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Who beat up an angel in the Bible?


The question of who beat up an angel in the Bible is an interesting one. Angels are powerful spiritual beings, so the idea of one being physically assaulted is quite remarkable. A close examination of Scripture reveals a few instances where angels are opposed and attacked, though the details are limited. In exploring this topic, we can gain insight into the nature of angels, their interactions with humans, and how God allows evil forces to act at times. Though troubling, these accounts ultimately showcase God’s supremacy and the certainty of His sovereign plan.

The Angel and Balaam

One clear example of an angel being beaten or opposed is found in Numbers 22. This chapter describes Balak, the king of Moab, commissioning Balaam to curse the Israelites. God expressly tells Balaam not to go, yet Balaam leaves anyway. While en route, this happens:

“But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road” (Numbers 22:22-23).

Here we see “the angel of the Lord” physically standing in Balaam’s way to oppose him and block his path. The angel is described as holding a drawn sword as a symbol of divine judgement and authority. Balaam cannot see the angel at first, but his donkey can. When the donkey tries to avoid the angel, Balaam beats the animal, unaware of the angelic presence.

While this angel is not directly assaulted, this encounter qualifies as a case of an angel being opposed and resisted. The passage specifically states the angel took a stand against Balaam and his actions.

Jacob Wrestling the Angel

The episode of Jacob physically wrestling an angelic being is perhaps the clearest biblical example of an angel being “beaten up” at the hands of a human:

“Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for it is daybreak.’ But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me’” (Genesis 32:24-26).

This account describes Jacob literally grappling and fighting with “a man” all night long. Given the supernatural context, this is understood to be some kind of angel or heavenly messenger (“angel” means “messenger” in Hebrew). The key detail is that Jacob prevails – the angel is unable to overpower Jacob and has to resort to injuring his hip to free himself from Jacob’s grasp. So in a very literal sense, Jacob did “beat up” this angel through his determined wrestling.

The meaning and message behind this episode contains several complexities beyond the scope of this brief study. Nevertheless, the text indicates a tangible angel struggling against a man persistently clinging to him for blessing.

Peter’s Angelic Rescue

Another example involves Peter being imprisoned by Herod. While Peter sleeps chained between two guards, an angel enters the cell and slaps Peter’s side to wake him up. The angel then rescues Peter from the prison (Acts 12:6-11). This angelic interaction is less combative, but the slap from the angel qualifies as a kind of beating or striking. So this passage conveys an angel literally dealing a blow to Peter, even if the intention was to rouse him.

The Archangel Michael Disputing with Satan

Jude 9 offers an additional example, though the fight is not with a human:

“But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” (Jude 9).

This verse describes a confrontation between the powerful archangel Michael and Satan over the body of Moses. While the details are scarce, there is clearly a heated dispute of some kind, with Satan evidently slandering and accusing. This passage reveals that even high-ranking angels can be embroiled in intense spiritual battles against evil forces.

The Defeat of the Dragon and his Angels

Revelation 12:7-9 offers a final example of angels battling spiritual enemies:

“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

This text describes a primeval battle between Michael and the angels of God against Satan (the “dragon”) and his evil angels. While not a human attacking an angel, it conveys angels warring against rebellious angels. Satan and his forces are defeated and evicted from heaven. This underscores how certain angels can choose to rebel against their Creator and oppose His work.

Conclusion

In summary, angels are capable of intense interactions with both humans and evil spirits. Scripture contains a few episodes where angels are confronted or attacked in some form. The full reasons and purposes behind these encounters likely contain many profound truths. At minimum, these accounts reveal that angels are not completely invulnerable to opposition. God allows both human and demonic forces to engage with angelic beings at times, though His sovereignty is always supreme. This highlights how complex the workings of the supernatural realm can be. Angels are immensely powerful, but not omnipotent – only God has infinite power and authority.

Passage Angel Interaction
Numbers 22:22-23 An angel opposed Balaam and stood in his way
Genesis 32:24-26 Jacob wrestled with an angel through the night
Acts 12:6-11 An angel slapped Peter to wake him up
Jude 9 The archangel Michael disputed with Satan
Revelation 12:7-9 Michael and his angels battled Satan and his demons