KJV

KJV

Click to Change

Return to Top

Return to Top

Printer Icon

Print

The Blue Letter Bible

Don Stewart :: Who Is Michael the Archangel?

Choose a new font size and typeface
Don Stewart
One of the most prominent characters in the Bible is Michael the "archangel" or "chief angel." He is the only angel specifically designated as an archangel. His name means "who is like God?" He is mentioned a number of times in Scripture.

Chief Prince

Michael is called "one of the chief princes."

But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia (Daniel 10:13).

This title suggests a high rank.

Supported Another Angel

Michael supported another angel who was being hindered from answering Daniel's prayer.

But I am to tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth. There is no one with me who contends against these princes except Michael, your prince (Daniel 10:21).

End Times Ministry

Michael will have a prominent role in the end times.

At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, keep the words secret and the book sealed until the time of the end. Many shall be running back and forth, and evil shall increase (Daniel 12:1-4).

According to this passage, Michael seems to have a direct connection with the nation Israel.

Possible Angel In 1 Thessalonians

Michael is probably the archangel alluded to in First Thessalonians;

For the Lord Himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Contended With Satan

We are told that Michael contended with Satan.

But when the archangel Michael contended with the Devil and disputed about the body of Moses, he did not dare to bring a condemnation of slander against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Jude 9).

This is the only passage where Michael is specifically called an archangel.

War Against Satan

Before Christ comes back, Michael and his angels will war with Satan and his angels.

And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. And the dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him (Revelation 12:7-9).

Michael and his army prevails - Satan is thrown down to the earth.

Summary

From looking at the Scripture we can conclude the following about Michael the archangel.

1. He is the only archangel named in Scripture.

2. His ministry seems to be of law and judgment.

3.
He seems to have some connection with the nation Israel.

4. In the past, he contended with Satan over the body of Moses.

5.
He will appear at the last times fighting with the armies of Satan.
BLB Searches
Search the Bible
KJV
 [?]

Advanced Options

Other Searches

Multi-Verse Retrieval
x
KJV

Daily Devotionals
x

Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness.

Daily Bible Reading Plans
x

Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year.

One-Year Plans

Two-Year Plan

CONTENT DISCLAIMER:

The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.