Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

Angels (defined by one scriptural authority as “God’s presence in the midst of his people”) had appeared to Hagar, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses (see Genesis 16:7–12; 21:17, 18; 22:10–12; 31:11; Exodus 3:1, 2)—and to the Hebrew nation at large (see Exodus 14:19). Now, after four chapters of specific directives (beginning with the Ten Commandments; see 20:1–17), God guarantees His presence as the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan.

The angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. . . . And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: . . . Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. . . . For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. . . . My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.