Angels, 11of27

~ Michael the Archangel ~   

General Information  ~  Angels are powerful spiritual beings who perform specific tasks on behalf of God.  Angels are mentioned many times in Scripture but seldom by name. 

Meaning of Michael  ~  Scripture records the names of three specific angels.  Each of these have interesting meanings of their names when contrasted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Michael is an amazing angel.  Michael in the original language has the meaning “Who is like the Lord?”  

Meaning of Archangel  ~  “Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.  Yet Michael the Archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’  But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves.  Woe to them!  For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah” (Jude 8-11). 

In the Bible only Michael is referred to as “The Archangel” – he is the highest order of angels, or the Chief of Angels.  While not mentioned in Scripture it is possible that there are other archangels.  Although Jude 9 refers to Michael as “the” archangel it is possible that if there are other archangels and that Michael is their leader (consider the next passage in the next paragraph). 

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18).

Appearances of Michael  ~  Scripture records the following appearances of Michael:

To Daniel (Daniel 10:13, 21, 12:1-2), to Satan while he was on earth (Jude 9), and to Satan while he was in heaven (Revelation 12:7-9).  As we look at those passages we find that Michael is often in viewed in Scripture in a battle.  The most dramatic of these is in the Revelation passage where he leads an army of angels against Satan (an example of his high rank and responsibility).

Michael is the most powerful of the angels.  He is closely related to Israel and the resurrection (see 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 above and Daniel 10:13, 12:1-2). 

Closing Comment  ~  Michael’s name means “Who is like God” and he is known for his Godly character.  But he is not God, nor is he in any way the equal to the Son of God—The Messiah—Jesus Christ. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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