Michael the Archangel

Scripture tells of an archangel.. This archangel is named Michael. He is found in the Old and New Testament.

Daniel 121 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.

Jude 1 9 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.

Revelation 12 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 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.

But who is this Archangel?

The word archangel comes from the Greek words archo and aggelos. The

definition of Archo is "to be first, to reign (rule) over" (Strong 757). Aggelos in English means "angel" (Strong 32). Archangel is "the one who is first, who rules over the angels."

An "angel," translated from the Hebrew word malak (Strong 4397), is a

An angel can be reference to a messenger that comes from the heavens

or one that dwells on earth.

It is usually written in Scripture with the implication of one who is sent from

heaven by God to give a message to man.

Angels are commonly found in Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments.

Scripture calls them ministering spirits designed to serve God.

Hebrews 1 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Siton my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

(To "minister" from Greek diakonia: to serve) (Strong 1248).

In order to better understand Scripture through its study that relates to Michael, one should keep in mind that it is the messenger Jesus, begotten of the Father and Creator of all "that are in heaven, and that are in earth," who is the "first" (Col. 1:15-20) and lead "Servant" (Isa. 53:11, Mark 10:43-45).

(Isa. 53:11, "servant" from Hebrew ebed: bondman, servant) (Strong 5650) (Mark 10:44, "servant" from Greek doulos: slave, bondman, servant) (Strong 1401)].

If an angel is God's ministering servant then an archangel is the first or head ruler of the ministering servants of God.

The word "archangel" is used only in the New Testament and only in reference to Michael (Jude 1:9) and Jesus (1 Thess. 4:16). However, the Old Testament refers to this same angel Michael in the book of Daniel where he is called a "great prince." (Dan. 12:1).

In the KJV, Daniel calls him "one of the chief princes."

Daniel 10 13 But the prince of the kingdom 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.

The word "one" is a translation from the Hebrew word"echad" and means "one," but it can also mean the "first" of that which is one (Strong 259). When it is translated as "one" as in the KJV, the meaning implied would be "one united or a part of more than one comprised as one." When the word is translated as "first," the meaning has a slight variation because it implies the "one" is the "first" in a union that is united and one, the leader of more than one of something which is comprised as one.

While KJV translates the word as "one," Young's Literal Translation uses the word "first."

Daniel 10 13 And the head of the kingdom of Persia is standing over-against me twenty and one days, and lo, Michael, first of the chief heads, hath come in to help me, and I have remained there near the kings of Persia. YLT

This translation shows there is a hierarchy amongst angels. Some are put in charge of others. Michael is called the leader of the chief or leading angels, which makes him the leader of all the angels.

When the word "first" is used, Michael is given the same recognition as in the New Testament (Rev. 12:7) which puts him first above all angels under the title "archangel."

An angel who visits Daniel tells him Michael is not just a prince. He is Daniel's prince which makes him prince of Israel.

Daniel 10 21 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.

Recall in Daniel 12:1, Michael is called "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people." Because he represents the chosen angel of God's people, he is prince of Israel.

Verse 21 reemphasizes Michael as Israel's prince.

That Michael is referred to as a prince of Israel, shows He is leader of both the angels and the Jewish people which makes him the first of many, showing Young's Literal translation of Daniel 10:13 to be accurate.

But Michael is not the only one who is given these titles. Interestingly, Jesus is also Leader of the angels (Matt. 25:31) and Prince of Israel (Acts 5:31).

And in Colossians 1:15-20 Paul calls Jesus the "first" above all created, coinciding with Young's version of Michael being the "first" (Daniel 10:13).

Both Jesus and Michael share the titles "first," the"leader of the angels," and "Prince of Israel."

Daniel is not the only one in the Old Testament who had an encounter with this leading angel.

Moses speaks of a godly angel who appears to him from a burning bush.

Exodus 3 1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

The One who appeared to Moses is called an "angel" (Strong 4397). In verse 2, He is called an "angel of the Lord," whereas, in verse 4, He is simply referred to as the LORD. It is the LORD God who appeared to Moses as an Angel which is why the ground was holy: "the place whereon thou standest is holy ground"(v. 5).

Exodus 3 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Moses is given God's name "I Am that I Am." The Angel speaking to Moses is "I Am."

Moses later says the LORD led the Israelites "by day in a pillar of cloud... and by night in a pillar of fire..."

Exodus 13 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a tells f a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.

...and then says it was "the angel of God" who led the Israelites as a pillar.

Exodus 14 19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

Again Moses is showing this angel (Strong 4397) of God to be God.

Moses says this "Angel" is a leader of Israel.

Exodus 2320 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. 21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. 22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.23 For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.

The Angel (Strong 4397) leads the people.

Notice God warns the people to obey this Angel ("obey his voice") if they want a "pardon" from their "transgressions." That's profound. This angel was to be obeyed and he could forgive sins ("transgressions"). It also says God's name was "in him" (v. 21).

God's name in Him means He is the "I am" Angel who visited Moses at the burning bush.

What "Angel" would have the "I am" voice and power of God and with it the power to forgive sin? Only God can do that. This "Angel" could only be a God.

This Scripture also tells us there is a leader God of Gods talking about a Leader God of humanity.

It amazingly runs parallel to New Testament theology that teaches God the Father works through God the Son Jesus (John 14:6-11) who is given authority to forgive sin (Matt. 9:1-7, Rom. 3:21-26).

God the Father is talking about God the Son. God the Son is the Angel.

[King James Version actually capitalizes the word "Angel" so it was understood by the translators of the text that this verse was talking about the Lord Jesus.]

Later, Moses says it is this Angel (Strong 4397) who leads Israel.

Exodus 33 1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it: 2 And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: 3 Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

Joshua, who led the children of Israel after Moses, was visited by the same Angel. When the angel visits Joshua, he is called a man.

13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood aman over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?

14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant?

15 And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

This man is "captain of the Lord's host." He tells Joshua that "the place whereon thou standest is holy," the same thing God told Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:5). Because the ground was called holy, Joshua was in God's presence. Obviously, the "man" who visited Joshua was no ordinary man but God, the same God who was the Angel who visited Moses as it was similar to the Moses incident.

Since this "man" is the Angel who visited Moses at the burning bush, then he is also the same "angel" who lead the Israelites as a "pillar of cloud" by day and "pillar of fire" by night.

Joshua worships this man (v. 14) which proves he is none other than God because only God is allowed to be worshipped (Rev. 19:10).

[Note here that while God is not "man," a created being weak in the flesh (Num. 23:19), He has become "man" in the form of Jesus in the New Testament and has appeared at times as a "man" to Old Testament worshippers. The story of how Jacob in the Book of Genesis is renamed by God is also another example of Jesus as a "Man," yet God, in the Old Testament. The Scripture refers to a "man" who wrestled with Jacob. Later, Jacob said that he had "seen God face to face."Gen. 32:24-30.]

Because this "man" who appeared to Joshua was "captain of the Lord's host," this makes him the leader of the host. Since the "Lord's host" is the angels of God and this man was their leader then he was the leader of the angels, the same title given to Michael and to Jesus.

By referencing Old Covenant with New Covenant Scripture, one can conclude that this "Angel" is the Lord Jesus.

In the Book of Acts, Jesus' follower Stephen spoke of the "angel" (Strong 32) who appeared to Moses when he was martyred for Christ.

Acts 7 35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us.

Notice he mentioned a "prophet...shall ye hear" and an "angel," both alluding to Christ.

He said this angel (Strong 32) is the Angel (Strong 4397) that spoke to Moses at Sinai ("the angel which spake

to him in the mount Sina").

1 Corinthians 10 1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

The pillar who led the Israelites was called the "Rock" (Strong 4037) "...and that Rock was Christ."

Stephen mentioned the "angel" who appeared to Moses at the burning bush, alluding that he was the "prophet" and therefore Christ.

Paul admitted that the "Rock" that was the pillar that lead the Israelites ("that followed them") was indeed Christ.

Moses said this "Rock" who lead the Israelites was the same Angel who met him at Sinai. Since Paul said this "Rock"is Christ, then the Angel who met Moses at Sinai is also Christ.

This means Jesus is the God Angel "I Am" who visited Moses.

And that's exactly who Jesus said He is...

58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Scripture verifies there is an angel who is called a God as God's Son. Yet Hebrews says no angel was ever called the Son of God. That title was reserved for the "firstbegotten"...

Hebrews 1 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 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?6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

...who is the "firstborn of every creature."

1 Colossians 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.

Since no angel is a God as God's Son, then how can the "angel" of which Moses spoke be a God?

Hebrews' "angels" was referring to those in heaven created by God. It was not referring to their Leader. The difference is that they were created and not begotten like the Son.

Note Hebrews does say Jesus is the "firstbegotten" which is another title for Leader of those He created, and Colossians calls Him "firstborn of every creature," which would include the angels, so this makes Him the "first" of the angels as He is called in Dan. 10:13.

The only begotten Son is only begotten because only He, with the Father and Spirit, is part of the Godhead (Col. 2:9). He is "firstbegotten" because He is the first to be resurrected from death (1 Cor. 15:22-24), making Him the "firstborn of every creature," which will allow others to be resurrected later. Hebrews points out the Son's first begotten identity.

God's Son is an Angel because He is a Messenger for God the Father (the meaning of the name "angel" being "messenger").

Malachi calls Jesus a messenger when he prophesies Jesus' ministry.

Malachi 3 1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.

The first messenger ("malak": angel) (Strong 4397) is John the Baptist who would prepare the way for Jesus.

The second messenger ("malak": angel) is Jesus, the "messenger of the Covenant" who would deliver the teachings we read about in the New Testament.

So, as a messenger, Jesus is an Angel since the word "angel" means "messenger."

As an angel, He is the Leader of all those angel messengers He created which means Moses' Angel was the leader of these created beings. Both are angels because both are messengers who serve God.

Now that we have established Jesus as the "angel" prophesied by Moses and others in Old Covenant, how can we relate this "angel" to the name Michael as found in "Michael the Archangel?"

Like the word "angel" (messenger), we need an understanding of the name translated to English.

In Hebrew, the name Michael (Miykael) means "who is like God" (Strong 4317). Here, we see the likeness of God, for no other "angel" is given a name with a meaning that is compared to God.

The name "Michael the Archangel" means "who is like God (Michael) who is first and leader of messengers (archangel)." Notice how this describes Jesus.

[Reference back to Exodus 23:21 where Moses speaks of the Father as saying about the "Angel" of God: "for my name is in him." It is the name Michael that has the "name" of God in him and therefore it can be said of the "angel" Michael "my name is in him."]

Michael the Archangel's appearance was revealed to Daniel in the form of a "man."

Daniel 10 4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with finegold of Uphaz: 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, andhis arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 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.8 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. 9 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.

This is the description of the "man" in Daniel's vision:

Compare this to what the disciple John seen in a Revelation of what Jesus looked like before He was born as a man on earth.

Revelation 1 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and untoSardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to thefoot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

And the description of the "man" seen by John:

[The "voice as the sound of many waters" is a depiction. The word "water" in the Book of Revelation was used to describe many people (Rev. 17:15). The meaning implied is that the voice sounded like a multitude of people.]

Now compare the visions of Daniel and John.

Daniel:

clothed in linen, loins girded with fine gold of Uphaz, body like beryl, face as appearance of lightning, eyes as lamps of fire, arms and feet color of polished brass, voice like a multitude

John:

clothed with garment down to the foot, wearing of a golden girdle, head and hair white as the color of wool and snow, eyes as a flame of fire, feet like brass burned in a furnace, voice as the sound of many waters, in his right hand seven stars, out of his mouth a sharp two edged sword, countenance as the sun

Notice the similarities of the "man" seen in each of the visions, such as: face as lightening where head is white, similar garment, eyes as a flame or fire, feet like brass, and voice as "many waters" which describes a "multitude" of people.

The "man" seen by Daniel was the same "Son of man" as seen by John.

According to the apostle John, this man is Jesus. And that make Jesus Michael.

The Book of Daniel was written over 2500 years ago and more than 500 years before the time of Christ. But God's prophet Daniel was given a vision of Michael the Archangel which was a vision of Jesus before He was born on this earth.

Daniel's Chapter 10 reviewed in entirety reveals a deeper understanding of the prince Michael.

1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

3 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.

4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;

5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

6 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.

7 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.

8 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.

9 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.

10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

11 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 this word unto me, I stood trembling.

12 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.

13 But the prince of the kingdom 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.

14 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.

15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

16 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.

17 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.

18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

19 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 hast strengthened me.

20 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.

21 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.

Verses 5-9: Daniel sees a "man" he describes.

Verses 10-15: Daniel is visited by an angel, messenger, who tells him that God heard his prayer ("from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand") (v. 12), and that he (the angel) "am come for thy words," meaning he was sent to speak to Daniel and to give him an answer about his prayer. The angel goes on to tell Daniel that he was "withstood" from coming to Daniel by "the prince of the kingdom of Persia," but Michael " one of the chief princes" came to help him and he remained there with the king of Persia (v. 13). [Remember this "one of the chief princes" is translated by Young's as "first of the chief heads."]

Verse 14: The angel tells Daniel that he is now "come to make" Daniel "understand what shall befall" his "people in the latter days."

Verses 16-17: "One" in the likeness of the "sons of men" appears to Daniel. Daniel speaks to him and calls him "lord."

Verses 18-20: The same "one" who appeared to Daniel in v. 16-17 "again" appears to Daniel. Daniel this time refers to him as "the appearance of a man." This man strengthens Daniel, then speaks to him and tells him that he is greatly beloved of God and to be strong. He then tells Daniel that he will return to fight with the prince of Persia and when he has gone, the prince of Grecia shall come.

In the final verse, he tells Daniel that there is none that "holdeth" with him in these things, or matters, but "Michael your prince."

[Young's Literal Translation also translates this word "prince" as "head.]

Daniel sees a description of a "man." He is visited by an angel who gives him a message from the Lord. This messenger sent from God visits Daniel three times, encourages him, and gives him strength.

He tells Daniel that he was "withstood" by the prince of the kingdom of Persia and needed help from the "first of the chief heads," Michael.

He later makes another reference to Michael, telling Daniel that Michael is Daniel's "head."

The "man" seen by Daniel is important for the rest of the vision. When Daniel is told by an angel that Michael's assistance was needed, the "man" was shown to Daniel so that Daniel would know to whom the angel was making reference. This "man" was Michael.

The conclusion according to this vision given to Daniel, based on the description of Michael: Michael is Jesus.

We learned from previous Scripture that Jesus in prophecy is referred to as an "angel" or messenger. In Daniel's vision, Michael is called the head and the leader of the leading angels.

Something to consider:

If Michael is the primary leader of the messengers of God and Jesus is also called a messenger and leader of angels, then would it not also seem likely that Michael is Jesus?

And if Michael were not Jesus and Michael is not only leader of the angels but leader of the leading angels, since Jesus is also an Angel (Messenger), then He would be leader of Jesus. Of course this could not be accurate since Jesus as God is leader of all creation including the angels.

It makes since that Jesus is Michael.

Another point is that there are similarities between Michael and Jesus in that the "head" Michael of the Old Covenant is relative to God's Jewish people as the "Head" Jesus of the New covenant is relative to the church.

We know according to New Covenant Scripture that there is only One Who is "head" of man (1 Cor. 11:3).

This is Jesus, the "chief cornerstone" (Luke 20:17), the Head of the church (Col. 1:18).

Remember earlier it was shown that both Michael and Jesus share the title of "leader of the angels."

New Covenant Scripture where Jesus is Leader of the angels:

Matthew 25 31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.

Compare with Matthew 26:53 where Jesus says the angels who follow Him obey Him.

Jesus has more than one army in heaven.

Revelation 19 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

These armies are "clothed in fine linen, white and clean."

They are the bride of the Lamb, the church (Eph. 5:25). The bride is the saints of God.

Revelation 19 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Compare to Joshua's encounter with the Lord.

Joshua 5 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said,Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant? 15 And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

A man visits Joshua and tells him that he is "captain of the host of the LORD." The captain leads his army. This is Jesus.

Jesus is "captain of the host of the LORD" (Josh. 5:14) and Leader of "the armies which were in heaven" (Rev. 19:14).

And as captain of His army, it is Jesus who will bring those who have fallen asleep back to life.

John 5 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

1 Thessalonians 4 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4

16 because the Lord himself, in a shout, in the voice of a chief-messenger, and in the trump of God, shall come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. YLT

The Lord will shout "with the voice of an archangel (chief messenger)." The archangel is Jesus.

As chief-messenger, Jesus is the First (Leader) of the chief princes (leading angels) of the messengers of God (angels).

Jude also calls Michael an archangel.

Jude 1 9 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.

Michael, "when contending" for the body of Moses," simply said "the Lord rebuke thee." Michael was clearly referring to someone else other than himself as Lord. So, how can Michael be a Lord (the Lord Jesus) if He calls someone else this name?

Remember there are two who are called Lord:

Father and Son (Ps. 110:1, Matt. 22:41-45).

The prophet John told of how Michael would fight against the enemy of God.

Revelation 12 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 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. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 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.

Michael won the battle and defeated the enemy.

John purposely wrote about prophecy he knew was already fulfilled in Jesus. This was written so that the readers would have a better understanding of what happened, why, and what would follow.

Luke 10 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

When Jesus "beheld" the enemy fall, He prophesied His crucifixion and resurrection. He knew what was to take place and what He was to accomplish.

The battle began in the garden and was finished at the Cross. The Archangel Jesus won...

...and salvation has been the prize for all to be given the opportunity to claim. This our Savior did for us so that all may have a chance of obtaining eternal life in the kingdom of God (Luke 9:27, John 3:16, 1 Tim. 2:3-5)

... which came with Jesus.

Luke 17 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Mark 9 1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

The Great Prince Jesus was born into this world as the Messenger who would "stand up" for His people...

Daniel 12 1 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.

...and since then a "time of trouble" would follow. (We see this in the persecution of Christians and the Jewish people.)

Jesus was and is the Chief Messenger for both angel and man. To understand this is to understand why it was important for Him to deliver the "message" of the Gospel while He walked among us. It would prepare the way for the kingdom.

You see, the Teacher is the Messenger.

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Further Scripture study:

5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

7 And he arose, and departed to his house.

11He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

1 Thessalonians 4

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:


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				Michael the Archangel

Scripture tells of an archangel.. This archangel is named Michael. He is found in the Old and New Testament. Daniel 121 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. Jude 1 9 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. Revelation 12 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 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.

			But who is this Archangel? *The word archangel comes from the Greek words archo* and aggelos. The definition of Archo is "to be first, to reign (rule) over" (Strong 757). Aggelos in English means "angel" (Strong 32). Archangel is "the one who is first, who rules over the angels." An "angel," translated from the Hebrew word malak (Strong 4397), is a "messenger." An angel can be reference to a messenger that comes from the heavens or one that dwells on earth. It is usually written in Scripture with the implication of one who is sent from heaven by God to give a message to man. Angels are commonly found in Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments.**


		Scripture calls them ministering spirits designed to serve God. Hebrews 1 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Siton my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? *(To "minister" from Greek diakonia: to serve) (Strong 1248).* In order to better understand Scripture through its study that relates to Michael, one should keep in mind that it is the messenger Jesus, begotten of the Father and Creator of all "that are in heaven, and that are in earth," who is the "first" (Col. 1:15-20) and lead "Servant" (Isa. 53:11, Mark 10:43-45). (Isa. 53:11*, "servant" from Hebrew ebed: bondman, servant) (Strong 5650) (Mark 10:44, "servant" from Greek doulos: slave, bondman, servant) (Strong 1401)].* If an angel is God's ministering servant then an archangel is the first or head ruler of the ministering servants of God. The word "archangel" is used only in the New Testament and only in reference to Michael (Jude 1:9) and Jesus (1 Thess. 4:16*). However, the Old Testament refers to this same angel Michael in the book of Daniel* where he is called a "great prince." (**Dan. 12:1). In the KJV, Daniel calls him "one of the chief princes." Daniel 10 13 But the prince of the kingdom 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. The word "one" is a translation from the Hebrew word"echad" and means "one," but it can also mean the "first" of that which is one (Strong 259). When it is translated as "one" as in the KJV, the meaning implied would be "one united or a part of more than one comprised as one." When the word is translated as "first," the meaning has a slight variation because it implies the "one" is the "first" in a union that is united and one, the leader of more than one of something which is comprised as one. While KJV translates the word as "one," Young's Literal Translation uses the word "first." Daniel 10 13 And the head of the kingdom of Persia is standing over-against me twenty and one days, and lo, Michael, first of the chief heads, hath come in to help me, and I have remained there near the kings of Persia. YLT This translation shows there is a hierarchy amongst angels. Some are put in charge of others. Michael is called the leader of the chief or leading angels, which makes him the leader of all the angels. When the word "first" is used, Michael is given the same recognition as in the New Testament (Rev. 12:7) which puts him first above all angels under the title "archangel." An angel who visits Daniel tells him Michael is not just a prince. He is Daniel's prince which makes him prince of Israel. *Daniel 10* 21 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. *Recall in Daniel 12:1, Michael is called* "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people." Because he represents the chosen angel of God's people, he is prince of Israel. Verse 21 reemphasizes Michael as Israel's prince. That Michael is referred to as a prince of Israel, shows He is leader of both the angels and the Jewish people which makes him the first of many, showing Young's Literal translation of Daniel 10:13 to be accurate. But Michael is not the only one who is given these titles. Interestingly, Jesus is also Leader of the angels (Matt. 25:31) and Prince of Israel (Acts 5:31). And in Colossians 1:15-20 Paul calls Jesus the "first" above all created, coinciding with Young's version of Michael being the "first" (Daniel 10:13). Both Jesus and Michael share the titles "first," the"leader of the angels," and "Prince of Israel." Daniel is not the only one in the Old Testament who had an encounter with this leading angel. Moses speaks of a godly angel who appears to him from a burning bush. Exodus 3 1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy* ground.* The One who appeared to Moses is called an "angel" (Strong 4397). In verse 2, He is called an "angel of the Lord," whereas, in verse 4, He is simply referred to as the LORD. It is the LORD God who appeared to Moses as an Angel which is why the ground was holy: "the place whereon thou standest is holy ground"(v. 5). Exodus 3 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Moses is given God's name "I Am that I Am." The Angel speaking to Moses is "I Am." Moses later says the LORD led the Israelites "by day in a pillar of cloud... and by night in a pillar of fire..." Exodus 13 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a tells f a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. ...and then says it was "the angel of God" who led the Israelites as a pillar. Exodus 14 19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. Again Moses is showing this angel (Strong 4397) of God to be God. Moses says this "Angel" is a leader of Israel. Exodus 2320 Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. 21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. 22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.23 For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. The Angel (Strong 4397) leads the people. Notice God warns the people to obey this Angel ("obey his voice") if they want a "pardon" from their "transgressions." That's profound. This angel was to be obeyed and he could forgive sins ("transgressions"). It also says God's name was "in him" (v. 21). God's name in Him means He is the "I am" Angel who visited Moses at the burning bush. What "Angel" would have the "I am" voice and power of God and with it the power to forgive sin? Only God can do that. This "Angel" could only be a God. This Scripture also tells us there is a leader God of Gods talking about a Leader God of humanity. It amazingly runs parallel to New Testament theology that teaches God the Father works through God the Son Jesus (John 14:6-11) who is given authority to forgive sin (Matt. 9:1-7, Rom. 3:21-26). God the Father is talking about God the Son. God the Son is the Angel. [King James Version actually capitalizes the word "Angel" so it was understood by the translators of the text that this verse was talking about the Lord Jesus.] Later, Moses says it is this Angel (Strong 4397) who leads Israel. Exodus 33 1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it: 2 And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: 3 Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way. Joshua, who led the children of Israel after Moses, was visited by the same Angel. When the angel visits Joshua, he is called a man. *Joshua 5* 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood aman over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant? 15 And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. This man is "captain of the Lord's host." He tells Joshua that "the place whereon thou standest is holy," the same thing God told Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:5). Because the ground was called holy, Joshua was in God's presence. Obviously, the "man" who visited Joshua was no ordinary man but God, the same God who was the Angel who visited Moses as it was similar to the Moses incident. Since this "man" is the Angel who visited Moses at the burning bush, then he is also the same "angel" who lead the Israelites as a "pillar of cloud" by day and "pillar of fire" by night. *Joshua worships this man (v. 14) which proves he is none other than God because only God is allowed to be worshipped (Rev. 19:10*). [Note here that while God is not "man," a created being weak in the flesh (Num. 23:19), He has become "man" in the form of Jesus in the New Testament and has appeared at times as a "man" to Old Testament worshippers. The story of how Jacob in the Book of Genesis is renamed by God is also another example of Jesus as a "Man," yet God, in the Old Testament. The Scripture refers to a "man" who wrestled with Jacob. Later, Jacob said that he had "seen God face to face."Gen. 32:24-30.] Because this "man" who appeared to Joshua was "captain of the Lord's host," this makes him the leader of the host. Since the "Lord's host" is the angels of God and this man was their leader then he was the leader of the angels, the same title given to Michael and to Jesus. By referencing Old Covenant with New Covenant Scripture, one can conclude that this "Angel" is the Lord Jesus. In the Book of Acts, Jesus' follower Stephen spoke of the "angel" (Strong 32) who appeared to Moses when he was martyred for Christ. Acts 7** 35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us. Notice he mentioned a "prophet...shall ye hear" and an "angel," both alluding to Christ. He said this angel (Strong 32) is the Angel (Strong 4397) that spoke to Moses at Sinai ("the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina"). In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote about the One who led the children of Israel "as a pillar." 1 Corinthians 10 1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. The pillar who led the Israelites was called the "Rock" (Strong 4037) "...and that Rock was Christ." Conclusion: Stephen mentioned the "angel" who appeared to Moses at the burning bush, alluding that he was the "prophet" and therefore Christ. Paul admitted that the "Rock" that was the pillar that lead the Israelites ("that followed them") was indeed Christ. Moses said this "Rock" who lead the Israelites was the same Angel who met him at Sinai. Since Paul said this "Rock"is Christ, then the Angel who met Moses at Sinai is also Christ. This means Jesus is the God Angel "I Am" who visited Moses. And that's exactly who Jesus said He is... John 8 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Scripture verifies there is an angel who is called a God as God's Son. Yet Hebrews says no angel was ever called the Son of God. That title was reserved for the "firstbegotten"... Hebrews 1 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 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?6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship* him.* ...who is the "firstborn of every creature." 1 Colossians 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Since no angel is a God as God's Son, then how can the "angel" of which Moses spoke be a God? Hebrews' "angels" was referring to those in heaven created by God. It was not referring to their Leader. The difference is that they were created and not begotten like the Son. Note Hebrews does say Jesus is the "firstbegotten" which is another title for Leader of those He created, and Colossians calls Him "firstborn of every creature," which would include the angels, so this makes Him the "first" of the angels as He is called in *Dan. 10:13. The only begotten Son is only begotten because only He, with the Father and Spirit, is part of the Godhead (Col. 2:9**). He is "firstbegotten" because He is the first to be resurrected from death (1 Cor. 15:22-24), making Him the "firstborn of every creature," which will allow others to be resurrected later. Hebrews points out the Son's first begotten identity. God's Son is an Angel because He is a Messenger for God the Father (the meaning of the name "angel" being "messenger").* Malachi calls Jesus a messenger when he prophesies Jesus' ministry. Malachi 3 1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. The first messenger ("malak": angel) (Strong 4397) is John the Baptist who would prepare the way for Jesus. The second messenger ("malak": angel) is Jesus, the "messenger of the Covenant" who would deliver the teachings we read about in the New Testament. So, as a messenger, Jesus is an Angel since the word "angel" means "messenger." As an angel, He is the Leader of all those angel messengers He created which means Moses' Angel was the leader of these created beings. Both are angels because both are messengers who serve God. Now that we have established Jesus as the "angel" prophesied by Moses and others in Old Covenant, how can we relate this "angel" to the name Michael as found in "Michael the Archangel?" Like the word "angel" (messenger), we need an understanding of the name translated to English. In Hebrew, the name Michael (Miykael) means "who is like God" (Strong 4317). Here, we see the likeness of God, for no other "angel" is given a name with a meaning that is compared to God. The name "Michael the Archangel" means "who is like God (Michael) who is first and leader of messengers (archangel)." Notice how this describes Jesus. [Reference back to Exodus 23:21 where Moses speaks of the Father as saying about the "Angel" of God: "for my name is in him." It is the name Michael that has the "name" of God in him and therefore it can be said of the "angel" Michael "my name is in him."] Michael the Archangel's appearance was revealed to Daniel in the form of a "man." Daniel 10 4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with finegold of Uphaz: 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, andhis arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 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.8 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. 9 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. This is the description of the "man" in Daniel's vision: clothed in linen, loins girded with fine gold of Uphaz, body like beryl, face as appearance of lightning, eyes as lamps of fire, arms and feet color of polished brass, voice like a multitude Compare this to what the disciple John seen in a Revelation of what Jesus looked like before He was born as a man on earth. Revelation 1 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and untoSardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to thefoot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And the description of the "man" seen by John: clothed with garment down to the foot, wearing of a golden girdle, head and hair white as the color of wool and snow, eyes as a flame of fire, feet like brass burned in a furnace,voice as the sound of many waters, in his right hand seven stars, out of his mouth a sharp two edged sword, countenance as the sun [The "voice as the sound of many waters" is a depiction. The word "water" in the Book of Revelation was used to describe many people (Rev. 17:15). The meaning implied is that the voice sounded like a multitude of people.] Now compare the visions of Daniel and John. Daniel: clothed in linen, loins girded with fine gold of Uphaz, body like beryl, face as appearance of lightning, eyes as lamps of fire, arms and feet color of polished brass, voice like a multitude John: clothed with garment down to the foot, wearing of a golden girdle, head and hair white as the color of wool and snow, eyes as a flame of fire, feet like brass burned in a furnace, voice as the sound of many waters, in his right hand seven stars, out of his mouth a sharp two edged sword, countenance as the sun Notice the similarities of the "man" seen in each of the visions, such as: face as lightening where head is white, similar garment, eyes as a flame or fire, feet like brass, and voice as "many waters" which describes a "multitude" of people. The "man" seen by Daniel was the same "Son of man" as seen by John. According to the apostle John, this man is Jesus. And that make Jesus Michael. The Book of Daniel was written over 2500 years ago and more than 500 years before the time of Christ. But God's prophet Daniel was given a vision of Michael the Archangel which was a vision of Jesus before He was born on this earth. Daniel's Chapter 10 reviewed in entirety reveals a deeper understanding of the prince Michael. *Daniel 10* 1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3 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. 4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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. 10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11 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 this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12 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. 13 But the prince of the kingdom 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. 14 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. 15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. 16 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. 17 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. 18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 19 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 hast strengthened me. 20 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. 21 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. Verses 5-9: Daniel sees a "man" he describes. Verses 10-15: Daniel is visited by an angel, messenger, who tells him that God heard his prayer ("from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand") (v. 12), and that he (the angel) "am come for thy words," meaning he was sent to speak to Daniel and to give him an answer about his prayer. The angel goes on to tell Daniel that he was "withstood" from coming to Daniel by "the prince of the kingdom of Persia," but Michael " one of the chief princes" came to help him and he remained there with the king of Persia (v. 13). [Remember this "one of the chief princes" is translated by Young's as "first of the chief heads."] Verse 14: The angel tells Daniel that he is now "come to make" Daniel "understand what shall befall" his "people in the latter days." Verses 16-17: "One" in the likeness of the "sons of men" appears to Daniel. Daniel speaks to him and calls him "lord." Verses 18-20: The same "one" who appeared to Daniel in v. 16-17 "again" appears to Daniel. Daniel this time refers to him as "the appearance of a man." This man strengthens Daniel, then speaks to him and tells him that he is greatly beloved of God and to be strong. He then tells Daniel that he will return to fight with the prince of Persia and when he has gone, the prince of Grecia shall come. In the final verse, he tells Daniel that there is none that "holdeth" with him in these things, or matters, but "Michael your prince." [Young's Literal Translation also translates this word "prince" as "head.] The vision: Daniel sees a description of a "man." He is visited by an angel who gives him a message from the Lord. This messenger sent from God visits Daniel three times, encourages him, and gives him strength. He tells Daniel that he was "withstood" by the prince of the kingdom of Persia and needed help from the "first of the chief heads," Michael. He later makes another reference to Michael, telling Daniel that Michael is Daniel's "head." The "man" seen by Daniel is important for the rest of the vision. When Daniel is told by an angel that Michael's assistance was needed, the "man" was shown to Daniel so that Daniel would know to whom the angel was making reference. This "man" was Michael. The conclusion according to this vision given to Daniel, based on the description of Michael: Michael is Jesus. We learned from previous Scripture that Jesus in prophecy is referred to as an "angel" or messenger. In Daniel's vision, Michael is called the head and the leader of the leading angels. Something to consider: If Michael is the primary leader of the messengers of God and Jesus is also called a messenger and leader of angels, then would it not also seem likely that Michael is Jesus? And if Michael were not Jesus and Michael is not only leader of the angels but leader of the leading angels, since Jesus is also an Angel (Messenger), then He would be leader of Jesus. Of course this could not be accurate since Jesus as God is leader of all creation including the angels. It makes since that Jesus is Michael. Another point is that there are similarities between Michael and Jesus in that the "head" Michael of the Old Covenant is relative to God's Jewish people as the "Head" Jesus of the New covenant is relative to the church. We know according to New Covenant Scripture that there is only One Who is "head" of man (1 Cor. 11:3). This is Jesus, the "chief cornerstone" (Luke 20:17), the Head of the church (*Col. 1:18).* Remember earlier it was shown that both Michael and Jesus share the title of "leader of the angels." New Covenant Scripture where Jesus is Leader of the angels: Matthew 25 31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. Compare with Matthew 26:53 where Jesus says the angels who follow Him obey Him. Jesus has more than one army in heaven. Revelation 19 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. These armies are "clothed in fine linen, white and clean." *They are the bride of the Lamb, the church (Eph. 5:25). The bride is the saints of God.* Revelation 19 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Compare to Joshua's encounter with the Lord. Joshua 5 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said,Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant? 15 And the captain of the LORD's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon* thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.* A man visits Joshua and tells him that he is "captain of the host of the LORD." The captain leads his army. This is Jesus. *Jesus is "captain of the host of the LORD" (Josh. 5:14) and Leader of "the armies which were in heaven" (Rev. 19:14*). And as captain of His army, it is Jesus who will bring those who have fallen asleep back to life. John 5** 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. The voice of the Lord will bring to life those who hear His voice. 1 Thessalonians 4 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. *1 Thessalonians 4* 16 because the Lord himself, in a shout, in the voice of a chief-messenger, and in the trump of God, shall come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. YLT The Lord will shout "with the voice of an archangel (chief messenger)." The archangel is Jesus. As chief-messenger, Jesus is the First (Leader) of the chief princes (leading angels) of the messengers of God (angels). Jude also calls Michael an archangel. Jude 1 9 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. Michael, "when contending" for the body of Moses," simply said "the Lord rebuke thee." Michael was clearly referring to someone else other than himself as Lord. So, how can Michael be a Lord (the Lord Jesus) if He calls someone else this name? Remember there are two who are called Lord: Father and Son (Ps. 110:1, Matt. 22:41-45). The prophet John told of how Michael would fight against the enemy of God. Revelation 12 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 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. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 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. Michael won the battle and defeated the enemy. John purposely wrote about prophecy he knew was already fulfilled in Jesus. This was written so that the readers would have a better understanding of what happened, why, and what would follow. Luke 10 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. When Jesus "beheld" the enemy fall, He prophesied His crucifixion and resurrection. He knew what was to take place and what He was to accomplish. The battle began in the garden and was finished at the Cross. The Archangel Jesus won... ...and salvation has been the prize for all to be given the opportunity to claim. This our Savior did for us so that all may have a chance of obtaining eternal life in the kingdom of God (Luke 9:27, John 3:16, 1 Tim. 2:3-5) ... which came with Jesus. Luke 17 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Mark 9 1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. The Great Prince Jesus was born into this world as the Messenger who would "stand up" for His people... Daniel 12 1 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. ...and since then a "time of trouble" would follow. (We see this in the persecution of Christians and the Jewish people.) Jesus was and is the Chief Messenger for both angel and man. To understand this is to understand why it was important for Him to deliver the "message" of the Gospel while He walked among us. It would prepare the way for the kingdom. You see, the Teacher is the Messenger. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Further Scripture study: *Matthew 9* 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. *Isaiah 53* 11He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. *Isaiah 9* 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. *1 Thessalonians 4* 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. *Matthew 25* 31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. *Jude 1* 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, *Revelation 19* 11 And I saw the heaven having been opened, and lo, a white horse, and he who is sitting upon it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness doth he judge and war, 12 and his eyes [are] as a flame of fire, and upon his head [are] many diadems -- having a name written that no one hath known, except himself, 13 and he is arrayed with a garment covered with blood, and his name is called, The Word of God. ______________________________________________________________ Works Cited Strong, James. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Hendrickson Publishers, Incorporated, 2009.