|
Christianity
holds angels to be beings created by the Lord
prior to the creation of man who act as
mediators between the Lord and mankind. Psalms
8:6 “You have made him (man) a little less than
angels…”
Many of the
Romance languages derive their words for these
beings from the Latin word angelus which is
derived from the Ancient Greek word
άνγελος, which translates to angelos or
messenger. These include the English word
angel, the Old English and German word Engel,
and the Old French word angele to name a few.
Hebrew
and Arabic refer to angels as malakh, malaika or
malak and are derived from words which mean “to
send”, “message” and “work”. The English word
“cherub” is derived from another Hebrew word
kruv which describes young children.
Angels
appear to humans in many different forms which
have changed over the years. Some for instance
depicted angels as rotating wheels with wings.
Around the fifth century, angels took on
definite characteristics in both theology and
art.
There
are nine types of angels within three major
groups known as choirs with distinct jobs. Like
us, all angels are individuals but unlike us,
they are able to see beyond a mortal timeline.
For this reason, they are extremely patient and
forgiving and are assigned to help us without
interfering with our free will.
The
first choir sends vibrations or waves of
devotional love into the universe. In their
celestial form, they are frequencies of sound
and wavelengths of light. They include:
Seraphim:
The angels who are closest to God and encircle
his throne, emitting an intense fiery light
which signifies his love. There are only four
of these beings which have four faces and six
wings each. They are considered “fiery
serpents” and not even other divine beings are
able to look at them. Fortunately, when they
come to Earth, they leave their serpent look
behind becoming glowing, tall, thin, clean cut
human embodiments with wings.
Cherubim
(Cherubs): The keepers of the knowledge
of God and celestial records, these supreme
beings are only sent to Earth for great tasks
such as expelling man from the Garden of Eden.
In ancient art, cherubim were winged sphinx-like
creatures with human faces. Current art depicts
them as fat babies with wings. Known cherubim
include Ophaniel, Rikbiel, and Zophiel. Satan
was a cherub prior to his fall from grace.
Thrones:
These
angels serve as God’s chariot and dispense his
judgment. They are said to look like great
glowing wheels covered with many eyes.
Next |
