The beginning of Parshat Va’yera, describes the visit of three “angels,” to Avraham Avinu’s tent. We are told that they were the angels, Gavriel, Mechael, and Refael. They were able to take the form of humans.
The subject of angels has some very different opinions. Rashi and the Ramban tell us that we are to understand the text of the Torah literally. They actually were angels who were able to look like men.
When we learn that each angel had a specific mission, this is exactly what happened. They came to announce Yitzchak’s birth, saving Lot, and destroying Sodom.
The Rambam has a very different approach as to how we are to view the stories where angels are mentioned. Whenever an incident with an angel is mentioned, it refers to a dream or a prophetic vision. This would include how we are to understand the story of Yakov Avinu wrestling with the angel. It was either a dream or a prophetic vision.
The knowledge that there are two legitimate approaches to our biblical stories, is meant to help us appreciate the beauty of the Torah. There are many people who take a more pragmatic approach to the Torah, like the Rambam.
This is helpful to those who have a hard time relating or believing that these events in the Torah are to be taken literally.
On the other hand, accepting that our Patriarchs were on such a high level that they could interact with heavenly beings, is certainly plausible.
We see the Rambam’s pragmatism in his description of the time of Mashiach. Many would like to believe that the Mashiach’s arrival is going to come with supernatural events.
The Rambam simply says that there’s no difference between this world and the days of Mashiach except שעבוד מלכיות. We will no longer be under the domination of any kingdom or government. We will live without fear of any physical harm to our people.
It should be understood that if we delve into the Torah a little more deeply, we will see that there are many acceptable ways to understand our biblical stories.
Angels are a big part of it, whether they are physical, or appear to us in a dream or vision.