We all have our ideas of what angels are, whether it’s a glowing figure in white robes and massive wings. Or cherubim’s that look like plump little children with halos, tiny wings,and white loincloths, floating around on clouds with their harps.
But, it is inaccurate by biblical standards. Though the Bible doesn’t give a specific form for all angels, it does describe a few of them and this description is very different from what many people have imagined.
So, how did the Bible Describe Angels? Let’s take a look what the Scriptures say about them:
Luke 20:36 says “ The are spiritual beings and are immortal. “and they can no longer die; for they are like angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.”
Hebrews 1:14 say they are messengers. “Are not angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.?” They carry God’s command on earth.
Psalm 78:49 says Some are warring angels and those meant for destruction. “He unleashed against them His hot anger, His wrath, indignation, and hostility – a band of destroying angels.”
Biblically accurate angels make God’s heavenly Army. They constitute the warriors that went to war in heaven before Satan’s fall, and they still provoke war and destruction at God’s command.
They have emotions. Old Testament angels were desirous of the women of the earth and so mated with them and created the Nephilim and giants.
They also had the choice to choose to rebel against God with Satan or not. This means they possess a will and even desire.
They are not to be worshipped. A biblical angel is God’s messenger or servant. As awe-inspiring as they are, the point back to the Lord and are not to be worshipped in place of Him
An angel in Revelation 22:9 reinforces this by saying to John,
“You must no do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
They do not take any glory or any form of worship in God’s stead.
Revelation 4:8 mentions four living creature before God’s throne that has six wings and were covered with eyes all around, even under their wings,
In Ezekiel 1:16-18, Ezekiel also describes creatures that are like a wheel within a wheel with each of their four rims filled with eyes all around.” This particular angels serve as the wheels of God’s throne.
Ezekiel also describes other angles called cherubim’s, that have four wings and four faces, one of a Lion, an ox, a man, and a eagle. (Ezekiel 10:14).
On the other hand, maybe look at the accurate angles, also appeared to men in a form of humans. Daniel describes the one who appeared to him as having the form of a man. (Daniel 8:15).
In Genesis 18:22, the three angels, who appeared to Abraham also looked like human travelers, and that was why he was hospitable to them. The same angel led a lot, and his family out of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In the New Testament, the ones who were at Jesus‘s tomb, on the morning of his resurrection, were described to have been two-man and dazzling clothes (Luke 24:4).
When Jesus ascended to heaven and acts 1:10, it was recorded that there were two men with white cloth who addressed His disciples. Biblical scholars, naturally, assume them to be angels.
You can note that the Bible consistently gives a bizarre description of angels when it comes to revealing the glory of heaven, to men, like John, Daniel, and Ezekiel.
But when it comes to earthly errands, all the people who saw them in a form they could relate to.
This tells us that they can probably take any form, because they are spirits, but God makes some simple things our mind still can’t comprehend.
Just imagine one of the Hazard, looking angles around gods throne, appearing to a human to give them His message. The words “fear not” wouldn’t do the slightest thing too quell their fears. They’d probably have a heart attack on the spot from fright, or take off, screaming their heads off.
Taking on a human like figure helps people focus on God’s message, rather than the messenger.
What is the angel hierarchy?
First-tier Angels
- Seraphim
Their name translates to mean ‘the burning ones.’ They are described in Isaiah 6:2 as having six wings; 2 to cover their feet, 2 for their flight, and 2 covering their face. They are attendance of God’s throne, and praise Him forever.
- Cherubim
Ezekiel 1:19, in Ezekiel’s vision of God Cherubim’s are described as having for wings, 2 for covering their feet and 2 for flight and have four faces: human, lion, ox and an eagle. Their name means ‘fulfillment of wisdom.’ Satan was once a cherub.
- Thrones or Ophanim
These beings bear up God’s throne. They are described by Ezekiel as wheels wishing wheels and have eyes all over their body. Like the Seraphim, they also chant God’s glory. They are the most unique in appearance compared to others.
Second-tier Angels
Their tier of biblical angels goes forth to fulfill God’s plan in the world.
They include Dominion, Virtues and Powers.
- Dominions:
Mentioned in Ephesians 1:21, they Lord over humanity and the remaining choir of angels.
- Virtues:
Also, mentioned in Ephesians 1:21, they are majorly associated with control over the elements. They also go on the earth in human form after receiving orders for God to bring help or miracles to humans. Their primary appearance is a beam of light,
- Powers:
They are the warring beings and are mentioned in Ephesians 6:12. They are also tasked with governing the natural order.
Third-tier Angels
This tier of angels interact with humans more closely than the rest.
They include Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
- Principalities:
They guard over places in groups, like nations, states, communities, and churches,
- Archangels:
These are Leader angels. Angels, like Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael fall under this category. They are tasked with Carrying out God’s specific plans.
- Angels:
Regarded as the foot soldiers of heaven, they work the most closely with humans.
To answer the question of what is the highest level of angel among these? The Seraphim is believed to be the highest in the rank of biblically accurate angels.
Instead of the wings and harps we’ve come to know, we found wheels and numerous eyes in biblically accurate angels. However, their role in the divine order doesn’t change.
They are ministering spirits created for the benefit of believers. Imagine the power of God, who created these beings. They display His wisdom and majesty in a special kind of way.
From Pity to Praise 