Archangel

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Archangels

An Archangel is a superior or higher-ranking angel. Archangels are found in a number of religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Zoroastrianism.

The word archangel derives from the Greek αρχαγγελος archangelos = αρχ- arch- ("first, primary") and αγγελος angelos ("messenger").

In Judaism

There are no explicit references to archangels in the canonical texts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Indeed even angels are uncommon except in later works like Daniel, though they are mentioned briefly in the stories of Jacob (who wrestled with an angel) and Lot (who was warned by angels of the impending destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah). The earliest references to archangels are in the literature of the intertestamental periods (e.g. 4 Esdras 4.36).

It is therefore widely speculated that Jewish interest in angels was learned during the Babylonian captivity. According to Rabbi Simeon ben Lakish of Tiberias (230–270 CE), all the specific names for the angels were brought back by the Jews from Babylon, and some modern commentators would argue that the details of the angelic hierarchy were largely Zoroastrian in origin.

Within the rabbinic tradition, the Kabbalah, and the Book of Enoch chapter 20, the usual number given is at least seven: Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, Sariel, Raguel, and Remiel (possibly the Ramiel of the Apocalypse of Baruch, said to preside over true visions). Zadkiel, Jophiel, Haniel and Chamuel are also listed as archangels.

In Christianity

The New Testament rarely speaks of angels, and makes only two references to archangels: Michael in Jude 1.9 (which is referring in passing to a Jewish legend), and I Thessalonians 4:16, where the "voice of an archangel" will be heard at the return of Christ. Contrary to popular belief Gabriel is never called 'archangel' in the Gospels.

In later Christian tradition, however, there are three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael (and sometimes Uriel is given as a fourth). Eastern Orthodox tradition mentions Seven Archangels. Uriel is included, and the other three are most often cited as Selaphiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel.

Sometimes Satan is considered a fallen Archangel whose original name was Samael.

Some Protestants view Michael as the sole Archangel, as the only one explicitly mentioned as such in the Bible.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was actually the Archangel Michael in incarnate form. In this view, Michael is the first and greatest of all God's creatures. This belief is held because the Bible only mentions one Archangel by name; Michael and in the biblical book 1Thessalonians 4:16 it says regarding Jesus: "Because the Lord himself will descend from Heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel's voice."

This is in contrast to certain Protestants, such as the Baptist evangelist Charles Spurgeon and the Presbyterian Commentary author Matthew Henry, who believe that the Archangel Michael is not an angel but is instead the uncreated, divine Son of God. In this view "Archangel" means "head of the angels" rather than "head angel," and is a title similar to "Prince of the host" (Daniel 8:11).

In Islam

In Islam, the archangels are Michael or Mikael (Archangel of the Weather), Gabriel or Jibril (who brought the Koran to Muhammad), Azrael (Angel of Death), Israfil or Isra'afeel (Archangel who is to blow the horn on Judgement Day), Malik (Keeper of Hell) and Munkar and Nakir (Angels of Interrogation that will question deceased souls on their life before their death). Neither Israfil nor Azrael are mentioned in the Qu'ran.

It is emphasised in Islamic texts that angels are genderless.

Other traditions

Occultists sometimes associate archangels in Kabbalistic fashion with various seasons or elements, or even colors. In some Kabbalah-based systems of ceremonial magic, all four of the main archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel) are invoked as guarding the four quarters, or directions, and their corresponding colors are associated with magical properties.

Among the Tarish, the four archangels are Michael, Gabriel, Tariel (aka Raphael), and Lucifer.

In art, archangels are usually depicted with larger wings and many eyes. The most often represented archangels are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

The Book of Enoch lists the following 7 as Archangels: Michael, Uriel, Raphael, Gabriel, Saraqael, Remiel, and Raguel (Reuel).

Saraqael is described as one of the angels that watchers over "the spirits that sin in the spirit".

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In Judaism

In Christianity

In Islam

Other traditions

See also