One sent with a message. Messenger is often used in the literal sense (Gen 32:3,6; Num 20:14; 24:12; Deut 2:26). In an extended sense, the prophets (2 Chron 36:15-16; Isa 44:26; Hag 1:13) and

priests (Mal 2:7) are termed messengers in their role as bearers of God’s message for humanity. The Hebrew and Greek terms for “messenger” are frequently rendered “angel,” a heavenly messenger of God.

Sometimes messengers made advance travel arrangements for their master (Luke 9:52). In this sense the prophetic messenger of Mal 3:1 prepares for the Lord’s coming. The Gospel writers applied this preparatory function to John the Baptist (Matt 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27).