angels to convey God's messages may reflect the limitations of human understanding and the transcendent nature of God. The Bible portrays God as a being of infinite holiness, power, and majesty, whose direct presence might be overwhelming or incomprehensible to mortal beings. Sending angels as intermediaries allows for a mediated encounter with the divine, providing a tangible and relatable form through which God's messages can be communicated.

Additionally, the use of angels aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's compassion and care for humanity. Angels are often depicted as agents of comfort, protection, and provision, embodying God's love and concern for His creation. By sending angels to visit individuals, God demonstrates His willingness to engage with humanity in a manner that is accessible and empathetic, offering support and guidance through angelic messengers.

Moreover, the appearance of angels in the biblical narratives serves to emphasize the sacredness and significance of the encounters. The presence of angels conveys a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence, underscoring the extraordinary nature of divine visitations and the importance of the messages being delivered. The angelic encounters in the Bible are often accompanied by displays of divine power, miraculous events, and profound revelations, further highlighting the solemnity and significance of these interactions.

From a theological perspective, the use of angels as messengers aligns with the broader concept of angelology, which encompasses the study of angels and their roles in divine communication and intervention. The Bible portrays angels as spiritual beings who carry out God's will, protect His people, and participate in the unfolding of divine purposes. The involvement of angels in the biblical narratives reflects their integral role in God's divine plan for the world and humanity.