The Origin of Angels

Unveiling the Earliest Known Term

Angels are iconic figures in many religious and spiritual traditions, symbolizing intermediaries between the divine and humanity. The concept of angels has evolved over millennia, rooted in ancient mythologies and texts. These mythological figures laid the foundational concepts for angels in later religious traditions, illustrating humanity's longstanding belief in divine intermediaries who facilitate communication and guidance between gods and mortals. Let us explore the origin of angels and the earliest known term used to describe these celestial beings.

Ancient Roots and Early Concepts

Mesopotamian Influence

The earliest traces of angelic beings can be found in ancient Mesopotamian cultures, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians. These civilizations had intermediary spirits known as "messengers of the gods," who acted as go-betweens for deities and humans. These figures set the precedent for later angelic beings in subsequent religions.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, introduced the concept of divine beings that serve Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity. These entities, known as “Yazatas”, functioned similarly to angels, performing tasks and delivering messages. The influence of Zoroastrianism, particularly during the Persian Empire, contributed significantly to the development of angelology in Abrahamic religions.

The Hebrew Tradition: Malakhim

The earliest known term explicitly associated with angels comes from the Hebrew tradition. The Hebrew word "mal'akh" translates to "messenger." Malakhim (plural of mal'akh) are depicted in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as divine messengers who deliver God's commands, guide, protect, and aid humanity.

Angelic Appearances in the Hebrew Bible

Genesis: Angels appear to Abraham and Sarah, delivering the message of Sarah's forthcoming child (Isaac) and warning Lot of Sodom and Gomorrah's impending destruction.

Exodus: An angel guides the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.

Daniel: The angel Gabriel appears to Daniel, explaining visions and revealing divine plans.

These scriptural references highlight the role of malakhim as divine intermediaries and messengers, establishing a foundational concept that would influence later religious traditions.

Angels in Christianity: Aggelos

Christianity inherited the concept of angels from Judaism, expanding and elaborating upon their roles and characteristics. The New Testament, written in Greek, uses the term "aggelos," which also means "messenger." This term solidified the association of angels with divine communication and intervention.

Angelic Roles in the New Testament

Annunciation: The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing the birth of Jesus.

Protection: Angels are depicted as protectors, such as when an angel frees Peter from prison.

Revelation: The Book of Revelation describes various angelic beings delivering God's messages and judgments.

The Christian tradition further developed the hierarchy and orders of angels, categorizing them into various ranks such as seraphim, cherubim, and archangels.

Islamic Tradition: Mala'ika

In Islam, angels are known as "mala'ika" (ملائكة), which is derived from the same Semitic root as the Hebrew mal'akh. Islamic teachings, as found in the Quran and Hadith, describe angels as beings created from light, who obediently serve Allah and perform various tasks.

Key Angelic Figures in Islam

Jibril (Gabriel): The primary messenger who delivered the Quranic revelations to the Prophet Muhammad.

Mikail (Michael): Responsible for providing nourishment to bodies and souls.

Israfil: The angel who will blow the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment.

Azrael: The angel of death who separates souls from their bodies.

Islamic angelology shares similarities with Jewish and Christian traditions but also includes unique elements specific to Islamic belief.

Angels remain symbols of hope, guidance, and divine intervention across the ages.

The concept of angels has deep historical roots, evolving through various ancient cultures and religious traditions. The earliest known term, "mal'akh," from the Hebrew tradition, laid the groundwork for the angelic figures seen in Christianity and Islam. These celestial intermediaries continue to captivate and inspire, embodying the connection between the divine and the mortal realms. Through their enduring presence, angels remain symbols of hope, guidance, and divine intervention across the ages.

Joanne Brocas, Intuitive. Energy Clearing. #1 Award Winning Author

Angels/Oracles/Dowsing

Angelicfire.com