Archangels In Other Ancient Texts
We need to make a certain distinction before we dive into this section.
Jude 1:9 seems to indicate only one archangel exists, but Daniel 10:13 labels Michael as one of the chief princes. For now, we can assume only one archangel exists to the best of our knowledge. Nevertheless, this section will explore other ancient texts and names they have ascribed to archangels.
Readers, keep in mind this article is concluding Scripture as the 66 books in the Protestant Bible. Those from a Catholic background may consider books listing these angels as canon.
– Raphael: A passage in Tobit 12:15-22 indicates seven archangels exist, including Raphael, who appears to Tobit and Tobias and encourages them to sing praises to God.
– Gabriel: As mentioned above, Scripture does not give him the label of archangel, but we can mention he makes an appearance to Daniel and to Mary the Mother of Jesus, each time proclaiming news that will affect the future of the Israelite nation.
– Jophiel: From Jewish and Kabalistic lore, she is linked often with beauty and positivity. No Scripture or extracanonical text seems to mention her by name.
– Ariel/Uriel: Although some people have attributed Uriel to several events that happen in the Bible , an extra-canonical book known as 2 Esdras mentions him . Uriel presents three impossible riddles to show us how humans cannot fathom the ways of God.
– Chamuel: Again, never mentioned by name in any text, Chamuel is associated with bringing peace.
What Is The Archangel Michaels Role
Michael is described in Daniel 10:13 as one of the chief princes of the angels. Daniel had prayed for God to forgive his people and restore them to Jerusalem. An angel was dispatched to tell Daniel that his prayer had been heard, but its passage was blocked by an evil angel. It was only when Michael came to help that Daniels angel could get through . On that occasion, it seems that Daniels persistence in prayer provided the spiritual resources for Michaels victory .
The book of Daniel ends with a promise that during the trials of the church age shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people . Revelation 12:78 describes this long-foretold holy war: Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back.
To understand this passage, we must realize that this battle took place during the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, culminating with his ascension into heaven. Revelation 12:13 reports that after the dragon had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. This means that the dragon was cast down just before the church age. Jesus victory on the cross, crowned with his ascension to heavens throne, defeated Satan and his army, after which there was no longer any place for them in heaven and Satan was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him .
Michael Battles The Patron Angels Of Other Nations
In Daniel chapter 10, the prophet fasts, humbling himself before God and praying for understanding regarding the Jews future. An angel finally appears to him 21 days later, and explains the delay: the prince of Persia had been opposing him the whole time, and it wasnt until Michael relieved the angel that he could continue his trip to Daniel. The angel stays with Daniel long enough to give an outline of future events for the Jews, but must return to fighting the prince of Persia . Only Michael supports this angel against these forces .
As it turns out, the Bible doesnt say very much about Michael the archangel. Most of what weve heard is probably derived from extrabiblical sources. That might frustrate our curiositythen again, God didnt have to reveal anything about Michael, the existence of archangels, etc. But God has graciously given us a glimpse at behind-the-scenes actions and personalities in the spiritual realm.
Still, angels are fascinating, and the mystery of Michael the archangel will probably give my imagination a lot of exercise for years to come.
Want to know more? Id suggest reading the book of Danielthis book mentions Michael more than any other book of the Bible.
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Angels Carry Out Some Of Gods Plans
There are numerous ways in which angels carry out Gods plans on earth:
- They frequently bring Gods messages to people .
- They carry out some of Gods judgments, bringing a plague upon Israel , smiting the leaders of the Assyrian army , striking King Herod dead because he did not give God glory , or pouring out bowls of Gods wrath on the earth .
- When Christ returns, angels will come with him as a great army accompanying their King and Lord .
- They patrol the earth as Gods representatives .
- They carry out war against demonic forces .
- John records that an angel seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit . . . .
- When Christ returns, an archangel will proclaim his coming .
Archangel Michael A Chief Prince
The Bible identifies Michael as one of the chief princes, which implies two things.
First, it implies that there is a hierarchy of angels, with different angels divided into specific ranks and orders.
Second, it implies that there are other spirit beings who also bear the title of chief prince. The word rendered prince means a leader, commander, or chief, as of troops .
So this further implies that there are lower-ranked angels working under each of the chief princes.
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Archangel Michael A Respectful Angel
Another lesson for us in this narrative is the manner in which Michael contended with Satan. Jude 1:9 says Michael dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you!
Judes subject was ungodly men who rejected legitimate authority and spoke evil of dignitaries. Jude pointed out that even the great archangel Michael would not engage in hurling epithets or harsh judgments at Satan, but rather would defer to God to deal with him. Jude sets this example for us to follow.
Angels Are Subject To Judgment
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment
The apostle Peter writes about angels that sinned and will be judged . The apostle Paul affirms that Gods children shall judge angels . We dont have details about the judgment of the angels, but theres no doubt that it will happen. Most biblical scholars say that it probably applies only to the angels who sinned, not the holy angels that serve God.
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Gabriel Is One Of Two Named Good Angels In The Bible
While many angels are referenced in the Bible, Gabriel is one of the two good and holy angels referenced by name which is pretty significant. He has favored position as an angel who stands in the presence of God , and he is selected to deliver important messages of Gods particular love and favor to individuals chosen to be part of Gods plan.
Where Do Angels Come From
God created the angels through Jesus, whom the Bible calls the firstborn of all creation. Describing how God used Jesus in creation, the Bible says: By means of all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, including the angels. Angels do not marry and reproduce. Instead, each of these sons of the true God was individually created.Job 1:6.
Angels were created in the distant past, before the earth existed. When God created the earth, the angels began shouting in applause.Job 38:4-7.
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Michael Stands Guard Over Israel
In Daniels last vision, an angel describes how the last days will play out for the Jews. It is at this time that Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people will arise . The angel also refers to Michael as Daniels prince . The Bible doesnt say what standing guard entails, but its very clear that Michael has special responsibilities for Israel.
What Role Does Raphael Play In The Bible
Where is this archangel in Scripture?
Michael. Gabriel. Raphael. These are probably the three most famous angels in the Christian world. They are also the three that most Christians would name as archangels. The names of the other archangel or other four archangels, depending on if a person believes there are four or seven archangels, are up for debate. Some people would name Jermiel, Uriel or Zarcheil as the other archangels. Others would list the remaining archangels as Saraqael, Barachiel or Phanuel. The status of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, however, are rarely questioned.
apokruptein Stephanie Hertzenberg is a writer and editor at Beliefnet. She is a graduate of the College of William and Mary where she majored in Religious Studies and minored in Creative Writing. She maintains an avid interest in health, history and science.
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We Ask You Humbly: Don’t Scroll Away
The Catholic Church confirms the existence of angels, and that they are active in our lives.
So, what is an angel? What is an archangel? And what makes them so special?
The Catechism states, “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls ‘angels’ is a truth of faith,” .
The word, “angel,” comes from the Greek word, “aggelos,” which means, “messenger.”
The Bible recognizes, “nine choirs” of angels. Each choir has a name and a purpose.
The Bible also mentions archangels. Archangels are recognized as leaders, and they are entrusted by God with special duties.
The Bible and the Church recognizes seven archangels, although just three are known by name, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
The name Michael means “one who is like God.” His will is focused, immovable, and entirely driven toward accomplishing goodness he is the protector of souls and wields his powerful sword against the poisonous and indictive aspirations of the devil who Jesus calls a “murderer from the beginning” and the “father of lies” .
St. Michael the Archangel visited three children at Fatima, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta in 1917 to prepare them for the work of the Blessed Virgin.
What Other Angels Are Mentioned In The Bible
From my understanding, angels are not just showing up. They show up to deliver a message or executive judgment. That is what I have been taught. I do know that we have protective or guardian angelsalthough this is a highly debated subject in the Christian community. You have heard testimony of people who have been in accidents and should not be here today. They were protected. We know that angels sometimes appear in the form of a man. Look to Genesis 18:1-9. Here angels appeared unto Abraham and Sarah his wife. They delivered the news that Abraham and Sarah would have a son. This is the son that Gods covenant would be manifested through. Abraham already had a son with his wifes handmaiden.
Sometimes, we can try and assist God in manifesting His will. His word says our thoughts are not His thoughts. Neither are our ways His ways. Abraham and Sarah thought that they were too old to have children. God had other plans and did not think they were too old. There is a lesson here that you need to believe God and not let people talk you out of what God plans to do for you even if it takes a while.
The Lord spared Lot and his family. Unfortunately, his wife looked back to see what was happening to the city. They had been given specific instructions not to do so. She became a pillar of salt because of this act of disobedience.
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Archangel Camael The Peacekeeper
Another archangel, shown with a flaming sword, is Camael, the Archangel of courage, strength, and war. Camael is never mentioned in the Bible but is considered an angel who is there to maintain peace and enforce justice by any means necessary.
The poet Gustav Davidson includes Camael in his work A Dictionary of Angels including fallen Angels. He goes as far as to say that Camael led the forces that expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
The Ancient History Of The 7 Archangels Of The Bible
- M.A., Linguistics, University of Minnesota
- B.A., Latin, University of Minnesota
The Seven Archangelsalso known as the Watchers because they tend humanityare mythical beings found in the Abrahamic religion underlying Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. According to the “De Coelesti Hierarchia of Pseudo-Dionysius” written in the fourth to fifth century CE, there was a nine-level hierarchy of the heavenly host: angels, archangels, principalities, powers, virtues, dominions, thrones, cherubim, and seraphim. The angels were the lowest of these, but the archangels were just above them.
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Archangel Michael A Warrior
The apostle John also recorded a vision he had that included Michael: War broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon and the dragon and his angels fought . This reveals that Michael and Satan each have armies of spirit beings under their commandand these beings have waged war against each other.
Michael, a holy, righteous angel, is seen leading the righteous angels in a fight against the dragonwhich is Satan, the chief of the demonsand the spirit beings following him .
Angels Fight Against Demons
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not neither was their place found any more in heaven.
The Bible tells us that Gods angels fight against Satans angels, the demons. Here are a few examples:
- The being identified as the prince of the Persian kingdom fought the angel Gabriel for 21 days until the archangel Michael arrived to help him .
- Michael also fought the devil for Mosess body .
- Michael will lead Gods angels in the final battle against Satan and his demons .
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The Commander Of Yahwehs Army
An individual identified as the commander of Yahwehs army appeared to Joshua before the conquest began:
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, Are you for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, No but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, What does my lord say to his servant? And the commander of the Lord army said to Joshua, Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy. And Joshua did so
Note that this individual was not the angel of Israel or of Israels army. Rather, he was the angel of Yahwehs army. This passage recalls Moses encounter with the angel of Yahweh in the burning bush .
This indicates the commander of Yahwehs army is one and the same with his angel, the visible embodiment of Yahweh himself. That is, the commander of Yahwehs army is synonymous with the angel of the Lord.
Prayer To Saint Michael
The Prayer to Saint Michael reads:
“Saint Michael the archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan, and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”
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The Value Of Systematic Theology
Much of what we see or hear about angels in culture is based on speculation, non-biblical sources, or just plain fantasy. The Bible has a lot to say about themso much so, in fact, that it can be hard to say which of the things we hear about angels are rooted in Scripture. Thats where systematic theology is helpful: scholars like Wayne Grudem carefully organize everything the Bible says about a topic, so you can see it all at once.
Archangel Uriel The Pillar Of Devine Strength
The fourth Archangel common in Christian belief, is Uriel, an angel heavily associated with the sun, light, knowledge, and wisdom. Hence, depictions of him carrying a large book or tome, as well as sometimes holding a flaming sword or simply a palm-full of fire.
When the Prophet Ezra asks God a series of questions, Uriel is the angel sent to answer them. When Herod the Great ordered that all male children in Bethlehem, two years old or younger, would be executed, Uriel carried a young John the Baptist and his mother to safetya story captured by Leonardo Da Vinci in his painting Virgin of the Rocks.
In the Book of Enoch, Uriel is the fourth angel to be named and is mentioned in relation to Tartarus. Uriel, Gabriel, and Raphael were the Angels who observed the fall of the watchers and made the case for God to intervene and save humanity.
Throughout the Book of Enoch, Uriel appears to Enoch himself and guides him, explaining and helping him interpret what his visions mean.
The rest of the Archangels on todays list are not mentioned in Scripture. More so works surrounding and relating to these religious texts and ideas, so we dont know much as these descriptions are rather brief.
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