Who is Michael the Arch-Angel?
There are many things to understand about names and titles. Most of the time in scripture a name described the individual being named. Titles also represent the position they held. We will be discussing Michael the arch angel, and who does this identify. There are many issues to clear up on this topic so we must be prayerful and investigative of the scripture. God will reveal to us from the scripture all truth.
The first thing I would like to reveal is that many are confused of the type of entities Heavenly beings are. They are not called angels as a name but as a title. They are actually referred to as two classes in scripture which are Seraphim and Cherubim or Cherub. Seraphim or seraphs are 6 wing creatures. They are described as fiery creatures.
Isa 6:1 in the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Isa 6:2 above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
The word seraphim means fiery. We know in Scripture it describes them this way as well.
Heb 1:6 and again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him.
Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
It uses 2 titles Angels and ministers to describe Seraphim and cherubs. We will touch on these titles but first lets breakdown the other type of heavenly creature referred to Cherubim. Cherubs have 4 wings and the serve God around the throne. God also rides on cherubs.
Psa 18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
Psa 18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
The Cherubs are serving God under the throne some may even say they make up the throne of God.
Eze 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
Eze 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
Eze 1:6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Also,
Eze 1:12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
Eze 1:25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
Eze 1:26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Eze 1:27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
Eze 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
According to Psalms 18:9-10, Cherubs serve God and moves Gods throne. Ezekiel reveals to us that they are moving as the spirit moves and that the throne is above them and Father is sitting on that throne.
Dan 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Daniel shows us that the throne of God is a fiery flame which Hebrews 1:7 reveals to us that that is what angels are. The description is also explaining this in Ezekiel chapter 1, as mentioned in the verses above. We can see that there are many functions seraphim’s and cherubs occupy. Many are strong obeying His commands and those deliver messages of the word.
Psa 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Psa 103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
The term Angel is a title or occupation. The meaning of the term Angel in Hebrew is Mal-Awk which means Messenger or ambassador. This title is not restricted to only heavenly creatures but anyone who occupies the work of the position. Men and heavenly creatures are referred to as brethren in the family of God and fellow workers with men as angels.
Rev 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
Rev 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
heavenly messengers are also apart of the church of God,
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
But looking at the meaning of the term angel we cannot place that title exclusively on these heavenly beings. The term again means Ambassadors; Paul refers to us as ambassadors.
2Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Messenger is also a term used for the workers of God.
Jas_2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
The word messenger here in the greek is Angelos which is where we get the english term angels from.
Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
The term angel here is the greek word angelos which means messenger or ambassador. Now that we understand that the term angel is not exclusive for heavenly creatures lets take a look at Jesus to see if the term Angel can be used for Him also.
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
The Prophets were messengers of God or angels to speak to us in past times, now in these verses; God is using His SON to be His messenger or ambassador for us in these last days. Therefore the term Angel is a correct term for Christ. It does not mean He was a created Heavenly being. Scripture is clear Christ was not created. But the title or job as angel or messenger is His. He is the Chief messenger; even His title is the word of the Father. Now the word ARCH in the bible is Head or Chief. Arch angel in greek is arkangelos which means head or chief messenger.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
The Messiah HIMSELF has the voice of the Archangel. He is the archangel or the Chief Ambassador for the Father in Heaven. We all understand of His existence prior to His incarnation. So let’s see if there is any proof that Christ was referred to as an angel in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Exo 23:20 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
Exo 23:21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.
Exo 23:22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.
This verse is clear, that Father was saying He was going to send an Angel to keep them in the way. Christ said I am the way also (John 14:6). Father also tells them to beware of Him because He will not pardon their transgressions. No one can forgive or not forgive sins except for God and His Son whom He placed as His chief ambassador on earth. The verses also mentions that whatever this Angel says is what the Father speaks showing this angel is the word of God. Joshua also met this Chief or captain of the host of Heaven.
Jos 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
Jos 5:14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
Jos 5:15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
First the word captain is the same as the word ARCH, they both mean head or chief. Joshua recognized who this person was and bowed to Him. Now He also told Joshua to remove His shoes which brings us to another encounter with this Angel of the Lord.
Exo 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
Exo 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
Exo 3:3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
Exo 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
The burning bush was the ANGEL of the Lord and the Angel spoke for God to Moses, Because He was the Word of God himself. The very next verse He says what He says to Joshua pertaining to the ground they were on.
Exo 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
We know when the Word of God spoke it was on Behalf of the Father. When the Angel of the Lord spoke for the Father it was the Word of God Himself the Messiah. Jesus Himself said that no man ever heard the voice of the Lord.
Joh 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Joh 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
Therefore we revealed using scripture that Jesus himself has the title Angel and not only that but Arch or Captain of the Host of Heaven.
How does this prove Jesus is Michael?
In the scriptures, names are very important and descriptive. The name Michael means “Who is like God?” This name is answered in scripture when Jesus said He and the Father are one (John 10:30). A more revealing verse is,
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Christ is the brightness of Gods glory and Gods EXPRESS image. No other individual has that description besides the Messiah. The answer to the question, who is like God? would be answered as Jesus Christ. But now that we see Jesus Himself is the captain of the Angels or Host of Heaven. Let’s see what the scripture says.
Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
This verse shows that Michael is the head of His angels. That He leads the heavenly host during war. Another verse shows that the armies in heaven follow Christ.
Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Michael is the name of the pre-incarnate Messiah. He is the only one who is the Arch or Captain of the host in heaven. Scripture also show He is the Head Angel or Messenger and the heavenly host or angels are called seraphim and cherubs and their occupation is as ministers or angels. Lets see what else we can find.
Dan_10:21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
Dan_12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Isa_9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Act 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Act 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Michael and Christ are also referred to as a prince. The people of God only has ONE LORD which is Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 8:6). Michael and Christ cannot occupy the same leadership role because Christ is the beginning or head of all things(Revelation 3:14). Therefore Michael is Christ name prior to coming to earth and being named Jesus. I hope this study was clear on the identity of Michael the archangel and that it helps us understand a little bit more about the work of the Messiah before and after He came to this earth.
The first thing I would like to reveal is that many are confused of the type of entities Heavenly beings are. They are not called angels as a name but as a title. They are actually referred to as two classes in scripture which are Seraphim and Cherubim or Cherub. Seraphim or seraphs are 6 wing creatures. They are described as fiery creatures.
Isa 6:1 in the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Isa 6:2 above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
The word seraphim means fiery. We know in Scripture it describes them this way as well.
Heb 1:6 and again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him.
Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
It uses 2 titles Angels and ministers to describe Seraphim and cherubs. We will touch on these titles but first lets breakdown the other type of heavenly creature referred to Cherubim. Cherubs have 4 wings and the serve God around the throne. God also rides on cherubs.
Psa 18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
Psa 18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
The Cherubs are serving God under the throne some may even say they make up the throne of God.
Eze 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
Eze 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
Eze 1:6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Also,
Eze 1:12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
Eze 1:25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
Eze 1:26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Eze 1:27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
Eze 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
According to Psalms 18:9-10, Cherubs serve God and moves Gods throne. Ezekiel reveals to us that they are moving as the spirit moves and that the throne is above them and Father is sitting on that throne.
Dan 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Daniel shows us that the throne of God is a fiery flame which Hebrews 1:7 reveals to us that that is what angels are. The description is also explaining this in Ezekiel chapter 1, as mentioned in the verses above. We can see that there are many functions seraphim’s and cherubs occupy. Many are strong obeying His commands and those deliver messages of the word.
Psa 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Psa 103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
The term Angel is a title or occupation. The meaning of the term Angel in Hebrew is Mal-Awk which means Messenger or ambassador. This title is not restricted to only heavenly creatures but anyone who occupies the work of the position. Men and heavenly creatures are referred to as brethren in the family of God and fellow workers with men as angels.
Rev 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
Rev 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
heavenly messengers are also apart of the church of God,
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
But looking at the meaning of the term angel we cannot place that title exclusively on these heavenly beings. The term again means Ambassadors; Paul refers to us as ambassadors.
2Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Messenger is also a term used for the workers of God.
Jas_2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
The word messenger here in the greek is Angelos which is where we get the english term angels from.
Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
The term angel here is the greek word angelos which means messenger or ambassador. Now that we understand that the term angel is not exclusive for heavenly creatures lets take a look at Jesus to see if the term Angel can be used for Him also.
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
The Prophets were messengers of God or angels to speak to us in past times, now in these verses; God is using His SON to be His messenger or ambassador for us in these last days. Therefore the term Angel is a correct term for Christ. It does not mean He was a created Heavenly being. Scripture is clear Christ was not created. But the title or job as angel or messenger is His. He is the Chief messenger; even His title is the word of the Father. Now the word ARCH in the bible is Head or Chief. Arch angel in greek is arkangelos which means head or chief messenger.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
The Messiah HIMSELF has the voice of the Archangel. He is the archangel or the Chief Ambassador for the Father in Heaven. We all understand of His existence prior to His incarnation. So let’s see if there is any proof that Christ was referred to as an angel in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Exo 23:20 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
Exo 23:21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.
Exo 23:22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.
This verse is clear, that Father was saying He was going to send an Angel to keep them in the way. Christ said I am the way also (John 14:6). Father also tells them to beware of Him because He will not pardon their transgressions. No one can forgive or not forgive sins except for God and His Son whom He placed as His chief ambassador on earth. The verses also mentions that whatever this Angel says is what the Father speaks showing this angel is the word of God. Joshua also met this Chief or captain of the host of Heaven.
Jos 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
Jos 5:14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
Jos 5:15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
First the word captain is the same as the word ARCH, they both mean head or chief. Joshua recognized who this person was and bowed to Him. Now He also told Joshua to remove His shoes which brings us to another encounter with this Angel of the Lord.
Exo 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
Exo 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
Exo 3:3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
Exo 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
The burning bush was the ANGEL of the Lord and the Angel spoke for God to Moses, Because He was the Word of God himself. The very next verse He says what He says to Joshua pertaining to the ground they were on.
Exo 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
We know when the Word of God spoke it was on Behalf of the Father. When the Angel of the Lord spoke for the Father it was the Word of God Himself the Messiah. Jesus Himself said that no man ever heard the voice of the Lord.
Joh 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Joh 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
Therefore we revealed using scripture that Jesus himself has the title Angel and not only that but Arch or Captain of the Host of Heaven.
How does this prove Jesus is Michael?
In the scriptures, names are very important and descriptive. The name Michael means “Who is like God?” This name is answered in scripture when Jesus said He and the Father are one (John 10:30). A more revealing verse is,
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Christ is the brightness of Gods glory and Gods EXPRESS image. No other individual has that description besides the Messiah. The answer to the question, who is like God? would be answered as Jesus Christ. But now that we see Jesus Himself is the captain of the Angels or Host of Heaven. Let’s see what the scripture says.
Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
This verse shows that Michael is the head of His angels. That He leads the heavenly host during war. Another verse shows that the armies in heaven follow Christ.
Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Michael is the name of the pre-incarnate Messiah. He is the only one who is the Arch or Captain of the host in heaven. Scripture also show He is the Head Angel or Messenger and the heavenly host or angels are called seraphim and cherubs and their occupation is as ministers or angels. Lets see what else we can find.
Dan_10:21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
Dan_12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Isa_9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Act 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Act 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Michael and Christ are also referred to as a prince. The people of God only has ONE LORD which is Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 8:6). Michael and Christ cannot occupy the same leadership role because Christ is the beginning or head of all things(Revelation 3:14). Therefore Michael is Christ name prior to coming to earth and being named Jesus. I hope this study was clear on the identity of Michael the archangel and that it helps us understand a little bit more about the work of the Messiah before and after He came to this earth.