“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalms 103:20
Have you ever wondered if, maybe in your lifetime, you may have encountered an angel, or spoke with one and never knew it? Perhaps it happens often to many individuals. As the book of Hebrews tells us, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)
Most of the reports in the Bible indicate that they look like us, walk, eat, and speak just like us. The expression “angel of the Lord” or “God’s host” is frequently used in the scriptures. Other times “Lord” or “angel” is used. All of these designate a supernatural being. One thing to keep in mind is that when the word “LORD” is used in all caps, it designates the name of God himself. There were times in which God himself became the messenger.
The Hebrew word for “angel”, according to the Strong’s Concordance, is pronounced mal’ak (mal-awk) and in the Greek is pronounced aggelos (ang’-el-os) and means “messenger or representative, envoy or one who is sent.”
Angels are spiritual beings who at various times and places throughout history have become visible to man. "Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:" (Psalms 104:4) There seem to be three specific reasons why they appear: (1) to make an announcement of a coming event such as a birth, (2) to assist men in furthering God's plan and, (3) to intervene for believers in need.
Certain angels are reported to have eaten the same foods that man eats. Man likewise ate the same food as angels. After their exodus out of Egypt while in the desert forty years with Moses, God fed the people a type of food called manna. This is established in the book of Psalms where it is written, "Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full." (Psalms 78:25) God caused the manna to appear on the ground after the morning dew had dissipated. "And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was.” Oddly, the word “manna”, according to the Strong’s Concordance, in the Hebrew means, "What is it". “And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat." (Exodus 16:14-15) It appears to have been something like a wafer. "And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey."(Exodus 16:31) This manna ceased to materialize as soon as Joshua and the children of Israel went over Jordon to the Promised Land. "And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year." (Joshua 5:12)
We discover from the scriptures that there are different levels of angels and there are good and evil angels. Only two of their names are given: Gabriel and Michael. The name “Gabriel” means “warrior of God”or“man of God” and the name “Michael”means, “Who is like God.” (Strong’s Concordance)
Speaking of Jesus in the flesh, in the Old and the New Testaments, we can conclude from the scriptures that the position of an angel is higher than man. “For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” (Psalms 8:5) It is added in the book of Hebrews that Jesus was given authority over God’s creation. “Thou madest him a little lower than the angels, thou, crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the work of they hands.” (Hebrews 2:7)
On this web site you will find examples of the appearance of angels, plus other unusual encounters with the supernatural throughout the scriptures from the Old Testament book of Genesis to the New Testament book of Revelation. Words written by Jesus, the apostles, the prophets and God himself, describing and concerning angelic encounters, are also specified. We learn that our natural laws, such as gravity and fire, do not appear to have an effect on the angels. We also discover that nowhere is there any example of a female angel. And, contrary to popular tradition, no references are made of angels having wings, although there are examples of them floating and flying. We find that angels generally appear out of nowhere and disappear without walking away.
This website gives you a comprehensive knowledge of what the Bible has to say concerning angelic encounters. Before you continue the subject of angels, again consider these words from the book of Hebrews: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)
Angelic Encounters of the Bible...Susan
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Angel Worship
As we learned previously, angels are positioned to guard and protect individual believers, announce coming events and instruct persons, but angels are not to be worshipped. They themselves are worshippers of God. This is made clear throughout the scriptures as is revealed by the Psalmist, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." (Psalms 33:6) Peter affirmed this in I Peter 3:22, speaking of Jesus being the supreme authority, "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."
Likewise Nehemiah, in the Old Testament, writes that God made and maintains all: heaven, earth, seas, angels and man. “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
The apostle Paul confirms this thought in the New Testament, warning believers to use caution and not to be deceived into worshipping angels. “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,” (Colossians 2:18)
When the people rebelled against God, during the time of Moses, the scriptures reveal that they made the mistake of worshiping angels. God, at a certain point, gave up on them and allowed them to worship the host of heaven, as is referred to in the book of Acts. It states: "Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets,” (Acts 7:42)
One evil king, who was involved in angel worship, is presented in the Old Testament. It is Hezekiah’s son Manasseh, who did evil in the sight of the Lord. "For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up alters for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them." (II Chronicles 33:3) Manasseh, after much hardship, later repented and was forgiven.
Two instances are given in the book of Revelation where an angel told John that he was not to worship him, because he was only a servant (as was John). "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10) And, again "And I John saw these things, And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." (Revelation 22:8-9)
The Bible makes the position of the angels clear. In contrast to Jesus, in the book of Hebrews, it is obvious whom is to be worshipped and why. “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” (Hebrews 1:4-8)
God stipulates, in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, that he is the creator even of the angels and he has named them all. "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? Saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth." (Isaiah 40:25-26)
Likewise Nehemiah, in the Old Testament, writes that God made and maintains all: heaven, earth, seas, angels and man. “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
The apostle Paul confirms this thought in the New Testament, warning believers to use caution and not to be deceived into worshipping angels. “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,” (Colossians 2:18)
When the people rebelled against God, during the time of Moses, the scriptures reveal that they made the mistake of worshiping angels. God, at a certain point, gave up on them and allowed them to worship the host of heaven, as is referred to in the book of Acts. It states: "Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets,” (Acts 7:42)
One evil king, who was involved in angel worship, is presented in the Old Testament. It is Hezekiah’s son Manasseh, who did evil in the sight of the Lord. "For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up alters for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them." (II Chronicles 33:3) Manasseh, after much hardship, later repented and was forgiven.
Two instances are given in the book of Revelation where an angel told John that he was not to worship him, because he was only a servant (as was John). "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10) And, again "And I John saw these things, And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." (Revelation 22:8-9)
The Bible makes the position of the angels clear. In contrast to Jesus, in the book of Hebrews, it is obvious whom is to be worshipped and why. “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” (Hebrews 1:4-8)
God stipulates, in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, that he is the creator even of the angels and he has named them all. "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? Saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth." (Isaiah 40:25-26)
ANGELS AND JESUS
A deeper insight into the actions and duties of angels can be collected from words spoken by Jesus. He often discussed angels during his ministry.
Jesus had once been questioned about a person who had more than one spouse in their lifetime. The question was to whom would they be married in heaven? In answering the question, Jesus made it clear that there would be no marriage in heaven. He explained that angels are not married. “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” (Matthew 22:30) This is again confirmed in the book of Mark. “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.” (Mark 12:25) The book of Luke goes into even more detail concerning this question. “And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage. Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection." (Luke 20:34-37)
Jesus, being questioned as to who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, pointed out a small child and said that we all need to humble ourselves and become as a little child in order to become a part of the kingdom. He continues to explain that those who are good to these, his children (or, more accurately, his believers) are being good to him. He goes on to declare a severe punishment of anyone who harms those children who are his followers. "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" (Matthew 18:1-7)
Jesus continued by revealing an encouraging fact to his disciples concerning angels. He said that the angels watching over his children have access to the father. This confirms that we have guardian angels that watch over us, who have access to the father on our behalf whenever we are in need. “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) This is as well confirmed in the Old Testament book of Psalms where it states, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." (Psalms 91:11)
The Bible teaches clearly that we are never to worship these angels, a subject that is covered in another post, but it is important to be aware of their nearness.
Concerning death and the angels, Jesus gives an extraordinary revelation to us in the parable of the beggar, Lazarus, and the rich man. Jesus states that when the beggar died he was "carried by the angels," but not so of the rich man. In the parable, the two were both still alive after their physical death and able to see each other, although there was a barrier between them that could not be crossed. The one taken by the angels was definitely in a better place. "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:19-31) Being escorted from this life by angels is a lovely thought.
Angels were active during the time when Christ walked on this earth. Gabriel, we’ve learned, was the one who made the glorious announcement to Mary. Yet, what an honor it was for a small select group of shepherds, out in a pasture field, when an angel made the announcement to them of Christ’s birth. The angel’s appearance had to have been breathtaking. Imagine the humbling experience, after the angel made the announcement, when an entire host of angels appeared before them, praising God. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-16)
In the period following Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, before his ministry had begun, Jesus went off by himself for forty days and was tempted by the devil. After the devil had departed from him, angels came and comforted Jesus. “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matthew 4:11) This is also recorded in the book of Mark. “And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him” (Mark 1:13)
During the last hours of his life, before being turned over to the chief priest, we read that an angel appeared with Jesus, to strengthen him as he knelt alone praying. “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:41-43)
Later on that same night, when the chief priest and leaders took Jesus into custody, one of the men that were with Jesus drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Jesus told the man to put up his sword. He at that time made a profound statement concerning his position and the availability of angels. “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53) Jesus goes on to explain that if he were to do that the prophecy concerning himself in the word of God would not happen. “But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be.” (Matthew 26:54) Jesus had the ability and freedom to call upon the father to stop his execution, but thankfully, for our sakes, he did not.
It was an angel who, through an earthquake, caused the stone to be rolled away from the tomb where Jesus was buried. The angel made the first declaration of Jesus' resurrection to two women named Mary. It is somewhat humorous to picture an angel sitting on top of the large stone which had just been moved. This angel was not the average, human-looking angel. The appearance of this angel was spectacular, since the guards watching the tomb became paralyzed with fear. It describes the angel’s appearance as being like a bright light, and his raiment as being snow white. The angel gave the two women precise instructions to go and tell the disciples of Jesus' resurrection. “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come; see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you” (Matthew 28:1-7)
According to the book of John, when Mary Magdalene returned, there were two angels also described as wearing white, who appeared to her inside of the tomb. “But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulcher, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.” (John 20:11-12)
Jesus states in the book of Luke that he will acknowledge us before the angels if we acknowledge him before men. He describes the joy that the angels experience when a person becomes a believer. "Also I say unto you, whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God. But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. (Luke 12:8-9) “Like wise; I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:10)
Angels and the Early Church
Angels were of immense value and assistance to the Apostles in setting up the early church. On one occasion, subsequent to their being thrown into prison, an angel opened the prison doors and informed the apostles to go and stand in the temple and speak, which they did without question. It baffled the officers when they went to check and discovered the prison doors shut and the guards still outside, but the apostles missing. Imagine the Chief Priest’s bewilderment when he was told that the Apostles, whom he had put in prison, were standing in the temple teaching.
"Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people." (Acts 5:17-25)
Phillip, who was one of the disciples, had an interesting incident with an angel. The angel instructed him to go to Gaza, which he did, and there he met up with a high official, under the queen of Ethiopia, who was attempting to read and understand the book of Isaiah, the prophet. Phillip explained to the man the truth about Jesus. "And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." (Acts 8:26-35)
Phillip revealed truth from the scriptures to the Ethiopian man and then baptized him. Phillip then mysteriously disappeared, somehow being transported from that location to another. "And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Casarea." (Acts 8:39-40) Imagine the emotions Phillip must have felt with all of these supernatural experiences happening to him.
An angel, in a vision, visited a God fearing, non-Jewish man in Caesarea named Cornelius. Cornelius described the angel as a man in bright clothing. The angel gave him instructions to contact Peter. "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him. Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa." (Acts 10:1-8)
At this same time God prepared Peter’s mind to meet with Cornelius. God did this by showing Peter a strange vision that convinced him to no longer call any person common or unclean. Thus, being prepared when Cornelius sent for him, Peter went with the servants to see Cornelius. "And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited from them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent you have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing. And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the seaside: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee." (Acts 10:24-32) With the angel's guidance and Peter’s obedience, Cornelius and his household were converted and became believers of Jesus Christ.
Another experience Peter had with an angel was again while he was in prison. In order to make sure he would not get away, Peter had been chained between two soldiers. These soldiers, oddly, did not wake up, even when the area that they were in became brightly lit. The event was so extraordinary that even Peter had a hard time believing what was happening. His chains fell off and the gate opened for him. It is amusing to picture the angel thumping Peter on the side to wake him. After leading Peter out of the prison, the angel vanished.
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell of from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did, And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said; Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." (Acts 12:5-11)
What happened to King Herod when he encountered an angel was not a pretty sight. His life was ended. "And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. (Acts 12:21-23)
The apostle Paul, even though a prisoner himself, became the mentor to the entire crew of a distressed ship. This happened after Paul was assured by an angel that he and all on those on board the ship with him were going to survive a shipwreck. "And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
“But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land." (Acts 27:20-44)
The New Testament book of Revelation mentions angels seventy-two times, beginning in the first chapter, first verse. The book of Revelation is covered more extensively in another blog. The Revelation was given to John while he was on the island of Patmos. He was there as a punishment, for preaching the word of God. At this time we will cover only the fact that it was an angel who brought the revelation to John. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John. Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Revelation 1:1-3)
The fact that the angel was sent to John is again verified near the end of Revelation in verse 22:6 "And he said unto me, these sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done."
Animals and Angels
God is pleased with and places a high value on the animals he has created. He knows them all. “For every beast of the forest is mine and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.” (Psalms 50:10-11) God’s word also states that a righteous man respects the dominion that has been given him over the animals and is never cruel. “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10)
In the book of Jeremiah it asserts that animals are more able to follow their instincts than man is able to use common sense. “Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.” (Jeremiah 8:7)
Have you ever wondered if animals are sensitive to things around us that we cannot see? Have you ever detected a sudden silence come over animals? Could it be they have sensed an angel, hopefully good, passing by?
An example of birds being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is found in I Kings, where God instructs the ravens to feed Elisha the prophet. "And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook." (I Kings 17:4-6)
A man named Balaam was struggling within himself between God's will and his own selfish desires. When an angel stood in the road and attempted to stop him, Balaam's donkey saw the angel, but Balaam did not. An unprecedented miracle happened during this encounter. God enabled an animal to speak! Balaam's eyes were at last opened and he too was able to see the angel.
"And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
“And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou has smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou has ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? Behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me. And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak" (Numbers 22:21-35)
Verification that angels have the power to control animals is illustrated in the book of Daniel, as we read in the following scripture. It was an angel that stopped the lions from devouring Daniel. It doesn’t say how, but it only required one angel to control all the lions. "Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt." (Daniel 6:21-22)
We should also consider the animals Noah took on the ark. Noah had to have had some help. Rounding up all the different animals, some wild and dangerous would have been a tremendous job. According to the scriptures, they just walked onto the ark. Perhaps angels led them. After they were all in the ark scripture states that God shut the door. "In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in." (Genesis 6:13-16)
God promises, in the world to come, that the animals will all be at peace with each other and with man. There will be no more carnivores. Scripture reveals that God is going to make a covenant of peace with the animals. They too are waiting for that day. Can you picture a cow, bear, wolf, leopard and lamb resting together? “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 11:6-7)
“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 65:25)
Here is God’s promise, concerning the animals. “And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things on the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.” (Hosea 2:18)
In the book of Jeremiah it asserts that animals are more able to follow their instincts than man is able to use common sense. “Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.” (Jeremiah 8:7)
Have you ever wondered if animals are sensitive to things around us that we cannot see? Have you ever detected a sudden silence come over animals? Could it be they have sensed an angel, hopefully good, passing by?
An example of birds being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is found in I Kings, where God instructs the ravens to feed Elisha the prophet. "And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook." (I Kings 17:4-6)
A man named Balaam was struggling within himself between God's will and his own selfish desires. When an angel stood in the road and attempted to stop him, Balaam's donkey saw the angel, but Balaam did not. An unprecedented miracle happened during this encounter. God enabled an animal to speak! Balaam's eyes were at last opened and he too was able to see the angel.
"And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
“And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou has smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou has ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? Behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me. And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak" (Numbers 22:21-35)
Verification that angels have the power to control animals is illustrated in the book of Daniel, as we read in the following scripture. It was an angel that stopped the lions from devouring Daniel. It doesn’t say how, but it only required one angel to control all the lions. "Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt." (Daniel 6:21-22)
We should also consider the animals Noah took on the ark. Noah had to have had some help. Rounding up all the different animals, some wild and dangerous would have been a tremendous job. According to the scriptures, they just walked onto the ark. Perhaps angels led them. After they were all in the ark scripture states that God shut the door. "In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in." (Genesis 6:13-16)
God promises, in the world to come, that the animals will all be at peace with each other and with man. There will be no more carnivores. Scripture reveals that God is going to make a covenant of peace with the animals. They too are waiting for that day. Can you picture a cow, bear, wolf, leopard and lamb resting together? “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 11:6-7)
“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 65:25)
Here is God’s promise, concerning the animals. “And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things on the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.” (Hosea 2:18)
MICHAEL AND GABRIEL
The earliest reference to Michael the archangel is in the book of Daniel. There are several interesting factors concerning these verses. First is the reality that angels are not always able to bring things about at will. Even with Michael’s assistance, the angel that spoke to Daniel revealed to him that he could not get to him for twenty-one days. Second, is that evil angels exist as well as good ones and are at war against the good. Third, the location where Daniel’s revelation occurred is today called Iraq. The river Hiddekel is mentioned twice in the Bible, the other mention being in the Garden of Eden. It is considered to be the Tigris River of today.
The angel displayed the physical form of a man, dressed in gold linen clothing. The word “beryl” is mentioned in his description. Its meaning is uncertain but is believed to be golden. His face is illuminated as if by a bright light and his eyes shone like fire. The visible parts of the angel’s arms and feet were brass or copper colored. When he spoke it sounded similar to many people talking. A comparable description is found in the book of Revelation. Speaking of Jesus Christ in a vision of John, it states, “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Revelation 1:14-15) And also in Revelation 2:18, speaking of Jesus Christ: “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;”
Understandably, Daniel, overwhelmed by this angel’s spectacular appearance, grew weak. Daniel had been praying and fasting for three weeks prior to the angel’s manifestation. Characterized by the angel as "dearly beloved," Daniel was informed that the angel’s purpose for coming was to enlighten him as to what would happen to his people in the “latter days.”
“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were grided with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken the word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince 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. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. And behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? For as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou has strengthened me. Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. 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 10:2-21) In his dialogue with Daniel the angel proclaimed Michael a prince.
The scriptures reveal that Michael is to make a dramatic stand in what is described as the end times. According to the book of Daniel, there is to be a future time of trouble like no other in history, which will be followed, by a time of deliverance. "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." (Daniel 12:1) Once more Michael is portrayed as a prince of the people.
In the short one chapter book of Jude in the New Testament, it is once more confirmed that Michael is an archangel. It is also pointed out, as an example for us that Michael did not argue with Satan; he rebuked him. "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." (Jude 1:9) This teaches us that we are not to get involved speaking or arguing with Satan, but to only rebuke him in the name of Jesus.
A vital function of God’s plan, which is to be carried out by Michael, is discovered in the book of Revelation. It speaks of a war that is to take place in heaven between Michael and the Devil. As a result, Michael wins the battle and Satan is thrown out of heaven, but notice he and his evil angels appear on the earth. "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."(Revelation 12:7-9) It is interesting to note the several descriptions of Satan in that verse: Satan, dragon, serpent, Devil, world deceiver. Continuing, verse twelve reports that this means trouble for those on the earth, because the devil, at that time, knows his days are numbered. "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." (Revelation 12:12)
The angel Gabriel makes four special appearances in the Bible. He is first mentioned in Daniel, chapter eight. It is written by Daniel that Gabriel looked like a man. Daniel is informed that he would be given the ability to understand a strange vision that he had concerning the end times. “And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 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 8:15-16)
Gabriel is once more referred to in chapter nine of the book of Daniel. A curious expression, “being caused to fly swiftly," is used at this time. Not floating, but flying. It doesn’t say if he just flew through the air on his own or if he was on some kind of vehicle. "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." (Daniel 9:21)
Daniel is shown several intriguing visions by angels concerning the future, which are entwined throughout the book of Daniel. The last verse in the book gives a noteworthy promise to Daniel concerning his future. “But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” (Daniel 12:13)
Gabriel was the privileged angel chosen to pronounce the biggest event in human history, which involved two extraordinary birth announcements. The first announcement was to Zacharias, informing him that he was going to have a son and he was to name that son John. Gabriel authorizes his position, proclaiming that he stands in the presence of God. Because Zacharias displayed doubt concerning Gabriel’s words, he was stricken with the inability to speak until the day his son was born.
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the alter of incense. And when Zacharias saw him he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 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. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:5-25)
After six months had passed, Luke described Gabriel’s appearance to the most favored woman of all time, Mary, the one chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ. Mary did not doubt Gabriel’s words but did struggle with the thought, because she was a virgin. Gabriel's words to Mary, “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” gave Mary and gives us encouragement.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:26-37)
The child was born and, as directed by Gabriel, he was given the name Jesus.
“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21)
The angel displayed the physical form of a man, dressed in gold linen clothing. The word “beryl” is mentioned in his description. Its meaning is uncertain but is believed to be golden. His face is illuminated as if by a bright light and his eyes shone like fire. The visible parts of the angel’s arms and feet were brass or copper colored. When he spoke it sounded similar to many people talking. A comparable description is found in the book of Revelation. Speaking of Jesus Christ in a vision of John, it states, “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Revelation 1:14-15) And also in Revelation 2:18, speaking of Jesus Christ: “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;”
Understandably, Daniel, overwhelmed by this angel’s spectacular appearance, grew weak. Daniel had been praying and fasting for three weeks prior to the angel’s manifestation. Characterized by the angel as "dearly beloved," Daniel was informed that the angel’s purpose for coming was to enlighten him as to what would happen to his people in the “latter days.”
“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were grided with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken the word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince 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. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. And behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? For as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou has strengthened me. Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. 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 10:2-21) In his dialogue with Daniel the angel proclaimed Michael a prince.
The scriptures reveal that Michael is to make a dramatic stand in what is described as the end times. According to the book of Daniel, there is to be a future time of trouble like no other in history, which will be followed, by a time of deliverance. "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." (Daniel 12:1) Once more Michael is portrayed as a prince of the people.
In the short one chapter book of Jude in the New Testament, it is once more confirmed that Michael is an archangel. It is also pointed out, as an example for us that Michael did not argue with Satan; he rebuked him. "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." (Jude 1:9) This teaches us that we are not to get involved speaking or arguing with Satan, but to only rebuke him in the name of Jesus.
A vital function of God’s plan, which is to be carried out by Michael, is discovered in the book of Revelation. It speaks of a war that is to take place in heaven between Michael and the Devil. As a result, Michael wins the battle and Satan is thrown out of heaven, but notice he and his evil angels appear on the earth. "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."(Revelation 12:7-9) It is interesting to note the several descriptions of Satan in that verse: Satan, dragon, serpent, Devil, world deceiver. Continuing, verse twelve reports that this means trouble for those on the earth, because the devil, at that time, knows his days are numbered. "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." (Revelation 12:12)
The angel Gabriel makes four special appearances in the Bible. He is first mentioned in Daniel, chapter eight. It is written by Daniel that Gabriel looked like a man. Daniel is informed that he would be given the ability to understand a strange vision that he had concerning the end times. “And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 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 8:15-16)
Gabriel is once more referred to in chapter nine of the book of Daniel. A curious expression, “being caused to fly swiftly," is used at this time. Not floating, but flying. It doesn’t say if he just flew through the air on his own or if he was on some kind of vehicle. "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." (Daniel 9:21)
Daniel is shown several intriguing visions by angels concerning the future, which are entwined throughout the book of Daniel. The last verse in the book gives a noteworthy promise to Daniel concerning his future. “But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” (Daniel 12:13)
Gabriel was the privileged angel chosen to pronounce the biggest event in human history, which involved two extraordinary birth announcements. The first announcement was to Zacharias, informing him that he was going to have a son and he was to name that son John. Gabriel authorizes his position, proclaiming that he stands in the presence of God. Because Zacharias displayed doubt concerning Gabriel’s words, he was stricken with the inability to speak until the day his son was born.
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the alter of incense. And when Zacharias saw him he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 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. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:5-25)
After six months had passed, Luke described Gabriel’s appearance to the most favored woman of all time, Mary, the one chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ. Mary did not doubt Gabriel’s words but did struggle with the thought, because she was a virgin. Gabriel's words to Mary, “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” gave Mary and gives us encouragement.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:26-37)
The child was born and, as directed by Gabriel, he was given the name Jesus.
“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Satan and the Evil Angels
The Bible confirms the legitimacy of evil angels. Satan does have angels that follow him. But, as we read concerning Michael in chapter twelve of the book of Revelation, Michael and his angels toss Satan and his angels out of heaven and cast them to Earth. Many deem Satan to be, what is called, the antichrist, who at that time will make his appearance here on Earth along with his evil angels. "And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:7-10)
A statement made by Jesus reveals the same situation: "And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven." (Luke 10:18) And from the words of Isaiah the prophet in the Old Testament we read these words. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” (Isaiah 14:12)
The “spirit of the antichrist” was already at work during the time of the early church, as John declares in two different places. John reveals to us in these verses how to know it is the spirit of the antichrist. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (I John 4:3)
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” (II John 1:7)
Paul warns us that the antichrist will come before the true Christ returns. The plan of Satan is to reveal himself to us as God. He is a deceiver.
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (IIThessalonians 2:1-3)
It may perhaps be difficult to grasp, but the declaration made by Jesus in the following verse concerning “the serpent” is one that believers can hold dear to their hearts. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”(Luke 10:19) For most believers, that awareness is easier said than done.
There has been deception from the beginning. The first name used to describe Satan is the serpent that was in the garden. His method of operation is always the same, to deceive and destroy through half-truths and lies. Satan’s most effective technique is to build us up to think we are more than what we are.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”(Proverbs 16:18) Satan convinced Adam and Eve they would be like gods.
“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field, which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1-5)
Satan’s fall came about because of pride. It appears this took place in a time prior to man being here on this earth in the flesh. His goal is to be like God. It is imperative to understand that Satan is not stupid. He is considered wiser than Daniel and he knows many deep hidden secrets. He knows scripture and how to twist it, like he did when he was trying to tempt Jesus Christ. In the book of Ezekiel he is called the prince of Tyrus:
“The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou has said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas: yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: By thy great wisdom and by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas. Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? But thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 28:1-10)
Ezekiel continues, but now changes Satan’s title from prince to king, and describes how beautiful he was in the beginning, how near he was to God himself. Here it is revealed that God created Satan and was pleased with him. The biggest myth concerning Satan is that he is a scary looking creature and ugly. From the scriptures his outward appearance is beautiful, his wisdom and enlightenment enticing. He was the covering cherub. The word cherub is uncertain, but what it seems to indicate is that, he (Satan) was the protective angel. Also note the confirmation that he was in the Garden of Eden. Satan’s demise is described in these scriptures. God says He will destroy him with fire from within. Satan’s is the only entity whose sentence, by name, has already been given.
“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God: every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth: and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of then iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic: therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be anymore.” (Ezekiel 28:11-19)
In the book of Isaiah he is called Lucifer, son of the morning. Again, his pride is described. He wants God’s throne. He wants to be God.
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms: That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. But thou art cast out of the grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, and go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet.” (Isaiah 14:12-19)
Many believe the description of Leviathan in the book of Job speaks of Satan. Others believe this to be a crocodile. The Strong’s calls it a sea monster, a dragon. The last sentence, “he is king over all the children of pride” creates a convincing point.
“Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? Or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put a hook into his nose? Or bore his jaw through with a thorn? Will he make many supplications unto thee? Will he speak soft words unto thee? Will he make a covenant with thee? Wilt thou take him for a servant forever? Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? Or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens? Shall the companions make a banquet of him? Shall they part him among the merchants? Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? Or his head with fish spears? Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more. Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? Who hath prevented me that I should repay him? Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion. Who can discover the face of his garment? Or who can come to him with his double bridle? Who can open the doors of his face? His teeth are terrible round about. His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. One is so near to another, that no air can come between them. They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered. By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved. His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone. When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves. The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood. The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble. Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of spear. Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire. He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment. He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary. Upon earth there is not the like, who is made without fear. He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.” (Job 41:1-34)
A confirmation that Leviathan and the serpent are one in the same is found in the book of Isaiah.
“In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent: and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.” (Isaiah 27:1)
Satan works to influence mankind through their own weaknesses, as he did with Adam and Eve. He did this with David on different occasions. We read of one of these where Satan influenced David to number Israel, and the entire nation suffered because of it.
The book of Job is one of the most revealing books in the Bible as to how Satan operates. God was proud of Job. “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to they face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (Job 1:6-12)
Satan arranged the theft of Job’s oxen and mules, the murder of the servants that were watching them, fire to fall from heaven and kill his sheep and the servants watching them, the theft of his camels and their caretakers, a wind that destroyed his house and killed all of his children. But listen carefully to the words of Job; he wavered not: “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” (Job 1:21-22)
Satan is called several different names throughout the scriptures. One is “adversary.” “O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme thy name forever?” (Psalm 74:10) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (I Peter 5:8) Another name is “devourer.” “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:11) Jesus calls him a thief that steals kills and destroys. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) And in Revelation, when the 4th seal is opened, he is called “Death.” “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And Power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:8) Also in Revelation he is called “Apollyon” and “Abaddon.” “Abaddon” means “destroyer” in Hebrew and “Apollyon” means “destroyer” in Greek. “And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” (Revelation 9:11) Three more names are mentioned in the book of Revelation “dragon,” “devil,” and “deceiver.”
Paul makes an interesting point concerning Satan. "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (II Corinthians 11:14) “Transformed” could also mean, “disguised” or “changed.”
Reports of evil angels are found all the way back in the first book of the Bible. The Bible describes a time, after the creation of Adam, that angels came to the earth and took the daughters of Adam and married them. As a result “Nephilim” or “Fallen Ones” had children that were described as giants. "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men, which were of old, men of renown." (Genesis 6:1-4)
The book of Jude in the New Testament speaks of the fallen angels. "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 1:6) The flood destroyed the giants, but they reappeared once more during the time of Joshua and in the book of Judges. God had instructed the tribes of Jacob to destroy them, but they did not do it. You can read about this in the first three chapters of Judges. This may help those who have had a difficult time understanding how God could instruct the tribes of Jacob to wipe out an entire group of people. Peter also speaks of these fallen angels. "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment." (II Peter 2:4)
Information concerning these angels’ offspring, called “giants,” or in the Hebrew “Raphah” and “Raphaim” is described several places in the Old Testament. One place is in the book of Numbers: “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13:33) Also, in the book of Deuteronomy: “That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time: and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims.” (Deuteronomy 2:20) There are more places where they are mentioned in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, and also in the books of Joshua and in II Samuel. This is speculation on my part, but I've had to wonder if maybe these “fallen ones” are roots behind the stories of gods and goddesses that we read of in mythology. Ones such as, Gilgamesh: a Babylonian mythological hero with a story similar to Moses, Prometheus: A Greek mythological hero who stole fire from the gods and gave it to man, Icarus: another Greek mythological hero. He was trapped on an island and built wings of wax so he could fly from it. Mercury/Hermes: Greek messenger of the gods (same god, different names) and god of messengers, athletes, and doctors. He is usually depicted with wings on his ankles. Could this be where they originated? With their superpowers, perhaps the fallen angels toyed with man, pretending to be gods. Possibly, before God put a stop to it, they injected themselves into the life of other races, just as they did with the daughters Adam.
Fallen angels, I believe, is what Paul was warning us about when he spoke of a women covering her head. “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.” (I Corinthians 11:10) There must have been a reason for Paul to make such a statement. He must believe there is a probability they will return some day. I believe the covering or veil Paul spoke of is Jesus Christ.
An unusual statement is found in the book of Psalms. It speaks of the hurt that God felt at being rejected by his people. “Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.” (Psalms 73:36-37) He makes known the fact that, among other things, he sent bad angels among them. "He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them." (Psalms 78:49)
A statement made by Jesus reveals the same situation: "And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven." (Luke 10:18) And from the words of Isaiah the prophet in the Old Testament we read these words. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” (Isaiah 14:12)
The “spirit of the antichrist” was already at work during the time of the early church, as John declares in two different places. John reveals to us in these verses how to know it is the spirit of the antichrist. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (I John 4:3)
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” (II John 1:7)
Paul warns us that the antichrist will come before the true Christ returns. The plan of Satan is to reveal himself to us as God. He is a deceiver.
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (IIThessalonians 2:1-3)
It may perhaps be difficult to grasp, but the declaration made by Jesus in the following verse concerning “the serpent” is one that believers can hold dear to their hearts. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”(Luke 10:19) For most believers, that awareness is easier said than done.
There has been deception from the beginning. The first name used to describe Satan is the serpent that was in the garden. His method of operation is always the same, to deceive and destroy through half-truths and lies. Satan’s most effective technique is to build us up to think we are more than what we are.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”(Proverbs 16:18) Satan convinced Adam and Eve they would be like gods.
“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field, which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1-5)
Satan’s fall came about because of pride. It appears this took place in a time prior to man being here on this earth in the flesh. His goal is to be like God. It is imperative to understand that Satan is not stupid. He is considered wiser than Daniel and he knows many deep hidden secrets. He knows scripture and how to twist it, like he did when he was trying to tempt Jesus Christ. In the book of Ezekiel he is called the prince of Tyrus:
“The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou has said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas: yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: By thy great wisdom and by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas. Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? But thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 28:1-10)
Ezekiel continues, but now changes Satan’s title from prince to king, and describes how beautiful he was in the beginning, how near he was to God himself. Here it is revealed that God created Satan and was pleased with him. The biggest myth concerning Satan is that he is a scary looking creature and ugly. From the scriptures his outward appearance is beautiful, his wisdom and enlightenment enticing. He was the covering cherub. The word cherub is uncertain, but what it seems to indicate is that, he (Satan) was the protective angel. Also note the confirmation that he was in the Garden of Eden. Satan’s demise is described in these scriptures. God says He will destroy him with fire from within. Satan’s is the only entity whose sentence, by name, has already been given.
“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God: every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth: and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of then iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic: therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be anymore.” (Ezekiel 28:11-19)
In the book of Isaiah he is called Lucifer, son of the morning. Again, his pride is described. He wants God’s throne. He wants to be God.
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms: That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. But thou art cast out of the grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, and go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet.” (Isaiah 14:12-19)
Many believe the description of Leviathan in the book of Job speaks of Satan. Others believe this to be a crocodile. The Strong’s calls it a sea monster, a dragon. The last sentence, “he is king over all the children of pride” creates a convincing point.
“Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? Or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put a hook into his nose? Or bore his jaw through with a thorn? Will he make many supplications unto thee? Will he speak soft words unto thee? Will he make a covenant with thee? Wilt thou take him for a servant forever? Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? Or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens? Shall the companions make a banquet of him? Shall they part him among the merchants? Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? Or his head with fish spears? Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more. Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? Who hath prevented me that I should repay him? Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion. Who can discover the face of his garment? Or who can come to him with his double bridle? Who can open the doors of his face? His teeth are terrible round about. His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. One is so near to another, that no air can come between them. They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered. By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved. His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone. When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves. The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood. The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble. Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of spear. Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire. He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment. He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary. Upon earth there is not the like, who is made without fear. He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.” (Job 41:1-34)
A confirmation that Leviathan and the serpent are one in the same is found in the book of Isaiah.
“In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent: and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.” (Isaiah 27:1)
Satan works to influence mankind through their own weaknesses, as he did with Adam and Eve. He did this with David on different occasions. We read of one of these where Satan influenced David to number Israel, and the entire nation suffered because of it.
The book of Job is one of the most revealing books in the Bible as to how Satan operates. God was proud of Job. “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to they face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (Job 1:6-12)
Satan arranged the theft of Job’s oxen and mules, the murder of the servants that were watching them, fire to fall from heaven and kill his sheep and the servants watching them, the theft of his camels and their caretakers, a wind that destroyed his house and killed all of his children. But listen carefully to the words of Job; he wavered not: “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” (Job 1:21-22)
Satan is called several different names throughout the scriptures. One is “adversary.” “O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme thy name forever?” (Psalm 74:10) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (I Peter 5:8) Another name is “devourer.” “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:11) Jesus calls him a thief that steals kills and destroys. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) And in Revelation, when the 4th seal is opened, he is called “Death.” “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And Power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:8) Also in Revelation he is called “Apollyon” and “Abaddon.” “Abaddon” means “destroyer” in Hebrew and “Apollyon” means “destroyer” in Greek. “And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” (Revelation 9:11) Three more names are mentioned in the book of Revelation “dragon,” “devil,” and “deceiver.”
Paul makes an interesting point concerning Satan. "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (II Corinthians 11:14) “Transformed” could also mean, “disguised” or “changed.”
Reports of evil angels are found all the way back in the first book of the Bible. The Bible describes a time, after the creation of Adam, that angels came to the earth and took the daughters of Adam and married them. As a result “Nephilim” or “Fallen Ones” had children that were described as giants. "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men, which were of old, men of renown." (Genesis 6:1-4)
The book of Jude in the New Testament speaks of the fallen angels. "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 1:6) The flood destroyed the giants, but they reappeared once more during the time of Joshua and in the book of Judges. God had instructed the tribes of Jacob to destroy them, but they did not do it. You can read about this in the first three chapters of Judges. This may help those who have had a difficult time understanding how God could instruct the tribes of Jacob to wipe out an entire group of people. Peter also speaks of these fallen angels. "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment." (II Peter 2:4)
Information concerning these angels’ offspring, called “giants,” or in the Hebrew “Raphah” and “Raphaim” is described several places in the Old Testament. One place is in the book of Numbers: “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13:33) Also, in the book of Deuteronomy: “That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time: and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims.” (Deuteronomy 2:20) There are more places where they are mentioned in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, and also in the books of Joshua and in II Samuel. This is speculation on my part, but I've had to wonder if maybe these “fallen ones” are roots behind the stories of gods and goddesses that we read of in mythology. Ones such as, Gilgamesh: a Babylonian mythological hero with a story similar to Moses, Prometheus: A Greek mythological hero who stole fire from the gods and gave it to man, Icarus: another Greek mythological hero. He was trapped on an island and built wings of wax so he could fly from it. Mercury/Hermes: Greek messenger of the gods (same god, different names) and god of messengers, athletes, and doctors. He is usually depicted with wings on his ankles. Could this be where they originated? With their superpowers, perhaps the fallen angels toyed with man, pretending to be gods. Possibly, before God put a stop to it, they injected themselves into the life of other races, just as they did with the daughters Adam.
Fallen angels, I believe, is what Paul was warning us about when he spoke of a women covering her head. “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.” (I Corinthians 11:10) There must have been a reason for Paul to make such a statement. He must believe there is a probability they will return some day. I believe the covering or veil Paul spoke of is Jesus Christ.
An unusual statement is found in the book of Psalms. It speaks of the hurt that God felt at being rejected by his people. “Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.” (Psalms 73:36-37) He makes known the fact that, among other things, he sent bad angels among them. "He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them." (Psalms 78:49)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)