Angels in the Biblical Story
Genesis 28:12
And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground with its top reaching the sky, and God’s angels were going up and down on it.
In Genesis 28:12, Jacob dreams of a stairway connecting heaven and earth, and he sees angels of God going up and down on it. The term “angels” here comes from the Greek word “angelos,” which means messenger. In Hebrew, the equivalent term is “malak,” also signifying a messenger, whether human or non-human.
Understanding the Term “Angel”
The term “angel” is derived from the Greek word “angelos,” but in Hebrew, it is “malak,” both meaning messenger. This title indicates function, not nature, as angels serve various roles in the divine hierarchy. In the biblical narrative, angels are messengers who can be human or non-human, performing specific functions assigned by God.
Angelic Appearances
- Angels, when they appear, do not necessarily have wings but often resemble humans. They can be mistaken for ordinary people, as seen in encounters with Abraham, Gideon, and in Sodom.
Functionality of Angels
- In Genesis 1:14, angels are associated with the lights in the expanse (raqia) of the sky, serving as signs, markers of time, and symbols. These symbols reflect the ultimate source of light, Elohim (God).
Psalm 103:19–21
The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, all his angels of great strength, who do his word, obedient to his command. Bless the Lord, all his armies, his servants who do his will.Psalm 103 emphasizes the divine throne room, praising the Lord’s angels and armies who obediently execute His commands. The imagery includes heavenly beings standing before God’s throne, revealing a divine council with different roles.
1 Kings 22:19
Then Micaiah said, “Therefore, hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and the whole heavenly army was standing by him at his right hand and at his left hand.Micaiah’s vision in 1 Kings 22 describes the Lord’s throne surrounded by the heavenly army, demonstrating a consultative interaction within the divine council. This council advises God on various matters, as seen in the discussion about Ahab’s fate.
Psalm 89:5–7
Lord, the heavens praise your wonders—your faithfulness also—in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can compare with the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord? God is greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, more awe-inspiring than all who surround him.Psalm 89 underscores the reverence for God in the assembly of the holy ones, highlighting the unique and incomparable nature of the Lord in the divine council.
Angels and Symbolism
- The lights in the sky (raqia) are called “rulers above” and are symbols representing the source of light, reflecting the uniqueness of God’s light.
Warning Against Worship
- Deuteronomy 4:19 cautions against worshiping the sun, moon, and stars, emphasizing their role as created entities provided by God, not objects of worship.
“Let Us”
Genesis 3:22
Genesis 1:26-27
Bibliography
Heiser, Michael S. Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World—And Why It Matters. Edited by David Lambert. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015.
Heiser, Michael S. Angels: What the bible Really Says About God’s Heavenly Host. Bellingham, Wa: Lexham Press,2018.
Heiser, Michael S. The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. First Edition. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015.
https://bibleproject.com/course/heaven-and-earth-genesis-1
https://bibleproject.com/classroom-alpha/education-videos/session-27-rulers-below/
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/lilith/
James Joyce, Ulysses, chap. 14, “Oxen of the Sun.”