Shemos 32:34 - My Angel will go before you,...
which Angel is this? Avraham is our father in Nature (this world). Toldos states he kept all the Hookim and Mishpatim. He attained Angel status. His ratzon was Hash-m's Ratzon. Is it possible that the Angel that was to lead us safely into Israel was The Soul of Magen Avraham?
ARYEH Gershaw, Maale Amos, Israel
Shalom R' Aryeh,
It's great to hear from you! I loved reading your fascinating insight. I did not yet find sources, however, to indicate that Avraham Avinu attained the status of a Mal'ach, or that he was in fact this Mal'ach. But a number of the classical commentaries do address the issue of this Mal'ach's identity. Let me share some of their opinions:
1) Micha'el, the angel of kindness and forgiveness. See Rabeinu Bachye to Shemos 23:20.
2) Mitatr'. See the Ramban to Shemos 23:20 citing Rashi to Shemos 23:22 based on Sanhedrin 38b.
3) The "Ish" who encountered Yehoshua (Yehoshua 5:13) to save the Jewish people. See the Rashbam to Shemos 23:20.
4) Yehoshua, since the term "Mal'ach" can mean Shali'ach, or in this case specifically a Navi. See latter Pshat in the Chizkuni to Shemos 23:20 and Ralbag ad loc.
5) The angel who redeemed the Avos. See the Ramban to Shemos 23:20 (DH Al Derech ha'Emes) and Or ha'Chayim, also on Shemos 23:20.
I will keep my eye out for any more comments out there which might shed light on your idea regarding Avraham Avinu.
May you continue to attain greatness in Torah and Yir'as Shamayim!
Warmly,
Yishai Rasowsky