And the Lord answered the angel that talked with me - Either directly, at the intercession of the angel of the Lord, or mediately through an answer first given to him, and by him communicated to the subordinate angel. Neither is expressed.
Good words - As God had promised, “after seventy years shall be accomplished at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word unto you, causing you to return to this place” Jeremiah 29:10; and Joshua says, “There failed not ought of any good word which the Lord spake unto the house of Israel” (Joshua 21:43 (45 English) add Joshua 23:14-15).
Comfortable words - Literally, “consolations” (asIsaiah 57:18 Isaiah 57:18). Perhaps the Angel who received the message had, from their tender compassion for us, whereby they “joy over one sinner that repenteth” Luke 15:10, a part in these consolations which he conveyed.