When were angels called 'men'
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Question
Hello Rabbi, In Bereshit 19:1, Rashi mentions that the Torah calls the angels 'angels'. One explanation is that the Shechina was with them, so they were called angels. Another explanation is that with Avraham they were frequent visitors and were called men. In verse 12, with Lot, they are again called men. What is the explanation for this?
Answer
Hello Rabbi
From examining Rashi's commentators, it appears that throughout this episode in the Torah, the angels are called 'men' because that is how they appeared and behaved at that time.
However, at the beginning of the matter, when the angels came to Lot, the Torah emphasizes that they are 'angels' to highlight the difference between Avraham and Lot.
Source
Genesis 19:1
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