gā´bri-el (גּבריאל, gabhrı̄’ēl, “Man of God”; Γαβριήλ, Gabriḗl): The name of the angel commissioned to explain to Daniel the vision of the ram and the he-goat, and to give the prediction of the 70 weeks (Dan 8:16; Dan 9:21). In the New Testament he is the angel of the annunciation to Zacharias of the birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary of the birth of Jesus (Luk 1:19, Luk 1:26). Though commonly spoken of as an archangel, he is not so called in Scripture. He appears in the Book of Enoch (chapters 9, 20, 40) as one of 4 (or 6) chief angels. He is “set over all powers,” presents, with the others, the cry of departed souls for vengeance, is “set over the serpents, and over Paradise, and over the cherubim.” He is prominent in the Jewish Targums, etc. (ISBE)

See Angel

Gabriel with Daniel

Gabriel appeared two times to Daniel (Dan 8:16; 9:21) to advise and help Daniel to understand the spiritual battle that he was actually participating in. For three weeks he fought in the matter of the Persian king (either some evil demon occupied the place of counsel for the king, or the king himself refused Gabriel’s counsel and message). Gabriel fought against this evil force which raised itself against the Jews, and to which, it accelerated the destruction and judgment on the Persian nation (Dan 10:13,20). In this counseling with Daniel, Gabriel explained the vision of the four beasts, and the appearance and death of the Messiah. All this was continued in the comments of the second coming of the Messiah, the rise of the Antichrist before that event, and the eventual restoration of the Jews (Daniel 7, Daniel 12).

Gabriel with Zacharias

Gabriel also appeared to Zacharias to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19, 26), the last of the Old Testament prophets. Gabriel’s treatment of Zacharias confirmed his prophecy with special miraculous events (being struck dumb). Compare with Judges 6:36-40.

Gabriel with Mary

Gabriel also informed the young maid, Mary, of her pregnancy with the Messiah, and as a sign to bolster her faith, he also informed her of her cousin’s pregancy, Elizabeth with John the Baptist.

Gabriel with Joseph

Gabriel also appeared to Joseph, Mary’s betrowed, and informed him of the Holy Spirit causing Mary’s pregnancy, and of the imminent danger before them, and to flee to Egypt.