Are there different types of angels? Explore the biblical hierarchy of angels, from mighty Seraphim who worship God to Archangels who deliver His messages.
After learning that biblical angels are far from the gentle figures of greeting cards, a natural question arises: Is there a structure to this awe-inspiring heavenly host? Are some angels assigned different tasks than others?
The answer from Scripture is a fascinating yes. While the Bible doesn’t give us a complete, detailed organizational chart of heaven, it does reveal different “orders” or “types” of angels with distinct roles and appearances. This isn’t about assigning arbitrary ranks, but about understanding how God’s creation is organized for His perfect purposes.
Today, we’ll move beyond the vague term “angel” and meet three of the most clearly described orders: the worshiping Seraphim, the guarding Cherubim, and the messenger Archangels.
A Note on “Hierarchy”: Order with a Purpose
The concept of a celestial hierarchy comes from passages that mention “thrones,” “dominions,” “rulers,” and “authorities” (Colossians 1:16, Ephesians 3:10). These terms suggest a highly structured divine order. However, it’s crucial to remember that this hierarchy is one of perfect function and service, not of pride or ambition, a stark contrast to the rebellion of Lucifer. Every being, from the highest Seraph to the messenger angel, exists solely to glorify God.
1. The Seraphim: The Burning Ones of Pure Worship
We first meet the Seraphim in Isaiah’s powerful vision in Isaiah Chapter 6.
- Appearance: They are described as having six wings: two covering their face (reverence for God’s glory), two covering their feet (humility), and two for flying (readiness for service). They are often associated with fire and light, their name meaning “the burning ones.”
- Primary Role:Continuous, passionate worship. Their sole purpose is to dwell in the immediate presence of God and proclaim His supreme holiness.
- “And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’” (Isaiah 6:3)
- Their Function: Their worship is so powerful that it shakes the temple and purifies the prophet Isaiah, readying him for service. They are the ministers of God’s glorious throne.
In essence, the Seraphim remind us that worship is the highest activity in the universe.
2. The Cherubim: The Guardians of God’s Holiness
Cherubim are often the most misrepresented beings in the Bible, confused with the cute putti of Renaissance art. Biblically, they are formidable guardians.
- Appearance: Ezekiel Chapter 1 gives a dizzying description: four faces (of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle), four wings, and bodies gleaming like burnished bronze. They are associated with wheels within wheels, “full of eyes all around.”
- Primary Role:Guardians of God’s holy presence and His most treasured creations.
- They were placed to guard the way to the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve’s sin (Genesis 3:24).
- God’s throne is referred to as Him who “is enthroned upon the cherubim” (Psalm 99:1).
- Their images were woven into the veil of the Tabernacle and Temple and hammered onto the Ark of the Covenant, symbolically guarding the holiness within (Exodus 26:31, 25:18-20).
- Their Function: They are the vigilant protectors, ensuring the boundary between the holy and the common is maintained. They are living symbols of God’s unapproachable holiness and justice.
In essence, the Cherubim remind us that God is supremely holy and access to Him is on His terms alone.
3.Set of three icons: a six-winged Seraph, a four-faced Cherub, and the Archangel Michael with a sword.
The term “archangel” means “chief angel” or “ruling angel.” It appears only twice in the Bible (1 Thessalonians 4:16, Jude 1:9), and only one is named: Michael.
- Appearance: While not described in detail, they are typically depicted in humanoid form as mighty warriors or noble messengers.
- Primary Role:To serve as chief messengers and military leaders in God’s angelic army.
- Michael is consistently shown as a warrior prince, defending God’s people and contending with demonic powers (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7).
- While not called an archangel in Scripture, Gabriel is another high-ranking messenger who delivers critical announcements from God’s very throne (e.g., to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary in Luke 1).
- Their Function: They execute God’s most critical missions on earth, whether delivering world-changing news or engaging in cosmic warfare against spiritual forces of evil.
In essence, the Archangels remind us that we serve a God who commands a mighty army and communicates His will with authority.
Your Takeaway: From Speculation to Worship
It’s thrilling to explore the different ranks of angels. But as with all biblical knowledge, the purpose is not to satisfy our curiosity but to deepen our worship.
Your practical takeaway for today is this: Let the hierarchy of angels amplify your understanding of God’s character.
The diverse roles of angels show us the multifaceted nature of God:
- The Seraphim show us a God who is infinitely holy and worthy of all worship.
- The Cherubim show us a God who is perfectly just and majestic in His holiness.
- The Archangels show us a God who is sovereignly powerful and actively engaged in ruling His creation and defending His people.
We don’t pray to angels; we pray to the God who commands them. Their might points to His omnipotence. Their worship points to His worthiness. Our awe belongs to the Commander of the Armies of Heaven, not the soldiers.
