You are probably familiar with Michael, the archangel. His name means “he who is as God.” He is described as a warrior angel who engages in spiritual battles. He is also thought of as the angel of protection. Michael is also recognized as the most powerful of all the angels. The archangel Michael is one of the most significant and fascinating angels referenced in scripture. Next to Gabriel and Lucifer, the fallen angel, he is the most famous angelic being in scripture.
He is referenced in three books of the Bible – Daniel, Jude and Revelation. To understand his power and magnitude, you have to know the meaning of the word “archangel.” The definition of archangel is an “angel of the highest rank.” While we know most angels in the Bible are described as messengers, Michael is identified explicitly in all three books as fighting, contending, or standing against principalities and evil spirits.
We learn more about the archangel Michael in several key passages in scripture. Daniel 10:13 says, “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief prices, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia...). Jude 1:9 tells us, “But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’” And in Revelation 12:7, we are told, “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back…” In this passage, we see Michael as a military commander of some angels. This is a reference to John’s apocalypse, where the archangel sees a great war of heaven. The devil’s forces were too weak to remain in heaven, so they were thrown down to heaven.
While we don’t have a full picture of an angel in the Bible, and only two are named in the Bible, we are given insight into their movements throughout human events. We can tell from these passages that archangel Michael is a powerful being.
Another thing we know about the archangel Michael because he has a prominent role in the end times. An angel of the Lord told Daniel that during the last days, Michael would “arise.’ He was also told there would be a time of unparalleled trouble. This is a reference to the Great Tribulation. Daniel 12:1 says, “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time, your people shall be delivered…” During this period, Israel is guaranteed protection, and a great resurrection of the dead will also follow this. Some will receive everlasting life, and others will be brought to everlasting shame. We are told directly in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that the church's rapture will be followed by “the voice of an archangel.” While the Bible doesn’t directly name him here, this could be a reference to Michael.
We see the final reference to archangel Michael in Revelation 12:7. During the tribulation period, war broke out in heaven. Michael fought against the dragon and the dragon, and the angels fought them back. Ultimately, Michael and the heavenly forces defeat the dragon, who is the devil. Satan is thrown to the earth. The devil was enraged and decided to wage war against those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus (Revelation 12:17).
Scripture tells us that Michael is engaged in a ceaseless war against the forces of evil. In addition to the references about his power and strength, we also know Michael is entirely dependent on the Lord. While he exhibits great power, he is in total submission to God. The righteous angels hold great rank but are also submissive to authority. When you take into consideration Michael’s strength, his submission to God is profound. We also see that Michael guides departed souls. The Testament of Abraham tells us that Michael told Abraham he was about to die. Abraham asked God if he could witness the wonders of the world so he would be able to die without regrets. Archangel Michael formed his guiding expertise by taking Abraham on a journey of the inhabited world. Following this, Abraham was taken to prepare for his death. These passages reveal the character of Michael.
It’s not hard to recognize that there is a spiritual war going on in the hearts, minds and souls of mankind. The archangel Michael is a strong angelic prince who protects and serves God by fighting against the devil in the end times. The devil can do everything in his power to conquer God, but he doesn’t have the strength to overcome Him. The enemy can’t destroy God, Michael or any of heaven’s forces.
If we want to conquer the enemy, we can turn to the archangel Michael for he is a great example of loyalty to God and strength in his forces against the devil. Thankfully, God equips us with the Holy Spirit as a guide to defeat satan. The Spirit can restore us. The gifts of the Spirit are the tools we need to do God’s work. When we are equipped for battle like the archangel Michael was, using the Holy Spirit’s power, we have greater strength to wage war against the evil one. God provides all the tools we need to defeat the enemy in spiritual battle. Call on God to help you condemn the enemy, including the thoughts he sends to defeat us. We have the power to be prepared for the war ahead because we have the blood of Jesus protecting us. We also have the promise of His ultimate return. For that, we can be forever thankful.
