From scripture we learn what angels are, how many kinds there are, their names, what they do. And what are the heavenly hosts
What Are Angels According to Scripture?
In the Bible, angels are created spirit beings who serve Yahweh. The word “angel” comes from the Hebrew malak and Greek angelos, meaning messenger.
They are not glorified humans, nor are they described as winged babies. Scripture presents them as powerful servants, messengers, warriors, worshipers, protectors, and members of Yahweh’s heavenly court.
Angels Are Created Spirit Beings
Created by Yahweh
“For by Him all things were created… whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.”
— Colossians 1:16
“Praise Him, all His angels… for He commanded and they were created.”
— Psalm 148:2–5
They Are Spirits
“Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.”
— Psalm 104:4
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?”
— Hebrews 1:14
The Heavenly Host
The phrase “host of heaven” or “heavenly hosts” refers to Yahweh’s vast heavenly army and assembly.
It can include:
- Angels
- Archangels
- Cherubim
- Seraphim
- Heavenly armies
- Divine council beings
- Sometimes even the stars as symbolic heavenly armies
Yahweh Is Called:
“Yahweh of Hosts”
Meaning:
- Commander of Heaven’s Armies
- Ruler over all heavenly powers
How Many Angels Are There?
Scripture describes them as beyond human counting.
“Thousands upon thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.”
— Daniel 7:10
“An innumerable company of angels.”
— Hebrews 12:22
“More than twelve legions of angels.”
— Matthew 26:53
A Roman legion was roughly 6,000 soldiers. Twelve legions would exceed 70,000 angels—and Yeshua implied He could call vastly more.
Different Kinds of Heavenly Beings
1. Angels (Messengers)
These are the most commonly mentioned.
What They Do
- Deliver messages
- Protect Yahweh’s people
- Carry out judgments
- Guide and strengthen servants of Yahweh
Examples:
- Angel speaking to Mary
- Angel freeing Peter from prison
- Angels at the resurrection
2. Archangels
An archangel is a chief or ruling angel.
Michael
The only angel specifically called “the archangel.”
“Michael the archangel…”
— Jude 1:9
What Michael Does
- Defends Yahweh’s people
- Leads heavenly warfare
- Battles Satan
“Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.”
— Revelation 12:7
“Michael, one of the chief princes…”
— Daniel 10:13
3. Cherubim
Cherubim are powerful throne guardians associated with Yahweh’s glory and holiness.
What They Do
- Guard sacred places
- Support Yahweh’s throne
- Represent authority and power
First mentioned:
“He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden…”
— Genesis 3:24
Also seen:
- On the Ark of the Covenant
- In Ezekiel’s visions
Description
Ezekiel describes cherubim with:
- Multiple faces
- Wings
- Brilliant fire
- Wheels full of eyes
(Ezekiel chapters 1 and 10)
4. Seraphim
Mentioned in Isaiah 6.
What They Do
- Worship Yahweh continually
- Proclaim His holiness
Description
They have:
- Six wings
- Cover face and feet
- Fly before Yahweh’s throne
“Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh of hosts…”
— Isaiah 6:3
The word seraph is related to “burning ones.”
5. Living Creatures Around the Throne
Seen in Ezekiel and Revelation.
Revelation 4 describes four living creatures:
- Lion
- Calf/Ox
- Man
- Eagle
Covered with eyes and continually worshiping Yahweh.
These appear connected to cherubim imagery.
Named Angels in Scripture
Michael
- Archangel
- Warrior
- Protector of Israel
Gabriel
A messenger angel.
Gabriel Appears To:
- Daniel
- Zechariah
- Mary
“I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.”
— Luke 1:19
Gabriel explains prophecy and announces major events.
Fallen Angels
Some angels rebelled with Satan.
“The dragon and his angels…”
— Revelation 12:7
“The angels which kept not their first estate…”
— Jude 1:6
These are often called:
- Demons
- Evil spirits
- Unclean spirits
Satan himself appears to have once held a high heavenly position before rebellion (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28 symbolically referenced).
What Angels Do
Worship Yahweh
Revelation 5:11–12
Carry Messages
- Gabriel to Mary
- Angels to prophets
Protect Yahweh’s People
“The angel of Yahweh encamps around those who fear Him.”
— Psalm 34:7
Fight Spiritual Battles
Daniel 10
Revelation 12
Execute Judgment
- Sodom
- Egypt
- Revelation plagues
Rejoice Over Repentance
Luke 15:10
Can Humans Become Angels?
Scripture never says resurrected believers become angels.
Instead:
- The saints become glorified spirit children of Yahweh
- They will rule with Messiah
“Do you not know that we shall judge angels?”
— 1 Corinthians 6:3
This shows the resurrected saints receive authority above angels.
Yahweh’s Heavenly Government
Scripture presents heaven as highly organized:
- Thrones
- Dominions
- Principalities
- Powers
- Hosts
- Councils
- Armies
Yahweh rules over all.
Summary
Angels Are:
- Created spirit beings
- Servants of Yahweh
- Members of the heavenly host
- Messengers, warriors, worshipers, and protectors
Main Types Mentioned
- Angels
- Archangels
- Cherubim
- Seraphim
- Living creatures
Named Angels
- Michael
- Gabriel
The Heavenly Host
The organized armies and heavenly assembly serving under Yahweh’s authority.
Key Theme of Scripture
The heavenly host exists to:
- Serve Yahweh
- Carry out His will
- Worship Him
- Protect His purpose
- Assist in His plan for mankind
“Bless Yahweh, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word.”
— Psalm 103:20
