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ANGELS 

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands. Revelation 5:11 (KJV)

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That night the angel of the LORD went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. When the surviving Assyrians woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere.  2 Kings 19:35 (NLT)

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In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. Isaiah 6:1-2 (ESV)

GREEK WORD - 'Aggelos' - MEANING, 'Messenger'

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ALSO CALLED

  • Watchers - Daniel 4:13-23 (KJV)

  • Songs of the mighty - Psalms 89:6 (KJV)

  • Sons of God - Genesis. 6:1-4 / Job 1:6; 2:1 and 38:7 (KJV)

  • Congregation of the mighty - Psalms 82:1 (KVJ)

  • Saints - Psalms 89:7 (KJV)

  • Hosts - Psalms 33:6  / Luke 2:13 (KJV)

  • Spirits - Hebrews 1:14 (KJV)

  • The elect - 1 Timothy 5:21 (KJV)

  • Stars and Morning Stars - Job 38 (KJV)

 

CHARACTERISTICS

  • ​They are creations of God that have their own physical bodies. 

  • They are able to manifest in time and space.  They appear in human form and there are examples of this all throughout scripture (Sodom & Gomorrah, the resurrection & ascension of Jesus, appearing to Abraham, along with God, etc.)

  • They can fly (Daniel 9:21; Revelations 14:6-7)

  • They eat (Genesis 18:1-8; Genesis 19:1-3)

  • Always referred to as male (i.e. Judges 13:6, Matthew 28:3, and Genesis 19:1 to name a few; then, of course, Michael and Gabriel). There are no references or appearances to angels as being female that we're aware of.

  • Have personalities, emotions and free will like humans (i.e. Ezekiel 28, Job 38 and Isaiah 14 to name a few)

  • Can feel pleasure and pain​ (i.e. Luke 15:10 and many others)

  • Are humble (Isaiah 6:2)

  • Free moral agents with the power of choice (Revelation 12:4)

  • They're curious and desire to learn more about God, their creator (1 Peter 1:12)

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PURPOSE

  • Angels were created by God with specific purposes in mind. They serve Him and oversee the affairs of the seen and unseen.

  • They were created before God laid the foundations of the earth ....... they watched Him do it and sang praises while He did it (Job 38)

  • They are currently engaged in warfare on our behalf in the invisible realms/dimensions

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HOW THEY INTERACT:

  • They speak, have taken men by the hand, and have eaten meals with people (i.e. Sodom & Gomorrah)

  • Capable of direct physical combat (i.e. Passover in Egypt, the slaughter of 185,000 Syrians, etc.)

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ADDITIONAL FACTS:

  • They were created before the earth was created (Job)

  • They are innumerable in number (Hebrews 12:22)

  • They have ranks; assigned a place in a chain of command.

  • They are mighty in power, but not almighty (2 Thessalonians 1:7)

  • Were all good in the beginning and then some chose to rebel against God (fallen angels)

  • None are more powerful than God their creator.  However, they are the most powerful creation we will ever face.

  • There are only four called by their names in scripture - Michael, Gabriel, Abaddon (aka Apollyon) and Lucifer.

CHERUBIM

The Cherubim are a general class of heavenly beings. There are 3 types of Cherubim: Seraphim, Zoa and Ophanim.  

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Despite what we've been lead to believe, they are not angels.

 

Other titles/meanings:  Throne-gripper; Throne-guardian; Throne-coverer; one who grips, holds firm, guards

 

Role/Duty: Always in the presence of God and attend His throne. The Throne is that on which the Word of God sits.  The Cherubim are the guardians of the Throne.

  

Examples of Cherubim in scripture:

  • They guarded the tree of life when man was driven out (Genesis 3:24)

  • God uses them to travel by (2 Sam. 22:11; Psalms 18:10)

  • They take God's throne from place to place (Ezekiel 1, 9:3, 10:1-20, 11:22)

  • They appeared to Balaam, sword in hand (Numbers 22)

Seraphim - Free Image - Ok to use.jpg

Seraphim

Rank:  1st

Other titles: 

  • Hebrew word, 'Nachash' meaning glorious, shining serpent, dragon

  • Hebrew word, 'Saraph' meaning fiery serpent/dragon

  • Moses used these two words interchangably in Numbers 21:8 (saraph) and Numbers 21:9 (nachash)

  • Satan is a Nachash in Genesis 3:1

Appearance: 

  • fiery, shining, winged, serpent/dragon

  • They are the models for the reptilian & amphibian orders

  • 1 face and 6 wings 

Location: above/over the throne of God (Isaiah) - 'the burning ones' - hover above the throne

Duties:  Guard the purity of doctrine for Israel and her Gentiles; they lead in the praise of God; they speak to men

Basic details can be found: Isaiah 6:1-7 and Ezekiel 28:14,16

Zoa or Ophanim - Free Image - Ok to use.

Zoa

Rank:  1st

Other titles:  Zoa means 'living one'

Appearance: 

  • There are 4 Zoa

  • Each has 4 faces and 6 wings. 

  • The 4 faces of the Zoa:  1) Lion, 2) Calf, 3) Anthropoid, 4) Flying Eagle

  • Each is full of eyes

Location: Around and at the very sides of the throne (Rev. 4:6) - make up the sides of the throne

Duties:  Watch over the prophetic events regarding Israel's future kingdom and revelation of such prophecy

Basic details can be found: Revelation 4:1-9; 5:1-6:1

Ophanim - Free image - Ok to use.jpg

Ophanim

Rank:  1st

Other titles: 

  • Hebrew: Ophan; Plural: Ophanin

  • Synonymous with the Hebrew word, 'Galgal' (plural: 'Galgalim'), which means wheel/sphere

  • Both terms are used in Ezekiel 1, 10

Appearance: 

  • There are 4 Ophanim - each is a wheel/sphere

  • Each wheel is full of concentric circles/spheres and full of eyes on the rim

  • Each is the color of Beryl, a greenish-blue color (Ezekiel 1:16)

  • Attached to each Ophan is a creaturely body which has 4 faces: 1) Lion, 2) Calf, 3) Anthropoid, 4) Eagle

  • Four wings with hands underneath

  • No speech.  They communicate by handing fire and scrolls to Archangels (Ezekiel 10:1-8; 2:9-10).  However, the noise of their wings sounds like the Voice of God.

Location:  Under the throne in Heaven and under God Himself (Ezekiel 10:20,; Daniel 7:9).  Make up the base of the throne.

Duties:  Help make up the Throne & support it. Watch over the revelation of scriptures to Israel's kingdom

Basic details can be found: Ezekiel chapters 1 and 10 / Daniel 7:9 / Psalms 77:18-19

Archangels

Greek term:  Archaggelos, meaning Chief

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Also known as: Chief Princes

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Scripture References: Jude 9, Daniel 9:21-12:4; Luke 1:19 and 35; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Deuteronomy 34:6

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Rank:  2nd - Right after the Cherubim.  The highest ranked group of angelic beings sent as messengers or warriors by God

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Appearance:  Man-like (Daniel 9:21 and 10:16)

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Location: Stand before the Throne waiting to be sent

Jewish apocalyptic literature notes seven Archangels who stand in the presence of God:  Suruel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Gabrial, Remiel, and Uriel (Tobit 12:15, 1 Enoch 20:1-7; 9:1; 40:9).  Michael and Gabriel are the only two referenced in the Bible.

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They conduct their work/ministry under the ministry of, and get their revelations from, the Ophanim (Ezekiel 10:1-8 and Ezekiel 2:9-10)

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Duties: Oversee & participate in the communication from God to saints of Israel's kingdom (Gabriel).  Protection & welfare of the saints of Israel's kingdom (Michael).

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Michael

  • Identified by name as an Archangel (Jude 9)

  • Military leader on behalf of Israel. His responsibilities are to the Jews.  He is called "the great prince" who stands for Daniel's people, the Jews (Daniel 12:1). The protector of Israel.

  • His is the voice that will be heard when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

  • He is referred to as a "chief prince" by another angel, Gabriel (Daniel 10:13)

  • Was given the task of burying the body of Moses (Jude 9 and Deuteronomy 34:6)

  • Mentioned three times in Daniel where he's called a 'Prince'

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Gabriel

  • Gabriel's position: he stands in the presence of God; before the Throne (Luke 1:19)

  • Mentioned by name four times (Daniel and Luke)

  • Seems to be associated with the redemptive work of God

  • Known for making announcements regarding the Messiah

  • A peer of Michael (Daniel 9:21-12:4)

  • Michael aids Gabriel (Daniel 10:13) and Gabriel aids Michael (Daniel 11:1)

  • Gabriel and Michael's understanding of prophecy is equal (Daniel 10:21)

  • The Septuagint references Gabriel as an Archangel/Prince

  • He was stopped from reaching Daniel by 'the prince of the kingdom of Persia' until Michael showed up to help him (Daniel 10:13)

  • He appeared to Zacharias to announce that he would have a son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:19)

  • He appeared to Mary to tell her that she would have a son who would be called Jesus, the Son of God (Luke 1:35)

Angel-Priests

Also known as:  Unknown

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Scripture References: Revelation 8:3-5; 14:18 / Genesis 19:17-22

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Rank: 3rd

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Appearance:  Unknown

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Number:  Unknown

 

Location:  Unknown

  • Not much is known about them

  • Revelation 8:3-5, 14:18, and Genesis 19:17-22 possibly reference them

  • These may be angels, other than just the Seraphim, who function as priests at the Heavenly alter and act as mediators in prayer between God and the Jews and Gentiles of Israel's kingdom

  • All Angels, however, by administrative position, are mediators between God and Israel

Angelic Hosts

Also known as: the army - Luke 2:13 (NLT)

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Scripture References:  Listed to the right

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Rank:  4th

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Appearance: They take the form of men, as well as horses and chariots

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Number:  thousands to millions

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Location: They constitute the congregation of the Temple of Heaven filling the general court of the temple outside the Irin-Qadeshin

  • Referenced:  I Kings 22:19 / 2 Kings 6:13-18 / 2 Chronicles 18:18 / Job 1:6, 2:1 / Psalms 68:17 and 104:4 / Isaiah 6:1 / Daniel 7:10 / Zechariah 1:7-11 / Matthew 18:10 / Hebrews 1:7 and 14-22 / 1 John 4:1-3 / Revelation 5:11...and many more!

  • They are without number

  • They are supervised by the Archangels

  • They constitute the body of the cloud of glory, the shekinah and Jehovah's train that fills the heavenly temple (Isaiah 6:1)

  • Duties:

1. Guardians of the created order and controllers of the natural processes (Greek text of Gal. 4:8-9; Col. 2:8,20). 

2. They are the authorities or the gods of the earth (Psalms 8:5, 82:1, 6; 86:8, 95:3, 96:4, 97:7,9; 135:5; 136:2; 138:1; Daniel 10:13,21; 11:36; 12:1; John 10:34 -36; 1 Cor. 8:5-6);

3) Overseers of human government (Daniel 10:13,21 and 12:1);

4) Constitute the armies of heaven (Jude 5:20; 2 Kings 6:13-19; Rev. 12:7-8);

5) Agents of Israel's charismatic gifts (bestowers of healing, outpourers of the gift of tongues) 1 John 4:1-3 / 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 / Acts 7:53 / Galatians 3:19/ Hebrews 2:2 / Revelation 1:1, 4

Common Angels

Also known as:

  • Messenger, Sons of God - Job 38:7 (KJV; NIV)

  • The infantry, foot soldiers, the 'grunts' among the angels

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Scripture References:  Matthew 22:30 / 2 Kings 19:35 / 2 Samuel 14:20 / 2 Thessalonians 1:8 / Ecclesiastes 5:6 / Luke 16:22....and many, many more

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Rank: 5th

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Appearance: male, like that of man

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Number: without number -Hebrews 12:22 (KJV)

  • Their mission is the physical safety and well-being of believers in Christ.

  • They are always referred to as male throughout scripture.

  • They don't marry (Matthew 22:30).

  • They have physical bodies, but are not bound by physical laws (can fly, appear/disappear, have superhuman strength, etc.).  

  • They are mighty warriors - One angel killed 185,000 men of the Assyrian army in one night! (2 Kings 19:35)

  • They are wise (2 Samuel 14:20).  Superior to man in power and intelligence.

  • They differ from one another.

  • The execute God's wrath on the wicked (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

  • They observe us (Ecclesiastes 5:6)

  • They receive and accompany the spirits of those who have accepted Christ as their savior at the time of their death (Luke 16:22).

  • They are sent as messengers and ministering spirits to the "heirs of salvation" throughout scripture.

SCRIPTURES

Below are just a few select scriptures highlighting Angels.  There are many more.

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  • Acts 8:39-40: Angel picks up Philip and plops him in another town!

  • Acts 10:3: Angel appears to Cornelius

  • Acts 12:7: An Angel appears to Peter in prison

  • Acts 12:23: An Angel strikes Herod down

  • 1 Corinthians 10:10: references a 'destroying' Angel

  • 2 Corinthians 20:22-25: references God setting ambush's against the enemies of Judah - angelic hosts appeared amongst the enemy troops, confused them and they began killing one another; not one survived

  • Revelations 4:1-9; 5:1-6:1: references the Zoa

  • Daniel 7:9: Daniel confirms the Zoa

  • Ezekiel 10:13: The heavenly court addresses each of the Ophanim as Galgal/wheel

  • Ezekiel 1 & 10 / Daniel 7:9 / Psalms 77:18-19 - provide basic details about the Ophanim

  • Job 38:7 - references the 'sons of God' shouting for joy - these sons of God are angels

  • Isaiah 6:1-2 - references the seraphim

RESOURCES, RESEARCH & REFERENCES

Check out the Angels section of our Resources, Research & References page for books, documentaries, DVD’s, articles, biblical and extra-biblical information on this topic

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