8192. And the angel of God set out. That this signifies a setting in order by Divine truth, is evident from the signification of "setting out," as being a setting in order. That "to set out" denotes a setting in order is because the pillar of cloud-which was an angelic choir-that had previously advanced before the sons of Israel, now betook itself between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel, and thus brought darkness upon the Egyptians, and gave light to the sons of Israel; and because these things were thus set in order by the Lord, by means of the setting out of the angel of God, or the pillar, and by means of its interposition, therefore by "to set out" is here signified a setting in order. From the signification of "the angel of God," as being Divine truth, in like manner "God;" for in the Word, where truth is treated of, the term "God" is used, but where good is treated of, the term "Jehovah" (n. 2586, 2769, 2807, 2822, 3921, 4402, 7010, 7268, 7873).
[2] As regards the angels, be it known that by "angels" in the Word is meant the Lord (n. 1925, 3039, 4085); and therefore the Lord Himself is called an "angel" (n. 6280, 6831). Hence "angels" signify Divine truth, for the Divine truth proceeding from the Lord makes heaven, consequently also the angels who constitute heaven; for insofar as they receive the Divine truth which is from the Lord, so far they are angels. This can also be seen from the fact that the angels are quite unwilling, and are even averse, to have anything of truth and good attributed to them, because it is of the Lord with them. Hence also it is said that the Lord is the all in all of heaven, and that they who are in heaven are in the Lord; and moreover by virtue of the Divine truth which they receive from the Lord, the angels are called in the Word "gods" (n. 4295, 7268), and therefore "God" in the original tongue is in the plural number.
[3] Be it known further, that in the Word "an angel" is spoken of, when yet many are meant; as in the present case, where it is said "the angel of God," and there is meant the pillar which advanced before the sons of Israel, and which was constituted of many angels. Moreover in the Word angels are mentioned by name, as "Michael," "Raphael," and others. They who do not know the internal sense of the Word believe that "Michael" or "Raphael" is some one angel who is supreme among his associates; but by these names in the Word is not signified some one angel, but the angelic function itself, thus also the Divine of the Lord in respect to that which belongs to the function.