I was about to move on to the characteristics of angels, but realized that we should also look at the four specific angels named in scripture: Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer and “the angel of the Lord.” There are other angels named in apocryphal writings, but I am going to limit my study to scripture.
Gabriel is probably most widely known for delivering the message to Mary regarding her privilege of being chosen to give birth to the Messiah.
Luke 1:26–27 “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”
He is also identified in scripture as delivering messages from God to Zechariah regarding the birth of John the Baptist and to Daniel regarding the explanation of his visions.
Luke 1:18–19 “And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.”
Daniel 8:15–16 “And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.”
Daniel 9:21–22 “Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.”
Although we often hear Gabriel referenced as an archangel, Michael is the only archangel identified in scripture.
Jude 1:9 “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”
The Greek root from which the word archangel is derived indicates that Michael is first in rank among the angels. This would lead me to believe that there is only one archangel. It is also significant to me that he is the one that is shown in direct conflict with Satan. I think it is possible that he may have replaced Lucifer/Satan as the chief among angels after his rebellion against the Creator. The scripture we looked at in a previous post identified Lucifer as one who “sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty” and as “the anointed cherub that covereth.” (Ezekiel 28:12-14)
Michael is the one appointed to lead the angelic forces in battle that results in the Satan and his angels being cast out of their place in the heavens.
Revelation 12:7–8 “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.”
I think it is interesting to note that the reference is to “Michael and his angels.” This again seems to support the thought of one archangel, chief among the angels.
Michael is also referenced by a messenger who is sent to explain a vision to the prophet Daniel. He calls Michael “one of the chief princes.”
Daniel 10:13 “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.”
I would liken this reference to one as equating with the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff to the president; he is the chief among chiefs. I will defer discussion on other implications of these passages until we begin looking more closely at the characteristics and purposes of the angels.
Michael is also identified to Daniel as the guardian angel of Israel so to speak.
Daniel 10:21 “But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.”
Daniel 12:1 “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people….”
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