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Is Michael the Archangel Jesus?
Q. Who is Michael the Archangel? Is Michael the Archangel Jesus?
A. There are only five references to Michael the Archangel in the Bible. The name Michael, which is of Hebrew origin, means "who is like God" and is Strong's Concordance #4317 for its use in the Old Testament. Michael (Greek: Micahl) when used in the New Testament is Strong's #3413.
Reference #1 and #2: In the book of Daniel Chapter 10, we see the account of Daniel and the "glorious man" discussing prophecies of Persia and Greece. It is a vision that only Daniel sees and so frightens him that he is has no strength left. This vision came to Daniel after a three week fast and prayer. Verse 12 relates that the "man" came because of Daniel's words. Now, look at verse 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. " (Daniel 10:13, KJV)
This is the first Biblical mention of Michael. Here he is referred to as a "chief prince" or one who is first in rank or power. He was (and is) a very powerful and influential spirit being.
Continuing in Daniel 10, note that Michael is again mentioned in v. 21 where he is called Michael your prince.
"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. " (Daniel 10:21, KJV)
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Reference #3: Moving on to Daniel 12:1 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book." (Daniel 12:1, NKJV). Michael has yet to stand up and defend Daniel's people, the Israelites. Reference #4: The next mention of Michael is in the New Testament book of Jude where verse 9 reads: " Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'. " (Jude 9, NKJV) This verse denotes that even though Michael has always possessed great power and influence he still is subservient to the higher authority of God. It is interesting to note that here Michael is called an "archangel". According to Strong's Concordance #743, archangel comes from the Greek word arcaggeloV or archaggelos and means a chief angel. Reference #5: The last mention of Michael the Archangel that is found in scripture is Revelation 12:7-8 " And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. " (Revelation 12:7-8 , NKJV) This incident is identical to that of Daniel 12:1 and is still future, and to me, does not conflict with Luke 10:18 where Jesus said, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." Satan is a spirit being and he could have fallen from heaven more than once. Ephesians 6:12 also verifies that we are still wrestling with "spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." So we have seen that Michael the Archangel is a powerful spirit being and prince whom God the Father has designated as "protector" of His people Israel. Other Recommended Bible Study Materials:
Answer Given By: Tommy West |
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