The Functions and Jobs of Holy Angels in Scripture

        Angels, as described in various scriptural texts, serve distinct roles in the divine order. These roles are often defined by their specific responsibilities, tasks, or attributes as celestial beings acting under the authority of God. By analyzing the functions of angels, we gain insight into their purpose and significance within the spiritual realm and their interaction with humanity. Below, the functions of angels are categorized and explored in detail, drawing from canonical scripture, apocryphal texts, and theological interpretations. 

           While Pseudo-Dionysius’s celestial hierarchy has profoundly influenced Christian thought, it is not without significant issues when evaluated against scripture. His classification of angels, though orderly and theologically appealing, often diverges from biblical descriptions in several key ways. First, Dionysius ascribes roles to certain angelic beings, such as the Seraphim and Cherubim, that go beyond what is explicitly stated in scripture. For instance, while the Seraphim are described in Isaiah 6 as worshiping God, Dionysius elevates their role to being exclusively about transmitting God’s purifying fire. Similarly, the Cherubim, who are often depicted as guardians in Genesis and Ezekiel, are seen worshiping God in Revelation 4, contradicting the rigid functional boundaries Dionysius imposes on them.

            Second, Dionysius reinterprets the Ophanim, described in Ezekiel 1 as part of God’s chariot-throne, turning them into intelligent celestial beings. This interpretation aligns more with Jewish mysticism than the scriptural depiction of Ophanim as awe-inspiring yet mechanistic instruments of divine presence. Third, many of Dionysius’s angelic classes, such as Dominions, Virtues, and Powers, are either not clearly described in scripture or are entirely theoretical. While terms like “Dominions” and “Powers” are mentioned in Colossians 1:16 and Ephesians 6:12, their functions remain undefined, leaving Dionysius’s elaboration speculative at best.

         Fourth, Dionysius’s claim that all functions are restricted to specific classes of angels fails to account for the fluidity of roles seen in scripture. For example, Cherubim are not confined solely to guarding places or objects but are also depicted praising God in Revelation. Fifth, Dionysius’s hierarchy omits certain angelic roles that are explicitly described in scripture, such as the Reapers (Luke 16:22, Revelation 14:15-20) and Watchers (Daniel 4:13, 17, 23). These omissions suggest an incomplete picture of the angelic realm that overlooks key biblical evidence. Lastly, his reliance on Neoplatonic philosophy and Jewish mysticism introduces ideas that are not directly supported by scripture, such as the rigid hierarchical structure and the emanation of divine light through intermediary beings. These influences, while intellectually appealing, compromise the biblical fidelity of his system.

             Given these significant issues, it is time to reconsider Dionysius’s celestial hierarchy and approach the topic with a fresh perspective rooted more firmly in scripture. A biblically accurate hierarchy would acknowledge the diversity and fluidity of angelic roles without forcing them into rigid classifications. It would also include angelic functions and beings clearly described in scripture, such as the Reapers and Watchers, while refraining from speculative additions or omissions. By wiping the slate clean and returning to the biblical text as the primary source, we can better understand the angelic realm as it is revealed in God’s Word, rather than through the lens of human tradition or philosophical constructs. Such an approach would honor the complexity and richness of scripture while avoiding the theological pitfalls of over-systematization. The system I propose divorces the idea that an angel’s appearance and function are inherently tied. In this paper well solely be looking at the functions of celestials and not their appearances. 

1. Hallujaim (Praise God)

              One of the most well-documented roles of angels is that of worshiping God. These celestial beings, referred to here as Hallujaim, are continually engaged in praising and glorifying the divine. Isaiah 6 provides a vivid description of seraphim standing before God’s throne, calling out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.” Similarly, in Revelation 5, angels and other heavenly beings are depicted singing praise to God and the Lamb. These passages highlight the angels’ primary function as eternal worshipers, existing to magnify God’s holiness and authority. 

2. Sodars (Overseers)

           The role of Sodars encompasses guardianship and protection. This broad category includes several specific functions:

• Principalities: Angels charged with overseeing groups such as nations, churches, and other collective bodies. Daniel 10 and 12 reference such beings, where the “Prince of Persia” and “Michael, the great prince” are seen influencing or protecting entire nations. Revelation 3-4 also implies angelic oversight of churches.

• Guardian Angels: These protect individuals, as seen in Psalms 91:11-12, which assures believers of angelic protection, and Matthew 18:10, which speaks of angels watching over children. Acts 12:12-15 even suggests personal angels are recognized by early Christians.

• Cherubim: Cherubim protect holy places, such as the Garden of Eden, where they wield flaming swords to guard the way to the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24).

• Milaw (Protectors of Holy Items): Though not explicitly mentioned in scripture, tradition and apocryphal texts suggest certain angels may guard sacred artifacts or relics.

3. Riders

           Riders are described in Zechariah 1 as angels patrolling the earth, reporting directly to the “angel of the Lord,” a figure many interpret as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ. These angels ride horses of different colors, symbolizing their roles in observation and judgment. Revelation 6 expands this imagery to include the Four Horsemen, who serve as agents of divine judgment. Apocryphal texts such as 2 and 4 Maccabees further describe celestial horsemen, emphasizing their power and authority in divine warfare.

4. Watchers (Grigori)

            The Watchers, or Grigori, are members of the divine council whose role is to observe humanity and participate in the administration of divine judgment. In Daniel 4:13 and 4:23, they are described as “holy ones” decreeing the fates of kings. The Book of Enoch expands upon this role, describing some Watchers as rebellious angels who abandoned their heavenly duties, leading to their condemnation. Nonetheless, faithful Watchers remain vigilant stewards of God’s will.

5. Virtues

            Borrowing the name from Dionysius’s classification, virtues are angels specifically tasked with performing miracles, often through healing. In John 5:4, an angel is said to stir the waters of the Pool of Bethesda, granting healing to those who enter. These angels are understood to be intermediaries through which God manifests His miraculous power on Earth.

6. Powers (Destroying Angels)

           As the army of God, Powers are warrior angels who confront demonic forces and deliver divine justice. In 2 Samuel 24:15-17 and 1 Chronicles 21:15-16, an angel is sent to destroy Jerusalem as punishment, only to be restrained by God’s mercy. Psalm 78:49-51 further illustrates their role in executing judgment, particularly during the plagues of Egypt. These angels are fearsome manifestations of God’s justice.

7. Reapers

         Reapers are responsible for guiding souls to their final destinations in the afterlife. This role is exemplified in Luke 16:22, where angels carry the soul of Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom. Revelation 14:15-20 also portrays angels harvesting the Earth, separating the righteous from the wicked. While scripture describes their role in escorting the righteous, the absence of similar accounts for the wicked suggests a somber distinction in their duties.

8. Malakim (Messengers)

            The word “angel” itself comes from the Hebrew malak, meaning “messenger.” This role is foundational to their identity, as angels frequently deliver God’s messages to humanity. In Judges 6:12, an angel calls Gideon to leadership, while in 1 Kings 19:7, an angel ministers to Elijah. Angels also announced Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 28:5) and played a vital role in the Old Testament before the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

9. Scribes

            Though not directly named in canonical scripture, angels serving as scribes are alluded to in passages like Revelation 5:2 and Revelation 10, where angels hold scrolls and books of judgment. Apocryphal texts, such as the Book of Enoch, expand this concept, describing celestial scribes who record human deeds and divine decrees, preserving the history and prophecy of the heavens.

10. Archangels

            Archangels are chief angels who oversee others. Scripture explicitly names Michael as an archangel in Jude 9 and describes his leadership in heavenly battles. Though Gabriel is not called an archangel in the Bible, apocryphal texts like Tobit and 1 Enoch assign him this title alongside Raphael, Uriel, and others. Revelation 4:5 and 5:6 suggest a celestial hierarchy, hinting at the presence of these high-ranking beings.

11. Prosecutor

           The Prosecutor is a member of the divine council whose role is to bring accusations against humanity, as seen in Job 1:5-6. This figure, unfortunately often misunderstood to be Satan, serves not as an evil adversary but as an agent of divine justice, ensuring cosmic order and accountability for sin.

12. Dominions (Elementals)

           Dominions are believed to govern nature and the elements, ensuring balance in the physical world without infringing on human free will. Revelation 14:18 and 16:5 describe angels exercising authority over fire and water, symbolizing their connection to natural forces. Some traditions extend their influence to the cosmos, suggesting their role in maintaining order in creation.

            Scripture presents a complex and multifaceted portrayal of angels, each fulfilling a unique role within God’s divine plan. From worshipers and messengers to warriors and guardians, these celestial beings are essential intermediaries between heaven and earth. Understanding their functions not only enriches theological study but also deepens appreciation for the intricate order of the spiritual realm. Through their diverse roles, angels reflect God’s justice, mercy, and sovereignty over all creation.