Luke 1:19

Gabriel. Gr. Gabriel, from the Heb. Gabri’el, meaning “man of God.” The Hebrew word used for “man” is geber, implying a “man of strength.”

Gabriel occupies the position from which Lucifer fell (DA 693; GC 493), and stands next in honor and rank to Christ Himself (DA 98, 99, 234; Dan. 10:21). It was Gabriel who appeared to Daniel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21) to announce the coming of “the Messiah the Prince” (Dan. 9:25). In NT times he appeared to Zacharias (Luke 1:19), to Mary (vs. 26, 27), and probably it was he who appeared to Joseph (see on Matt. 1:20). It was Gabriel who strengthened Christ in Gethsemane (DA 693), who intervened between Him and the mob (DA 694), and who opened the tomb and bade the Saviour come forth (DA 779, 780). Gabriel was also one of the two angels who accompanied Christ through life (DA 793) and appeared to the disciples on Olivet as Christ ascended to heaven (DA 832; cf. 780). It was Gabriel who appeared to John on Patmos (DA 99; see on Rev. 1:1) and who spoke of himself as “thy fellowservant, and [the fellowservant] of thy brethren the prophets” (Rev. 22:9).

Stand in the presence. This expression is used in the OT of high officials ministering at court (1 Kings 10:8; 12:6; Prov. 22:29; Dan. 1:19). By this simple statement that reveals the honored position that is his in heaven, Gabriel accredits himself to Zacharias as a representative of God. Of guardian angels it is said that they “do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 18:10).

Gabriel is, as it were, the “prime minister” of heaven, the leader of the angelic host “sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb. 1:14). He is, in a special sense, the ambassador of heaven to this earth (DA 99). Not only has Gabriel fellowshipped with righteous men on earth; he has associated also with others. It was none other than he who appeared at the Persian court to influence Cyrus and Darius to issue the decree authorizing the rebuilding of the Temple (Dan. 10:13, 20; 11:1). He is the angel of prophecy, the one commissioned of Heaven to order the affairs of men in harmony with the will of God.

According to Jewish tradition Gabriel is the angel of judgment, and is one of four archangels, who alone have access to the divine presence at all times.

To shew ... glad tidings. Gr. euaggelizo, “to proclaim good news,” or “to announce glad tidings” (see on ch. 2:10).