Our story starts with Abraham. Remember when he learns that his nephew Lot has been captured? Genesis 14:13 tells us, "And there came one who had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew." But who was this "one who had escaped?"
Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer identifies him as none other than Michael, the archangel!
But why the disguise? Why call him "Palit," meaning "one who had escaped?" Here's where it gets really interesting.
The text explains that when God cast Sammael (often identified with Satan) and his forces out of heaven, Michael was almost dragged down with them! Sammael, in his fury, grabbed onto Michael's wings, trying to pull him into the abyss. But God intervened and saved Michael. Thus, he became known as "the one who had escaped."
Think about the image for a moment. The cosmic struggle between good and evil, so intense that even an archangel is nearly lost. It highlights the ever-present danger, the constant battle that rages, even in the celestial realms.
And there's more! The text connects Michael's role as messenger to other verses. Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns, "Curse not the king, no, not in thy thought;… he who hath wings shall tell the matter." Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer interprets "he who has wings" as a reference to Michael, the ultimate celestial messenger. He is the "prince of the world," the one who delivers vital information.
Even the prophet Ezekiel gets in on the action. Ezekiel 33:21 speaks of "one who had escaped out of Jerusalem" bringing news of the city's destruction. This, too, is linked to Michael, further solidifying his role as the bearer of important, often difficult, news.
So, what does this all mean? Why is it so important to know who told Abraham about Lot, or who told Ezekiel about Jerusalem?
Perhaps it’s because the messenger matters. Knowing that Michael, a figure of immense spiritual stature, delivered these messages adds weight and significance to the events themselves. It reminds us that even in moments of crisis, divine forces are at work, delivering messages of warning, hope, and ultimately, redemption.
The next time you hear news – good or bad – remember the story of Michael, "the one who escaped." Consider the source, the messenger, and the deeper meaning behind the words. Because sometimes, the story of the messenger is just as important as the message itself.