Probably one of the most misunderstood "type" of angel is the Cherub. Let us take a look and see how God's Word describes cherub's, or cherubim. (but . . . before we do . . . I would like you to write out how you see them. When you hear the word 'cherub', what comes into your mind's eye?):






The original Hebrew word is bwrk - K@ruwb pronounced as ker-oob' (this is a totally different way of pronouncing it, than I've been used to! I would encourage you to use the Study Tools, below, and go hear it for yourself.) This is a noun, masculine in origin/usage.

The definition given in the Strongs Concordance (02451) is:
• cherub, cherubim (plural)
  • an angelic being
    • as guardians of Eden
    • as flanking God's throne
    • as an image form hovering the Ark of the Covenant
    • as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)

Now, what I would like you to do, is to look up the following Scripture verses and write next to them which of the above describes that particular verse.

Ready? Here they are:

Seraphim . . . we've heard them mentioned in our churches, but what exactly are they? Let's take a look at what the root word says.

The original Hebrew word used is @rX - "Saraph" pronounced as saw-rawf, which is a noun, masculine in origin and usuage.

the definition in the Strong's Concordance (08314) is:
serpent, fiery serpent
a poisonous serpent (fiery from burning effect of poison)
seraph, seraphim
majestic beings with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon God
Okay, now let us take a look at the where that they are actually mentioned in the Bible. Turn with me, please, to Isaiah 6:1-6. After you've read it through a couple of times, please answer the following questions:


1. Where were these beings?


2. What were they doing?


3. What were these beings saying to one another?



4. What happened when their voices were heard?


5. What was Isaiah's reaction to the scene before him?


6. What was their response to his reaction?


7. What are your thoughts about this situation . . . take an HONEST REFLECTION: how would I have responded?



 
Archangels . . . again, we've heard of them, but what are they? Let's take a look at the root word:

The original Greek word used is ajrcavggeloß - "Archaggelos" pronounced as ar-khang'-el-os. This is also a noun, masculine in origin and usuage.


The definition in the Strong's Concordance (0743) is:
archangel, or chief of the angels

These angels are only mentioned in two passages in particular. Let's take a look at them:
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Jude - verse 9
From these two Scripture references, please, answer the following:
1. What is an archangel?


2. What are some of the duties of an archangel?


3. Do we know how many there are?


Please, explain your previous answer:

 

Let us start by taking a look at the word most often translated into angel in the Old Testament -

The original Hebrew word is $alm - "mal'ak" pronounced as Mal-awk', (from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy) which is a noun, masculine in origin/usage. This word has been translated into angel 111 times in the Old Testament, while most other words used for angel are only used one time, but that is another study.

The definition given in the Strong's Concordance (04397) is:
• Messenger, representative
  a. messenger
  b. angel
  c. the theophanic angel

FYI - Theophany is a "manifestation or appearance of a deity or of the gods to man" (according to Funk & Wagnalls New International Dictionary) which comes from the greek word "theos" (god) + "phainein" (show). I would highly recommend your using the Bible Study Tools below to look deeper into how different studies have concluded the usage of this word. When you get to their site, click on dictionaries, choose one (i.e. Bakers) and then type in Theophany. There is quite a bit there!

Okay, on to the lesson. We're going to list out (some of) the passages. What I would like for us to do, is to write next to the verse which description you feel is most likely fitting for the passage.

Ready? Here we go:


• Gen 24:7
  
  
  
• Gen 48:16
  
  
  
• Judges 2:1 & 4
  
  
  
• Judges 6:11
  
  
  
• 1 Chronicles 21:16
  
  
  
• Zec 2:3

There, of course, are many, many more - I would encourage you, as you have the time, to continue your search.

In these various passages we see several things. There are times when the angel is by himself. There are times when the angel is with the Lord. There are times the angel is with another angel. There are times when only one person sees the angel. There are times when more than one person knows of the presence of the angel. We see that there are times when the Scriptures use the phrase "an angel" and other times when they use "the angel". Most believe that "the angel" and/or "the angel of the Lord" are the times in which it is an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ, Himself (that brings us back to the word "Theophany")

One consistant thing we see from Scripture is that angels are not portrayed as beautiful ladies with their hair blowing and playing harps! Quite the contrary. Please, let us know how your view of angels is now compared to how it was prior to this study. Has your concept of them changed in any way? It will be most interesting for us to all share. 

In all of Scripture, we only have been given (Proper) names for two angels. They are: Michael, and Gabriel

Let's take a look at each one. What their specific name represents, and their stories in the Bible.

Michael - He is mentioned five times in Scripture, Daniel 10:13 & 21, Daniel 12:1, Jude verse 9, and Revelation 12:7. The root word used (for both) means "who is like God".

Strong's (Hebrew # 04317 & Greek # 3413) also lists:
• the first of the chief princes or archangels who is supposed to be the guardian angel of the Israelites

Daniel 10:13 "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."

Daniel 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."

Daniel 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."

Jude verse 9 "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."

Revelation 12:7 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,"

Gabriel - He is mentioned four times in Scripture. Daniel 8:16, Daniel 9:21, Luke 1:19, and Luke 1:26. The root word used means "Warrior of God" or "man of God".

Strong's (Hebrew # 04103 and Greek # 1043) also lists:
• One of the angel princes or chiefs of the angels
• an archangel; the angel God used to send messages of great importance to man; sent to Daniel, to Zacharias, and to Mary

Daniel 8:16 "And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision."

Daniel 9:21 "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation."

Luke 1:19 "And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings."

Luke 1:26 "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,"

This week, it would be good to read the above verses within their context - read perhaps a chapter before and after to get a real good picture of the circumstances where these angels were involved. Then, answer the following questions:

1. Where was Gabriel sent from to speak to Zachariah?

2. Would you call Michael a warrior? Explain:

3. Would you call Gabriel a messenger? Explain:

4. Did either Michael or Gabriel try to obtain praise for themselves, or ask to be worshipped?

4. Gabriel had a message for both Zacariah and for Mary. Explain the different reactions and results of those meetings with Gabriel.

Well, that wraps up another study time. Next time we'll take a look at a few other encounters with angels from Scripture and how lives were affected by those encounters.

Below are some Scripture references to look up. Read the verse(s) listed, then going back and reading them within their context, proceed to respond to the topics listed beside the refrence. The various things to look for are the people involved, the reason for the angelic encounter, what type of angel (if stated in the reference) and what type of reaction the people had, and what type of response the angels gave. 

REFERENCE:  PERSON INVOLVED - REASON ANGEL CAME - TYPE OF ANGEL - REACTION / RESPONSE
Judges 6:20-23
Luke 2:8-15
Josh 5:14-15
Matthew 22:39-43
Luke 1:26-38
Revelation 22:8-9
John 20:12
Luke 1:5-13 
Matthew 28:1-7

According to what you have just completed, answer the following questions:

Angels come to us when we ask them to.
[ ] True [ ] False

Most people that encountered angels were filled with joy at their presence.
[ ] True [ ] False

Angels require people to worship them.
[ ] True [ ] False

Now, below, explain your answers to the above true and false questions:
  

Well, that wraps it up for another week. Next week will be our last lesson in this series (unless I receive more questions from you that need to be addressed) and we will be taking a very brief look at the "fallen angels". Until then, God bless!

Don't forget to stop by and share your comments with us.

Well, dear ones, we promised to take a brief look at "fallen angels". What do we mean by that phrase? Most Christians use this term to describe the group of angels that followed Lucifer after he rebelled against God. The Scripture references about this can be found in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. Please, read those two chapters, and then answer the following:

1. What was it that brought about Lucifer's fall?

2. What "type" of angel was Lucifer?

3. Describe what he looked like before the fall:

4. Describe how people would react to his appearance in the end:

Now, take a look at Revelation 12 - there are several references here to the fall.

Dear ones, I do not have all the answers, nor do I understand completely all of the Scriptures that pertain to Lucifer (a.k.a. satan, a.k.a. the devil, or evil one) and his followers, but that is okay. The only thing we need to understand is that Christ in us is far greater than he (satan) who is in the world! He is the enemy of our souls, but he can not remove us from the Father's love. Do not fear him, do not be "looking" for demons (as many refer to "fallen angels" by this name [I must admit, I have not found Scriptural backing for this particular belief, however]) around each corner. Instead, stay focused upon Jesus Christ, His shed blood on calvary, and through prayer and Bible Study continue to develop an intimate relationship with God. Let Him take care of giving His angels charge over us, as He sees fit. Let us remember to worship the Creator, not His created beings.

Here is a wonderful bit of information some of the beliefs that are being passed around just now about angels.



New Age vs. The Bible Used, with permission, from New Jerusalem Ministries New Age: Angels are here to help us through present into a New Age of enlightenment. 

The Bible: Angels minister (Hebrews 1:14) sent by God to accomplish His will among believers (Psalms 103:20).

New Age: Angels have come to bring the message: We are God on earth. 
The Bible: The word "Angel" means "messenger". But their messages are from the one true God to humans who are distinct from God (Luke 1:13; Acts 10:3-33).

New Age: All people, regardless of their religious beliefs, have a guardian angel to watch over them. 
The Bible: God's angels are guardians for Christians (Hebrews 1:14). "Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways" (Psalm 91:9-11).

New Age: Angels are here to help us encounter new religious experiences. Michael, the Archangel, encourages humans to come up with their own religions. 
The Bible: Michael, the Archangel, is always doing the perfect will of God (Daniel 10:13-21; 12:1; Jude 9).

New Age: Angels can appear to us through the lyrics of songs, newspaper stories, or human words. 
The Bible: Angels can visibly take on the appearance of humans beings (Hebrews 13:2), and they speak audibly (Acts 1:11). Most, however, they are an invisible spirit (Hebrews 1:14).

New Age: We can communicate with angels through channeling (spiritism), visualization or meditation. 
The Bible: Man can not make contact with angels. "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee" (Deut. 18:10-12).

New Age: We can pray directly to the angels; or angels make sure our prayers actually reach God. 
The Bible: Prayer is to be done only to God (Matthew 6:9). God needs no help in hearing the prayers of His people (Psalms 34:15; 65:2).

New Age: Humans can "charge" crystals with energy, and use those crystals to attract angels. 
The Bible: Crystals are no more than a rock which God created (John 1:3). Using crystals involves the occult and is condemned by God (Deut. 18:10-12).

New Age: We can write letters to angels and "mail" them by burning them on a family altar. 
The Bible: Letters to angels have no Biblical foundation. It is the angels who always initiate contact (Luke 2:9-10).

New Age: Angels write letters to us using our mind and our own hands. 
The Bible: "Automatic handwriting" is again part of the occult and condemned by God (Deut. 18:10-12).

New Age: We attract angels by color-coordinating our clothes. Guardian angels like pink; cherubim like blue; Michael likes gold. 
The Bible: Angels involve themselves among Christians only as God directs, not because of what any human has done (Psalms 103:20).

New Age: We do not have a commitment to a judgmental God; angels are always compassionate. 
The Bible: Angel worship is condemned (Colossians 2:18). While angels do act compassionately, they also execute God's judgments on sinful humans (Acts 12:23; Rev. 8:5-13).

New Age: We obtain help from angels without having to deal with God. 
The Bible: Under no circumstances do angels act as mediators between man and God. Jesus Christ is the only mediator (I Timothy 2:5).

New Age: Angels can bring purpose into our lives. 
The Bible: True purpose is found only through a personal relationship with God through Jesus (John 10:10).

New Age: We can use angels as intermediaries in communicating with the dead. 
The Bible: God forbids contact with the dead (Deut. 18:11).

New Age: Angels help us to become perfect humans. 
The Bible: God sanctifies us (I Thessalonians 5:23). No one becomes perfect in this life (I John 1:8).

New Age: Angels have special gifts of healing. 
The Bible: Angels have no healing powers. God is the only true source of healing (Exodus 15:26; Numbers 12:13; Deut. 32:39; Psalms 103:3).

New Age: Angels are the "higher power" that 12-step programs call for. 
The Bible: There is only one "higher power" for Christians, and that is God (Exodus 20:4-5).

New Age: Angels are "copilots" in our lives when we surrender ourselves to them. 
The Bible: Christians are to surrender themselves only to God (Romans 12:1), not to the angels of God. Angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), not controlling spirits.

I would encourage you to visit their site and see the rest of their presentation of who and what angels are - it is very well done, however I did not know about it until now, or I would have shared it before.

Well . . . that wraps up another time of study. Thank you to each one who has participated in this.