The Ranks and Designations of Angels the Ranks and Designations Of

The Ranks and Designations of Angels The Ranks and Designations of

Angels

Thomas M Almanza / General

Those Invisible Spirits Called Angels

*The Bible gives many different designations for beings in the angelic realm. “Principalities”, “might”, “powers”, “dominions”, “rulers of the darkness of this world”, “spiritual wickedness in high places”, authorities”, “rule”, “thrones” are the translations of 7 different Greek terms in the following NT passages: Rom. 8:38, 1 Cor. 15:24, Eph. 1:21, 2:2, 3:10, 6:12, Col. 1:16, 2:10,15, 1 Pt. 3:22. *So it does appear that God created angels with different degrees of intelligence and power, established various ranks of angels on the basis of these differences, and organized them according to rank similar to the way armed forces are organized. One indication of this is the fact that God is called 245 times in the OT (2 Sam. 6:2, Ps. 46:7, 11). The Hebrew word translated “hosts” means “armies”; thus God is “Lord of armies.” The Bible indicates that the holy angels constitute a powerful heavenly army or armies that carry out God’s commands (1 Ki. 22:19, Ps. 103:20-21), serve as His chariots (Ps. 68:17), and are divided into legions (Matt. 26:53). In light of this, God’s title “Lord of armies” indicates that He is the Commander in Chief of the angelic armies of heaven. *Another indication of holy angels arranged according to rank as an army is the fact that some angels are under the of other angels. For example, the angel Michael has angels under his command for the purpose of waging angelic warfare (Rev. 12:7).

a. The original form of the word “cherub” means .

Page 1. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 9:29 AM November 26, 2017. b. The fullest description of cherubim is given in Ezekiel 1:4-28 and Ezekiel 10:1-22. The 4 cherubim described there were part and part in appearance.

i. What stands out to Ezekiel

1. First, their faces, their wings, and their fire

2. Secondly, he notices the wheels in Ezekiel 1:15 ii. Unlike other angels, the cherubim never convey instructions or messages from God to human beings.

iii. Interestingly, Cherubim are never directly called angels. c. However, it seems as if the cherubim constitute the rank of angels. i. First, they seem to have the relationship to God. (Lucifer was a cherub – Ezek. 28:14a) ii. Second, the Bible refers to them than any other rank of angels. The cherubim seem to be especially important in the history of Israel. (Gen. 3:24, 1 Chron. 28:18, Ex. 25:17-22, 1 Ki. 6:23-35, Eze. 41:18- 19) 1. After God drove Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, He placed cherubim as guards at the east of the garden (Gen. 3:24). 2. A major part of God’s moving chariot-throne consists of 4 cherubim (Ezek. 1:5-28, 10:1-22, 11:22). In line with this, the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant is called “the chariot of the cherubim” (1 Chron. 28:18). Also, Psalms 18:10 indicates that God rode the cherub. 3. 2 cherubim were fashioned from gold for the ends of the mercy seat on top of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple (Ex. 25:17-22). Because God intended the Tabernacle and Temple to be “the example and shadow of heavenly things” (Heb. 8:5), we can conclude that in heaven God dwells in the midst of the cherubim as He sits upon His throne.

Page 2. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 9:29 AM November 26, 2017. 4. 2 large cherubim (approximately 15 feet tall with wings longer than 7 feet) were placed in the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s Temple (1 Ki. 6:23-28). 5. Solomon had figures of cherubim carved into all the walls and doors of the Temple (1 Ki. 6:29-35). He also had cherubim woven into the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place (2 Chron. 3:14). 6. The future Millennial Temple will have figures of cherubim carved into all of its walls and doors (Ezek. 41:18-19). a. Apparently not all cherubim have identically the same appearance as the 4 who are part of God’s chariot-throne. The Millennial Temple will portray cherubim with only 2 faces (the face of a man and the face of a lion). b. This may also indicate that there are several different orders within the rank of cherubim.

a. The term “seraphim” literally means . b. This designation of angels is found in only one passage in the Bible… Isaiah 6:1-7.

i. According to Isaiah, the seraphim have wings.

1. 2 wings cover their face in .

2. 2 wings cover their feet in .

3. 2 wings are used for flying in to His will.

ii. The location and activity of the seraphim are significant. 1. Isaiah saw them standing the throne of God (vs. 2). They were the unique presence of God and His throne.

Page 3. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 9:29 AM November 26, 2017. 2. Originally this responsibility of covering belonged to an holy angel whom God addressed as “the anointed cherub that covereth” and “covering cherub” (Ezek. 28:14, 16). a. This exalted angel, Lucifer, eventually became very proud because of his magnificent nature, and as a result, rebelled against God (Ezek. 28:12-17). b. God cast this cherub out of heaven and changed the cherub’s name to Satan (literally, “Adversary”) and replaced him with the seraphim. c. They now stand where he stood over the unique presence of God and His throne in heaven, and they carry out the responsibility of covering what Satan once held. d. Satan attacked the uniqueness or of God, but they do the opposite. They cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” and thereby assert that God is unique, the ultimate sovereign of the whole universe, even the Commander in Chief over the angelic armies of heaven.

Page 4. Exported from Logos Bible Software, 9:29 AM November 26, 2017.