Michael the Archangel
Angels! They have fascinated the mind and imagination of believers for millennia. Elaborate schemes of angelic hierarchy are popular in some denominations. One of these beings in particular is mentioned by name multiple times in the Scriptures. His name is Michael.
- He is called “the archangel” (the word “archangels”—as in more than one—never appears in the Bible. There is only one). (Jude 9).
- He is called the great prince [ruler] of Israel (Daniel 12:1).
- He is the one who would defeat Satan (Revelation 12:7-9).
- He is the one whose victory over Satan would bring about the kingdom of God (Revelation 12:10).
- Since there is only one archangel, when Jesus comes in judgment, it is with Michael’s voice that He will speak (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
- He is probably “the Angel of the LORD” from the Old Testament (compare Jude 9 and Zechariah 3).
- The word “archangel” means “highest messenger.”
- The name “Michael” means “who is as God” (and it should be noted that this name could have come from none other than God Himself).
Putting all this together, Michael is the highest messenger of God, who is as God, who is the great ruler of Israel, who would defeat Satan and bring about the kingdom of God, whose voice will be heard when the judgment comes.
He’s a lot more important that we might usually think!
-Bradley S. Cobb