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Archangels, Cherubim, Seraphim, Angels, Living Creatures,
& Beasts
ARCHANGEL
In the celestial hierarchy, a spiritual being next in rank above
an angel. The word archangel occurs several times in the Bible. In the
New Testament the voice of an archangel and the sounding of the trumpet
of God will signal the coming of Christ for His people (1 Thess 4:16)
and Michael the archangel disputed with the devil about the body of
Moses (Jude 9). In the Old Testament, Michael is described as having a
great power and authority (Dan 10:13) and is the guardian of Israel (Dan
10:21), especially in the "time of trouble" in the last days
(Dan 12:1).
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
CHERUBIM
[CHEER oo beam] (meaning unknown) - winged angelic beings, often
associated with worship and praise of God. The cherubim are first
mentioned in the Bible in Gen 3:24. When God drove Adam and Eve from the
Garden of Eden, He placed cherubim at the east of the garden, "and
a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of
life."
According to the prophets, cherubim belong to the category of unfallen
angels; at one time, however, Satan or Lucifer was a cherub (Ezek
28:14,16), until he rebelled against God (Isa 14:12-14; Ezek 28:12-19).
Symbolic representations of cherubim were used in the TABERNACLE in the
wilderness. Two cherubim made of gold were stationed at the two ends of
the MERCY SEAT, above the ARK OF THE COVENANT in the HOLY OF HOLIES (Ex
25:17-22; 1 Chron 28:18; Heb 9:5). Artistic designs of cherubim
decorated the ten curtains (Ex 26:1; 36:8) and the veil (Ex 26:31; 2
Chron 3:14) of the tabernacle.
When Solomon built the Temple, he ordered that two cherubim be made of
olive wood and overlaid with gold. Each measured ten cubits (4.6 meters
or 15 feet) high with a wingspread of ten cubits (4.6 meters or 15 feet)
(1 Kings 6:23-28; 8:6-7; 2 Chron 3:10-13; 5:7-8). These gigantic
cherubim were placed inside the inner sanctuary, or in the Most Holy
Place in the Temple. Their wings were spread over the ark of the
covenant. The woodwork throughout the Temple was decorated with engraved
figures of cherubim, trees, and flowers (1 Kings 6:29-35; 7:29,36; 2
Chron 3:7).
A careful comparison of the first and tenth chapters of the book of
Ezekiel shows clearly that the "four living creatures" (Ezek
1:5) were the same beings as the cherubim (Ezek 10). Each had four
faces-that of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle (Ezek 1:10; also 10:14)
- and each had four wings. In their appearance, the cherubim "had
the likeness of a man" (Ezek 1:5). These cherubim used two of their
wings for flying and the other two for covering their bodies (Ezek
1:6,11,23). Under their wings the cherubim appeared to have the form, or
likeness, of a man's hand (Ezek 1:8; 10:7-8,21).
The imagery of Rev 4:6-9 seems to be inspired, at least in part, by the
prophecies of Ezekiel. The "four living creatures" described
here, as well as the cherubim of Ezekiel, served the purpose of
magnifying the holiness and power of God. This is one of their main
responsibilities throughout the Bible. In addition to singing God's
praises, they also served as a visible reminder of the majesty and glory
of God and His abiding presence with His people.
In some ways, the cherubim were similar to the SERAPHIM,
another form of angelic being mentioned in the Bible. Both were winged
beings, and both surrounded God on His throne (Isa 6:2-3). But the
seraphim of the prophet Isaiah's vision were vocal in their praise of
God, singing "Holy, holy is the Lord of hosts" (Isa 6:3).
Nowhere else in the Bible do the cherubim break forth in such exuberant
praise. They apparently played a quieter, more restrained role in
worship.
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
SERAPHIM
[SER uh fim] (fiery, burning ones) - angelic or heavenly beings
associated with the prophet Isaiah's vision of God in the Temple when he
was called to his prophetic ministry (Isa 6:1-7). This is the only place
in the Bible that mentions these mysterious creatures. Each seraph had
six wings. They used two to fly, two to cover their feet, and two to
cover their faces (Isa 6:2). The seraphim flew about the throne on which
God was seated, singing His praises as they called special attention to
His glory and majesty.
These beings apparently also served as agents of purification for Isaiah
as he began his prophetic ministry. One placed a hot coal against
Isaiah's lips with the words, "Your iniquity is taken away and your
sin is purged" (Isa 6:7).
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
ANGEL
A member of an order of heavenly beings who are superior to man in power
and intelligence. By nature angels are spiritual beings (Heb 1:14).
Their nature is superior to human nature (Heb 2:7), and they have
superhuman power and knowledge (2 Sam 14:17,20; 2 Peter 2:11). They are
not, however, all-powerful and all-knowing (Ps 103:20; 2 Thess 1:7).
Artistic portrayals of angels as winged beings are generally without
basis in the Bible. Rarely is an angel so described. (For exceptions,
compare the CHERUBIM and SERAPHIM and the living creatures-Ex 25:20;
Ezek 1:6; Rev 4:8).
The Relation of Angels. Angels were created by God (Ps 148:2,5) and were
present to rejoice when He created the world (Job 38:4-7). In their
original state they were holy, but before the creation of the world some
of them rebelled against God and lost this exalted position. The leading
angel in this revolt became the devil, also known as SATAN (Gen 3:4,14;
Ezek 28:12-16; Rev 12:4,7-9). Another of the fallen angels is named
Abaddon or Apollyon (Rev 9:11), "the angel of the bottomless
pit" [abyss], NASB, NIV, RSV.
Two of the vast company of unfallen angels are named in the Bible.
They are the archangels Michael (Dan 10:13,21; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev 12:7)
and Gabriel (Dan 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19,26). Michael has the
special task of caring for Israel, and Gabriel communicates
special messages to God's servants.
The vast army of unfallen angels delight in praising the name of the
Lord continually (Ps 103:21; 148:1-2). Large numbers of them remain at
God's side, ready to do His every command (1 Kings 22:19). Angels in
God's presence include the cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures (or
living beings) (Ex 25:20; Isa 6:2; Ezek 1:5-6; Rev 4:6).
Unfallen angels are known for their reverence for God and their
obedience to His will. Angels represent God in making significant
announcements of good news (Gen 18:9-10; Luke 1:13,30; 2:8-15). On His
behalf they also warn of coming dangers (Gen 18:16-19:29; Matt 2:13). In
some cases they are God's agents in the destruction and judgment of evil
(Gen 19:13; 2 Sam 24:16).
Of special importance in the Old Testament is the ANGEL OF THE LORD (Gen
16:7; 22:11; 31:11). This angel is depicted as a visible manifestation
of God Himself. He has powers and characteristics that belong only to
God, such as the power to forgive sins (Ex 23:20-21). His similarities
to Jesus lead most scholars to conclude that He is the pre-incarnate
Word present with God at the creation of the world (John 1:1,14).
The Relation of Angels to Man.
When visible to human beings, angels consistently appear in human form
(Gen 18:2; Dan 10:18; Zech 2:1). Sometimes, however, their appearance
inspires awe (Judg 13:6; Matt 28:3-4; Luke 24:4).
Angels are never known to appear to wicked people-only to those whom the
Bible views as good, such as Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Jesus,
Peter, and Paul. They are charged with caring for such people and
serving them in times of need (Ps 91:11-12; Heb 1:14). They also guide
and instruct good people (Gen 24:7,40; Ex 14:19). This task is
illustrated by the role the angels played in God's giving of the Law to
Moses (Acts 7:38,53; Heb 2:2). Sometimes their guidance comes through
human dreams (Gen 28:12; 31:11).
Angels also protect the people of God (Ex 14:19-20; Dan 3:28; Matt
26:53). They meet a wide variety of human needs, including relieving
hunger and thirst (Gen 21:17-19; Mark 1:13) and overcoming loneliness
and dread (Luke 22:43). They sometimes deliver the people of God from
danger (Acts 5:19; 12:6-11).
Although they are not the objects of salvation, angels are interested in
the salvation of human beings (Luke 15:10; 1 Cor 4:9). They also were
particularly active in the events surrounding the birth and resurrection
of Jesus (Matt 1:20; 2:13,19; 28:2; Luke 1:11-38; 2:9-15; 22:43; 24:23;
John 20:12). The frequency with which angels participate in human
affairs has diminished since Pentecost, probably because of the larger
role played by the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians since then.
Jesus spoke frequently of angels, both good and bad (Matt 13:41; 26:53;
Mark 8:38; Luke 12:8-9). Angels are quite real, and they play a vital
part in God's plan for the world.
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
ANGELS, FALLEN
Heavenly beings or divine messengers created by God who rebelled against
Him and were cast out of heaven. The lord or prince of these fallen
angels is Satan (Rev 12:7-9). Fallen angels, or messengers, continue to
serve Satan; but their power is limited. Judgment awaits them in the
future (Matt 25:41; Rev 12:9). The fallen angels referred to in 2 Peter
2:4 and Jude 6 are possibly the beings referred to as "sons of
God" in Gen 6:1-4. There is no real distinction between fallen
angels and DEMONS
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
DEMONS
Another name for fallen angels who joined the kingdom of Satan in
rebellion against God.
Origin. The origin of demons is not explicitly discussed in the Bible.
But the New Testament speaks of the fall and later imprisonment of a
group of angels (1 Peter 3:19-20; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The group that
participated in the fall apparently followed one of their own number,
SATAN. The fall occurred before God's CREATION of the world, leaving
Satan and his angels free to contaminate the human race with wickedness
(Gen 3; Matt 25:41; Rev 12:9).
Only part of the fallen angels took part in the wickedness at the time
of the Flood (Gen 6:1-4). These were the ones who were imprisoned. God
left the rest free to try to undermine the cause of righteousness in the
world.
A symbolic view of this "initial" fall appears in Rev 12:3-4
where the dragon (a symbol for Satan) "drew a third of the stars of
heaven" (a symbol for angels) and "threw them to the
earth." Thus, Satan has his own angels, presumably these demons
(Matt 25:41; Rev 12:9).
Demons in the Old Testament. Because the Jews believed God's power was
unlimited, the Old Testament contains little information about demons.
The primitive status of the understanding of demons during this time is
perhaps reflected in the way the Old Testament relates the fallen angels
to God. It was a "distressing (or evil) spirit from God" (1
Sam 16:15-16,23) that brought great distress to Saul the king. It was a
"lying spirit" from the Lord about whom Micaiah, the prophet
of the Lord, spoke (1 Kings 22:21-23).
Pagan worship is also related to demon activity in the Old Testament
(Lev 17:7; Ps 106:37). Demons delight in making heathen idols the focus
of their activities.
Demons in the New Testament. The New Testament accepts the Old
Testament teaching about demons and advances the doctrine significantly.
Demons are designated in a number of different ways in the New
Testament. Quite frequently they are called "unclean spirits"
(Matt 10:1; Mark 6:7). Another descriptive phrase for them is
"wicked (or evil) spirit" (Luke 7:21; Acts 19:12-13). In his
writings Paul calls them "deceiving spirits" (1 Tim 4:1). John
refers to "the spirit of error" (1 John 4:6) and "spirits
of demons" (Rev 16:14). Luke describes one demon as a "spirit
of divination"' (Acts 16:16).
The
only individual demon named in the New Testament (Satan himself is never
referred to as a demon) is the one called Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon
in Greek (Rev 9:11). Some scholars believe this is another name for
Satan or that this is an unfallen angel. But stronger evidence suggests
he was a fallen angelic leader who is subject to the kingly authority of
Satan. Legion (Mark 5:9; Luke 8:30) is probably a collective name for a
group of demons rather than the name of a single demon.
A prime purpose of Jesus' earthly ministry was to overcome the power of
Satan. This included His conquest of the demonic realm (Matt 12:25-29;
Luke 11:17-22; John 12:31; 1 John 3:8). This explains the fierce
conflict between Jesus and these evil spirits while He was on earth.
Yet Jesus' enemies accused Him of being in alliance with Satan's
kingdom, including his demons (Mark 3:22; John 8:48). This same
accusation was made against His forerunner, John the Baptist (Matt
11:18; Luke 7:33). But Jesus' works of goodness and righteousness showed
that these claims were not true (Matt 12:25-29; Luke 11:17-22).
Following the resurrection of Jesus and His
return to heaven, these demonic principalities and powers have continued
their warfare against those who are His followers (Rom 8:38-39; Eph
6:12). Yet Satan and his allies will finally be overthrown by God. After
Christ returns, the devil and his angels will be defeated and thrown
into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10). This is a
doom with which demons are quite familiar (Matt 8:29). God will achieve
the ultimate victory in this conflict which has been going on since the
beginning of time.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas
Nelson Publishers)
===
The
"living creatures",
referenced in Ezekiel, are both angelic beings/men plus their
vehicles/vessels.
Ezek 1:1-28
1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in
the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of
Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king
Jehoiachin's captivity,
3 The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son
of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand
of the LORD was there upon him.
4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great
cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and
out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the
fire.
5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living
creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a
man.
6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like
the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of
burnished brass.
8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides;
and they four had their faces and their wings.
9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they
went; they went every one straight forward.
10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man,
and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of
an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two
wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their
bodies.
12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to
go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance
was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it
went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright,
and out of the fire went forth lightning.
14 And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a
flash of lightning.
15 Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon
the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.
16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour
of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and
their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
17 When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not
when they went.
18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and
their rings were full of eyes round about them four.
19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when
the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were
lifted up.
20 Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their
spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the
spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and
when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over
against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living
creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over
their heads above.
23 And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the
other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had
two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
24 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise
of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as
the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads,
when they stood, and had let down their wings.
26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of
a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness
of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round
about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from
the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the
appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain,
so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the
appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it,
I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. KJV
Ezek 3:13-14
13 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that
touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and
a noise of a great rushing.
14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in
bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was
strong upon me.
KJV
In Ezekiel, the "colour of amber"
speaks of "bronze or polished
spectrum metal".
"amber"
OT:2830
chashmal
(khash-mal'); of uncertain derivation; probably bronze or polished
spectrum metal:
KJV - amber.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and
International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Rev 4:2-5:1
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in
heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:
and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an
emerald.
4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the
seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment;
and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices:
and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are
the seven Spirits of God.
6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and
in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four
beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf,
and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a
flying eagle.
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and
they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him
that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the
throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their
crowns before the throne, saying,
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for
thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created. KJV
"beast"
NT:2226
zoon (dzo'-on); neuter of a derivative of NT:2198; a live thing,
i.e. an animal:
KJV - beast.
NT:2198
zao (dzah'-o); a primary verb; to live (literally or
figuratively):
KJV - life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick.
(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
Were these "zoon/zoa"
actually living, heavenly dimensional flesh beings?
As in Ezekiel, you may find that these "zoon/zoa"
are in reference to heavenly dimensional men and their
vehicles/vessels/machines.
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