From the Tanakh (in Judaism) and the Bible (in Christianity) to the Qur'an (in Islam), angels are mentioned in the Holy Books numerous times and are considered mysterious celestial beings created in God's heavenly domain.There are only five (5) angels that are actually mentioned by name in the Holy Bible; two (2) are heavenly characters and three (3) are demonic creatures.
The Heavenly Characters
Michael - is an angel in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is the only known angel to be identified as an 'archangel' in Christianity, which most scholars generally identify as being a leader of the angels in God's heavenly realm. Michael is generally referred to as the Creator's prince of the angelic host, the defender of faith and the angel of deliverance according to Judaism. The Prophet Daniel called him "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people." In Islam, he is the angel of nature who provides both food and knowledge to mankind. According to Muslim scholars, he not only assisted Muhammad in fulfilling his spiritual mission, be continues to provide sustenance and insight to people today. Literally translated, his name means: "Who is like God".
Gabriel - is recognized in the Abrahamic religions as an angel who serves as a messenger sent from the Creator to certain people, such as the prophet Daniel, the virgin Mary and the prophet Muhammad. In Judaism, he is portrayed as a protector, avenger, and warrior angel of God's will. In Islam, Gabriel is a mediator sent from Allah to bestow certain revelations to various prophets, including Muhammad. While Gabriel is not called an "archangel" in the Christian's bible, Islamic literature contends that Gabriel is an archangel. According to Jewish and Christian scholars, Gabriel is responsible for interpreting Daniel's visions. Literally translated, his name means: "God is my strength".
The Demonic Creatures
Lucifer/Satan/Devil - known by many names, this angel once sat in the throne room of Heaven and was considered the angel of Light. He is believed by many Christians to be the ultimate leader of Hell and its dominion; the most powerful dark angel of the demons. In Islam, the Devil is known as Iblis. According to Muslim scholars, Iblis was banished from Heaven for refusing to prostrate himself before Adam due to jealousy and pride. However, Satan asks Allah for a reprieve until Judgment Day rather than being consigned to the fire of Hell immediately. Allah granted his request. In Judaism, Satan means "Hinderer". Jews do not believe that Satan was a fallen angel kicked out of Heaven; they believe the Devil was created by the Heavenly Creator to make things difficult for us, so we can overcome our evil temptations (an angel whose purpose was destined by God). Whether Lucifer was banished from God's kingdom or not, his name literally means "Bearer of Light".
Abaddon/Apollyon - in Christian theology, Abaddon (which is the Greek equivalent of Apollyon) is described as a "Destroyer", the angel of the abyss, in the Book of Revelation. He is deemed to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. In Rabinnic literature of Judaism, Abaddon is identified as a realm where the damned lie in fire and snow, one of the places in Gehenna that Moses visited. According the Muslim theologians, Abaddon is believed to be the archangel Azrail, who was responsible for taking souls of the deceased away from the body. He does not act independently from God and just takes those, who were commanded to be taken. Azrail is often referred to as the "Angel of Death".
Beelzebub - is a name derived from a Philistine god and later adopted by the Abrahamic religions as a given name to a supposed winged demon and likened unto the Canaanite god, Baal. In Christianity, this evil spirit is identified as the "prince of the demons" and is commonly described as a place high in the hierarchy of Hell. While the Quran does not mention Beelzebub directly, it does mention the contest between Jezebel's priests of Ba'al and the prophet Elijah, in which Elijah (a prophet of God) won that contest. In Judaism, it is recorded that the Pharisees disparagingly accused Jesus of using Beelzebub's demonic powers to heal people. The word Ba'al Zebub in rabbinical texts is a mockery of the Ba'al religion, which ancient Hebrews considered to be idol worship. He is commonly referred to as "Lord of the Flies".
While not named in the Bible, there are many other angels that seemed to appear at various times throughout the Abrahamic Scriptures. They [the angels] are neither gods nor mortal humans and, in most instances, are presented as one the greatest unsolved mysteries of the Holy Bible.
The Other Unnamed Angels
The word “angel” actually comes from the Greek word aggelos, which means “messenger.” The matching Hebrew word mal'ak has the same meaning. Sometimes, the Bible uses these words for human beings:
- ordinary people who carry messages (Job 1:14; Luke 7:24; 9:52)
- prophets (Isaiah 42:19; Malachi 3:1)
- priests (Malachi 2:7)
- church leaders (Rev 1:20)
Sometimes, it speaks figuratively of things or events as “messengers”…
- the pillar of cloud (Exodus 14:19)
- pestilence or plagues (2 Samuel 24:16-17)
But it usually describes the whole range of spirits whom God has created, including both good and evil angels, and special categories such as cherubim, seraphim, and the archangel.
Angels are mentioned at least 108 times in the Hebrew Bible and 165 times in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. And, there are at least seven (7) angels mentioned in the Quran:
- Jibril - the angel whose task is to convey the revelation from Allah to His Messengers
- Mikaa’eel - the angel responsible for distribution of sustenance wherever Allah wishes
- Israafeel - the angel who is charged with blowing the trumpet on the Day of Judgment
- Azraeel - the Angel of death who take the souls with the order of Allah
- Kiram al Katibin - "keepers" or two angels who records the deeds of humans
- Hafaza (The Guardian Angels) - angels who are charged with guarding
- Hamalat al-‘Arsh - angels who carry the throne of Allah
The following video is a good and fair description of the celestial beings known as angels .....
Hence, there is ample information available in the Abrahamic Scriptures to allow mankind to build a solid foundation for our own knowledge of angelic beings without humankind hurdling accusations of "Who's ? Right" when it comes to "Biblical Angels".
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