Is There a Hierarchy of Angels? (Part 1)
By Babatunde Olugboji
Some Christian theologians have proposed a 9-level hierarchy of angels, thus:
- Highest/First Order:
Seraphim
Cherubim
Thrones
- Middle/Second Order:
Dominions
Virtues
Powers
- Lowest/Third Order:
Principalities
Archangels
Angels
The challenge in this typology lies in the fact that the Bible does not specify any hierarchy of angels. It indicates the possibility of various types of angels, and if such diversity exists, a hierarchy might also be implied. However, the Bible does not explicitly inform us of any hierarchical structure. If it were crucial for our understanding, the Bible would have provided that information. The term ‘angel’ fundamentally means ‘messenger,’ highlighting the role that angels fulfil.
The term seraphim (singular: seraph) translates to ‘fiery’ or ‘bright.’ These beings are referenced as angelic entities solely in Isaiah 6:1-4: ‘I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ At the sound of their voices, the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.’ Since the term seraphim serves merely as a descriptor, seraphim may be simply ‘fiery beings’ that may or may not represent a distinct ‘type’ of angel.
Cherubim (singular: cherub) are frequently mentioned throughout Scripture. Following the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, cherubim were stationed there to guard the entrance (Genesis 3:24). Most references to cherubim are associated with the ark of the covenant, as the likeness of two cherubim adorned the ark’s cover (Exodus 25:18–20; 37:7–9; 1 Samuel 4:4). David expresses his praise to God in a song, stating that God ‘mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind’ (2 Samuel 22:11).
When Ezekiel witnesses the glory of God departing from the temple, he also observes cherubim transporting God’s throne (Ezekiel 10). In verse 14, the cherubim are depicted as having four faces: that of a cherub, a human, a lion, and an eagle. However, since angels are essentially spirit beings, it is possible that they merely manifested to Ezekiel in this manner for that specific revelatory vision.
Only one archangel is identified in Scripture: Michael. He is referenced in Jude 1:9. The voice of the archangel is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, although his name is not specified. Revelation 12:7 depicts a conflict between Michael and his angels against the devil and his angels. In Daniel 10:13, 21 and 12:1, Michael is referred to as an angelic prince. Michael’s position as the leader of the angels aligns with both the title of archangel and the function he fulfils. The term archangel may refer to a role rather than a separate category of angel.
Another angelic figure, Gabriel, is also mentioned in Scripture. Gabriel conveyed messages concerning the births of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19) and Jesus (Luke 1:26). When addressing John’s father, he identifies himself as one who stands in the presence of God. There is no indication of what “type” of angel Gabriel is. He also communicated messages to Daniel in response to his prayers (Daniel 8:16; 9:21). Daniel describes him as a man, suggesting that Gabriel appeared in human form. Once more, since angels are fundamentally spirit beings, they lack physical bodies, yet it appears they can manifest in various forms.
To be continued
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