The creation of angels is not recorded historically, but that of this visible universe. Then they already created as a separate body of beings, show their interest in the works of God; “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.”
When their public delight in God's ways; and with unjealous delight in them, they declare that God's good pleasure is in man. It is the heavenly aspect of it. They see God's hand in it, not the conscience part or man's evil. They chant glory to God, for His love is here; grace on this ruined earth, the place of their service; and good pleasure in men.
When Christ enters on His ministry, they are His servants in the wilderness and in Gethsemane. The gospel revelation, which has not them for its object, they desire to look into. The sufferings of Christ, and the glories that follow, bring a more solemn apprehension to their minds. It is not simple joy like creation, or Incarnation and its natural fruits. Over every sinner that repents they rejoice; it is joy to them. In the shut oh they learn, as in heavenly places, the manifold wisdom of God. They had seen the glory of God's revelation on earth. They are to us in love ministering spirits. They praise in a circle outside the redeemed in the Apocalypse. Yet in our state [of resurrection] we are but ἰσάγγελοι (Luke 20:3636Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:36)), united to Christ, and all the saints, His redeemed. J. N. D.