Gabriel. Gabriel is one of the two great angels mentioned by name. Michael, the archangel, is especially connected with the children of Israel, their protection as a people, and their destiny as a nation (Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1). But then there is Gabriel who “stands before God”, who was described by Daniel as having "the appearance of a man" (Dan. 8:15). Gabriel seems to be sent on missions to give individuals an understanding of future events, especially in connection with the Messiah. We have Gabriel explaining the vision of the ram and he-goat in Daniel 8, announcing the 70 weeks of years until Messiah the prince would come and be cut off (Daniel 9). In Luke 1 we have Gabriel speaking to Zacharias of the Messiah’s forerunner, and then coming to Mary and announcing to her the birth of Christ.