Understanding These Mysterious Beings and Why They Matter

By Chloe Quinn

Understanding These Mysterious Beings and Why They Matter

Have you ever wondered what an angel looks like? Perhaps you imagine a human figure with large wings. Let’s explore what the Bible actually says about them.

Imagine you’re in the hills with a group of exhausted shepherds. It’s quiet; you hear the wind blowing and the occasional bleating of sheep. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a strange being appears:

“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” (Luke 2:9-14)

There are different types of angels, classified as cherubim, seraphim, archangels, ophanim, messenger angels and other heavenly beings. Let’s explore what the Bible says about each of them.

1. Cherubim

Cherubim are powerful beings often depicted as guardians of God’s presence. They are known for their multi-faced, multi-winged appearance. They first appear in Genesis 3:24, guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden:

“So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.”

Cherubim are described in detail in Ezekiel 1:5-11 as having four faces (a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle) and four wings. They are associated with God’s majesty and power, often appearing near His throne.

2. Seraphim

Seraphim are known for their role in continuously praising and glorifying God. They are described as having six wings and are often depicted as being near God’s throne. The name “seraphim” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “burning ones,” indicating their purity and intense devotion.

The most famous reference to seraphim is found in Isaiah 6:2-3: “Above Him were seraphim, each with six wings: with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.’”

3. Archangels

Archangels are high-ranking angels, considered leaders among angelic beings. The term “archangel” means “chief angel,” and they are known to take on significant missions. The Bible explicitly names only one archangel, Michael, who is depicted as a protector and warrior leading the heavenly army against evil forces.

Jude 1:9 says, “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”

4. Ophanim (Orphanim)

Ophanim, also known as “the wheels” or “thrones,” are described in Ezekiel’s vision as bizarre, wheel-like beings covered in eyes. They are often seen as symbols of God’s omnipresence and the constant motion of divine will. Their description emphasizes their mysterious nature and suggests they are part of the heavenly entourage that supports God’s throne.

Ezekiel 1:15-18 states, “As I looked at the living beings, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with four faces. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around.”

5. Messenger Angels

The word “angel” translates to “messenger,” and this is perhaps the most common role angels play in the Bible. They are sent by God to deliver messages, guide, warn, and comfort people. Unlike cherubim or seraphim, regular angels are not described with wings but often appear in a human-like form. Gabriel, for example, is known for delivering messages to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Hebrews 1:14 refers to these angels, stating, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

6. The four living creatures

They are heavenly beings that serve before God’s throne, symbolizing His power, authority, and divine attributes.These creatures continuously praise God, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8) Their presence signifies God’s glory, omnipotence, and the ceaseless worship He receives in heaven.

Revelation 4:6-8

Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"

Fallen Angels

Fallen angels are those who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. The most well-known fallen angel is Lucifer, also known as Satan. Once a high-ranking angel (believed to be a seraph), Lucifer’s pride led to his downfall. He sought to exalt himself above God and was subsequently expelled from heaven along with other angels who followed him.

Isaiah 14:12-15 describes this fall: “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God…’ But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”

These fallen angels now oppose God’s work and seek to lead humanity astray. They are known as evil beings and actively work against the divine order.

Demons

Demons, unlike fallen angels, are often associated with the Nephilim, who were the offspring of fallen angels and human women. Genesis 6:1-4 describes how “the sons of God” (understood as fallen angels) took human wives, resulting in a race of giants known as Nephilim. According to some interpretations, when these Nephilim died, their spirits became what we know as demons, evil beings that continue to influence and tempt humanity, spreading chaos and evil.

These beings are different from angels in that they are not sent by God but rather operate in rebellion against Him, following the leadership of Satan.

Angels play diverse roles throughout the Bible, ranging from worshipping and praising God to delivering messages, guarding sacred places, and fighting against evil. Cherubim are protectors, seraphim glorify God, archangels lead and defend, ophanim display God’s omnipresence, and messenger angels communicate His will.

Fallen angels represent rebellion and opposition to God’s order, while demons, arising from the Nephilim, continue to spread evil and disrupt God’s creation.

I chose this topic because many people misunderstand how angels operate. Some think they are not that important, and their perception of how angels look is often very different from the way the Bible describes them.

It is important to understand that angels were created to worship God, not to be worshipped. Angels play a special role, distinct from humans, and have different types of bodies. Although we don’t know everything about them, the Bible makes it clear that they are real and significant playing a huge impact in our lives.

‘For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ (Psalm 91:11-12, NIV)”