Angels online
Truths About Angels...
Their feathers are magic. Dogs can sense their presence. And when we die, they escort us to heaven...
Fact or Fantasy?
Movies and television have had a huge impact on what we believe about angels. And while they are entertaining and fun to watch, unfortunately most of what we "learn" about angels from the media is pure fiction. There is no scientific nor historical evidence to support the fantasies created in Hollywood.
Online stories of children saved by angels -- even the story of my own daughter -- tug at our heartstrings, but there is no real proof.
So the question is, what evidence can we rely on for factual information about angels?
Forget science; science can only prove what can be recreated in a laboratory or arrived at through a series of theorems, measurements or calculations. It cannot prove what exists outside the physical universe as we know it.
What we can rely on is historical evidence.
In a court of law, two or more eye witnesses are generally sufficient to establish an event. But because historical witnesses of angels are no longer alive, we have to rely on records. The records that we have are ancient Hebrew texts and early Christian texts, better known as the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.
You're probably saying, hold on -- some of the Bible is just stories, and all of it we have to take on faith. Fact is that there is written historical or archaeological evidence that supports virtually every significant event and individual described in the Bible. Historians such as Josephus wrote of Jesus and Paul; other texts support early Judaic history. If you feel that we have to take it on faith, you are correct. But the evidence supporting the basic truths of the Bible is overwhelming. So for this study of angel facts, we will rely on the best, most supported evidence available.
Start with the Old Testament -- Any Female Angels?
In ancient Hebrew texts, angels are supernatural beings that do God's bidding. Angels are described in many ways, from human-like creatures to winged beings with four faces. Most angels are un-named, but any that are have names are masculine in Hebrew.
Because of this, some people say that all angels are men -- but beware of trying to define that which we don't understand. The Bible describes the number of angels as thousands of ten thousands -- which is 10 million if my math is right -- which probably means that the actual number is simply beyond comprehension. With that many angels, and only a handful that are named, it is not necessarily true that all angels are males. In fact, we can't even be sure that the angels with male names actually are males, as it is certainly possible that they transcend sexuality.
There is a verse in Zechariah that certainly raises the possibility of female angels, it is Zechariah 5:9 which refers to two women with wind in their wings. These women are carrying out God's bidding as an angel would, so it stands to reason that they are angels. But the verses do not specifically say that they are angels.
What we do know for sure about angels in ancient Hebrew manuscripts is that they did God's bidding...helpful when required to be helpful, or dealing God's wrath when he was angry.
The most prominently mentioned types of angels are Malach, referring to angels of the Lord, or messengers of God. Malach resemble men in appearance, and were the ones used most often to deliver messages to people.
Another type of angel described frequently are the Adonai, who are the hosts of heaven, also known as "watchers." It is possible that these are the angels Jesus refers to in the New Testament when he talks about each child having an angel looking down upon them.
A combination of the words Malach Adonai describes a being that represents God, but is distinct from God. Many believe that Malach Adonai is the presence of God that appeared in the burning bush, and the presence of God in the Ark of the Covenant. If the Malach Adonai actually is a form of God, then it is definitely not an angel.
The type of angel that we tend to think of most is the Bnei Elohim. These are the super-powerful angels like Michael, Gabriel, and Ha-Satan. "Elohim" refers to God's power; the phrase Bnei Elohim translates roughly to "sons of God." (more on "sons of God" below!) These are the angels that were assigned to be guardians of each nation. Michael, for example, was the guardian of Judah. Pagan nations had angels assigned to them as well, and they would work in opposition to some angels and cooperate with others. I wonder if nations still have angels assigned today?
Other angels are simply never named. Some of these, such as the angel that appeared to David at the threshing floor and killed thousands of soldiers, are extremely powerful. That particular angel held a "sword" between heaven and earth...it's surprising that the angel is not named. Some scholars say it wasn't necessary for that angel to have a name, and that's a fine explanation. But it isn't necessarily correct. Perhaps this angel doesn't have a name, or perhaps is a type of being that we simply can't understand.
It is important to keep in mind that some of the references to angels might involve significant use of symbolism. We should also recognize that God can change the function and purpose of the various types of angels however he chooses, and we can't begin to fully comprehend God's plans or methods.
"Evil" angels or "opposition" angels are mentioned throughout the old testament. One of the most notorious is "Ha-Satan," one of the bnei Elohim who appears in the book of Job. Ha-Satan functions as prosecutor in the heavenly "court." There are also "evil spirits sent from God" who torment King Saul in the book of 1st Samuel, and evil angels who appear in Psalms. Throughout the Old Testament, "evil" angels administer suffering, but always acting in subordination to God. It is not until the New Testament that they become "independent."
The concept of the fallen angel is based on Old Testament scriptures, but not in the popular sense most people think of. No, a lot of what we believe about the "fall of Satan" comes from John Milton's Paradise Lost, not the Bible. But there is a common thread to the serpent in Genesis, Ha-Satan in Job, and the angel referred to as the King of Tyre in Ezekial 28. This angel was a guardian in heaven, the most beautiful of angels, but became proud and was driven out. Milton expounded on this in his epoch. More importantly, however, the New Testament brings together these evil angels as a single spirit. It isn't the fall itself that is important to understand, but rather the outcome and the evil we are dealing with today.
Other angels that definitely fell from grace are certain "sons of God" (bnei Elohim) mentioned in Genesis chapter 6. These male angels found female humans to be too beautiful to resist, and deliberately left their posts in heaven to be with them. Sounds like the City of Angels movie! These angels actually had superhuman (or somewhat superhuman anyway) children, who "did great things." But God put an end to this practice with the great flood.
Another Old Testament concept is that of the chief angels, or seven "eyes" of God. It is thought that seven angels sat as sort of a "council," and discussed earthly events with God. They are also referred to as "princes" of the angels. Michael and Gabriel are two that we know the names of. Whether or not these angels still function in this capacity is unknown.
Key Types of Old Testament Angels
- "Malach" is used when referring angels of the Lord or angels of God that are in some ways like men.
- "Adonai" are the hosts of heaven, also known as watchers, distinct from Malach.
- "Malach Adonai" is a being that represents God, but is distinct from God.
- "bnei Elohim" refers to angels with great power, as the word Elohim refers to God's power. These are angels such as Michael, Gabriel, and Ha-Satan.
- "Cherubim" are winged creatures, part man, possibly resembling animals, or a combination of both, usually under the throne of God.
- "Chayot" have four wings and four faces (of a man, lion, ox, and eagle) and drive God's chariot.
- "Ophanim" are wheel-like creatures with eyes who carry and or watch the throne of God.
- "Seraphim" are angels who surround the throne of God.
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