1 Kings 19:5

" Behold, an angel touched him ." So that he was watched and guarded, even while he slept. His impatience and faithlessness have not diminished the loving care and tenderness of God. "He knoweth our frame." His very sleep was ordained in mercy. Observe the contrast between the pity and love of God and the childish repining and discontent of the man of God! Observe, too, how God uses the ministry of angels! Compare Matthew 4:11 ; Luke 22:43 ; Acts 27:23 ; Acts 5:19 ; Acts 12:8 . "Are they not all ministering spirits?" ( Hebrews 1:14 .) "No wilderness is too solitary for the attendance of those blessed spirits." "While he slept, his breakfast is made ready for him by those spiritual hands."

"How oft do they their silver bowers leave

To come to succour us that succour want!

How oft do they with golden pinions cleave

The flitting skyes, like flying pursuivant,

Against fowle fiendes to ayd us militant!

They for us fight, they watch, and dewly ward,

And their bright squadrons round about us plant;

And all for love and nothing for reward.

O why should heavenly God to men have such regard?"