Luke 2:9

The angel. Rather, “an angel.” This important mission could most appropriately be entrusted to the leader of the angelic host, Gabriel (see DA 780; see on ch. 1:19).

Came upon them. Perhaps the angel was at a slight elevation in the air above the shepherds. It is possible that the shepherds’ first intimation of his coming was his appearance immediately before them.

Glory. Gr. doxa, here, primarily “splendor,” perhaps comparable with that later manifested on the mount of transfiguration (ch. 9:31, 32). See on Rom. 3:23.

They were sore afraid. That is, “they feared greatly,” as might be considered only natural on an occasion when the veil between men and the invisible world is parted. In OT times people to whom angels appeared, sometimes thought of the angel as a harbinger of death (Judges 6:22, 13:21, 22). This angel came to announce deliverance and joy (see Luke 2:10).