Thrones

4/3/24 

As we ascend further up the angelic ladder that God has created, we encounter spiritual beings that minister to God instead of man.  For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding… Colossians 1:9.

“Thomas Aquinas in his ‘Summa Theologica’, listed angels into three hierarchies, each further divided into three orders. The first hierarchy is that of the order of Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. The second hierarchy contains the orders of Principalities, Dominions, Powers, Rulers and Authorities, and the third hierarchy holds the order of Archangels and Angels. These were the same hierarchy that Pope Gregory the First accepted in the sixth century.” Does the Bible Show an Angel Hierarchy? (christianity.com)

The next ladder rung of the celestial heavenly host is something called Thrones.  Although there are many thrones spoken of in the Bible, the thrones of men and kings, the thrones of God, and the thrones for judgment.

For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Psalm 122:5.

Then all the princes of the sea will come down from their thrones, lay aside their robes, and take off their embroidered garments; they will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, tremble every moment, and be astonished at you. Ezekiel 26:16.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. Luke 1:52.

“…that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22:30.

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Revelation 20:4.

But these thrones are different, and, of course somewhat of a mystery.  In any event, the Lord has given us a glimpse into the hierarchy of His Angelic organization.  The thrones are a class of angels mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:16. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.

“The Bible describes thrones angels on the council of God...thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat.  Daniel 7:9. As for the name ‘thrones’, Calvin said perhaps it’s used for angels “because the glory of God in some measure dwells in them.”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool.  His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire…

“Thrones angels are filled with brilliant that reflects the brilliance of God's wisdom and that enlightens their minds. All the angels who have direct access to God's throne in heaven, that is the thrones angels, the cherubim, and seraphim, exude light so bright that it's compared to fire or gemstones that reflect the light of God's glory in his dwelling place. The Thrones angels, who rank third in the most common angelic hierarchy, join angels from the first two ranks, the seraphim and the cherubim, on God's council of angels in heaven.”  Thrones Angels in the Christian Angel Hierarchy (learnreligions.com).

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; He is more awesome than all who surround Him. Psalm 89:7.

Again, I am reminded of the song by Michael W. Smith, "Above All": Though we are curious about angels, His preeminence is to be esteemed. 

Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth