Government of Angels ~ Archangels

2/14/24

We will continue our “Government of Angels” with those spiritual beings closest to mankind.  Last week, we looked at angels.  So, let’s continue on with the organizational chart and the next rung up the angelic ladder…Archangels.

Archangels are called the great heralds of the Good News because they are sent by God to deliver and carry out God’s messages and important plans for mankind.  They also are found around the Most High’s throne room. 

There is fluidity in ancient texts and our Christian scriptures regarding Archangels.  Ranging from one distinctly titled in the Bible (Michael), up to seven found in early Jewish and Christian literature and manuscripts.  

However, the Talmud (the central text of Rabbinic Judaism) names four angels known as Archangels surrounding God's throne.  The highest ranking are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel.  Then, there is Phanuel (named in the Book of Enoch) who is also referred to as an Archangel.  A quick summary:

• Michael: Presides over Israel and all that is poweriful; great warrioir.
• Gabriel: Prevails over all that is merciful; great communicator.
• Raphael: Presides over suffering and every wound of man; great healer.
• Uriel: The angel of wisdom, who shines the light of God’s truth; the fire of God.
• Phanuel: Presides over repentance and the hope of those who will inherit eternal life; the angel of penance.

“As the Holy One blessed be He created four winds (directions) and four banners (for Israel's army), so also did He make four angels to surround His Throne—Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael. Michael is on its right; Uriel on its left; Gabriel in front; and Raphael in the rear.” Angels in Judaism.

“There is some ambuguity concerning Uriel and Phanel.  Some associate Phanuel with Uriel; although some others see this as debatable.  Uriel, is in the Jewish and Christian Apocrypha ranked as an Archangel with Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.  While Phanuel is found in the Book of Enoch (ca. 300 BC an ancient Hebrew apocalyptic religious text, ascribed by tradition to the patriarch Enoch who was the father of Methuselah and the great-grandfather of Noah), with Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel.”

Notice the names I mentioned, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel and Phanuel, they all end with ’EL’.  Why?  Because El means the Lord God Almighty, El Shaddai.  Each Archangel’s name mirrors an attribute of the Lord God, and we will see what each name means later in this series. 

In addition, there are seven Archangels referenced in early Jewish and Christian texts: “The concept of Seven Archangels is found in some works of early Jewish literature and in Christianity.  In those texts, they are referenced as the angels who serve God directly.  Zechariah 4,10 tells about "seven rejoices" that are "the eyes of the Lord, which scan to and from throughout the whole earth."  Revelation 8:2 mentions seven angels who "stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets."

Similarly, Revelation 16:1 indicates: "and I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels: ‘Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God into the earth.’"  Lastly, Revelation 4 and Revelation 4:5 mention "seven Spirits" whose identity is not well specified – who are the "seven lamps of fire that were burning before the throne.". Seven Archangels.

Time for a cautionary note. I don’t know how I would react if I saw an Archangel without being clothed in human form.  I guess no one really knows how they would react to such a manifestation of the Angelic Host.  But I do know what we’re not supposed to do and that is to worship them.  

And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!  Revelation 19:10.

Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”  Revelation 22:9.

“Why would such a godly man like John make such a blunder as this?  John either felt that the angel represented God, or he was beside himself with excitement over the glorious consummation.  No created being should be worshipped.  This is in contrast to Jesus, who receives the worship of angels.  This voice from the throne of God might be Jesus, but more likely it is the voice of one of the angels that serve at the throne of God.”  Enduring Word Bible Commentary Revelation Chapter 19.

“Christians are never to worship angels or pray to angels, for our worship and “prayer belong to God alone.  But when we pray, God directs the armies of heaven to fight on our behalf, even though we may know nothing about the battles that are being waged in this invisible war.”  Excerpt from: ‘Be Resolute (Daniel)’, Warren W. Wiersbe.

I have heard it said, God has given us essential revelation not exhaustive revelation.  There is a reason why our Lord has not clearly stated all Archangels names in our Christain Bible, which is and will remain a mystery while we are on this earth.  However, I think it will be fun to look at Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel and Phanuel.