The 7 Archangels Of God And Their Roles
Angels are messengers of God who serve as intermediaries between Heaven and Earth. Archangels are the highest-ranking angels and have authority over other angels.
According to Judeo-Christian traditions, seven archangels were created by God to fulfill specific purposes.
In this article, we will explore who the seven archangels are and what their roles and responsibilities are according to religious scriptures and texts.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The 7 archangels of God are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel, and Sariel. Each has specific duties such as bearing messages, providing protection, healing, and guiding souls.
Michael – Protector and Leader of the Army of God
Known as the greatest of archangels
Michael is considered one of the greatest and most powerful archangels in the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
He is depicted as the protector and leader of the army of God against the forces of evil.
Michael is mentioned by name several times in the Bible, and his roles include defending Israel, leading God’s armies against Satan, and heralding the end times.
Leader of the army of God against evil forces
As the commander of the heavenly hosts, Michael leads the other archangels and angels against Satan and the fallen angels. In the Book of Revelation, Michael defeats Satan in the war in heaven: “Then war broke out in heaven.
Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.
But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.” (Revelation 12:7-8). Michael protects heaven from evil and maintains order.
Patron saint of soldiers and police officers
As a protector and warrior, Michael is the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and firefighters. He is invoked for strength and protection in battle and against all evil forces. Many military chapels are named in his honor.
Protector of Israel and the Jewish people
In the Old Testament, Michael is described as the guardian angel and protector of Israel (Daniel 12:1). He watches over and defends the Jewish people.
According to Jewish tradition, Michael appeared to Moses as the fire in the burning bush. He also stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac.
As an archangel of mercy, Michael helps transport righteous souls to heaven. He is associated with justice, righteousness, and mercy.
Gabriel – Messenger of God
Appears in Bible as messenger to Daniel, Zechariah and Mary
The archangel Gabriel is mentioned several times in the Bible as a divine messenger to people such as the prophet Daniel and priest Zechariah.
His most famous appearance is likely when he visited Mary to announce that she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
This critical moment in history revealed God’s amazing plan for salvation through his Son.
Sent to reveal prophecies and deliver news of Jesus’ birth
In the book of Daniel, Gabriel was sent to help the prophet understand the vision of the ram and the goat as the change of power from Persia to Greece (Daniel 8:15-26).
He later appeared to give insight about the prophecy of the 70 weeks (Daniel 9:21-27).
Centuries later when Zechariah was burning incense in the temple, Gabriel told him that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son despite her old age (Luke 1:11-20). This son turned out to be John the Baptist, sent to pave the way for Christ.
However, Gabriel’s most famous visit was to Mary in Nazareth with the message that she had found favor with God and would miraculously conceive Jesus, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38).
This annunciation event was a pivotal moment in world history, marking the inception of God’s plan of redemption.
Raphael – Healer and Guide
Name means “God has healed”
Raphael’s name means “God has healed” in Hebrew. This signifies Raphael’s role as a healing angel who helps restore health and wellness. As one of the archangels closest to God, Raphael brings healing energy from the divine.
He is often depicted carrying a flask or jar of medicine, representing his ability to cure illnesses and heal wounds.
Sent to heal physical and spiritual ailments
According to biblical and other religious texts, Raphael was sent to earth to heal physical, emotional and spiritual ailments.
He helped heal the pain and suffering of humanity. Some examples of Raphael’s healing miracles include:
- Healing Abraham after his circumcision
- Healing Jacob when he injured his thigh
- Healing Tobit’s blindness
- Driving out demons to heal people possessed
Raphael is still believed to aid healing through his divine guidance and energy. He is invoked for healing of all types – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Guides and protects travellers and young people
As the angel who accompanies journeys, Raphael provides guidance and protects travellers. He is often depicted walking alongside young Tobias in religious art, guiding and protecting him on his journey.
Raphael is also a patron and protector of young people, helping guide them through life’s journey.
Some key ways Raphael helps guide travellers and youth are:
- Providing wisdom and insight for major life decisions
- Protecting against danger and accidents
- Inspiring courage and confidence
- Promoting harmony in relationships
His guidance helps travellers and young souls journey through life safely and successfully.
Patron saint of doctors, nurses, travellers
As an archangel strongly connected with healing, Raphael is considered the patron saint of doctors, physicians, travellers, and matchmakers. Specific groups and professions under Raphael’s patronage include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Medical workers
- Travellers
- Pilgrims
- Matchmakers
Those working in medicine or travelling often pray to Raphael for his divine intercession. Raphael helps guide their work and journeys.
Uriel – Angel of Wisdom
Uriel, whose name means “God is my light”, is one of the 7 archangels of God. He is considered the angel of wisdom and sacred knowledge. According to scriptures and tradition, Uriel has several important roles:
Brings warnings, signs and insight from God
As an archangel closely connected to God, Uriel conveys divine warnings, signs, and insight to humankind.
He helps people interpret signs and omens, provoking wisdom and awareness of God’s larger plans. For example, Uriel warned Noah of the Great Flood and helped interpret the prophecy.
The angel also warns people of danger or divine judgment if they continue down unrighteous paths.
Oversees justice and vengeance against wickedness
Uriel oversees justice and vengeance against those who commit wickedness and evil. He is sometimes seen as the angel of ministration of justice.
Uriel brings God’s light to dispel evil and help righteousness prevail.
For instance, Jewish tradition believes Uriel warned God about the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah and their impending destruction.
Angel of wisdom and arts
As the Angel of Wisdom, Uriel guides intellectual inquiry and learning that leads to deeper understanding and enlightenment.
He inspires pursuits of truth, knowledge, and discernment. For this reason, Uriel is considered the patron saint of sacred knowledge and writing.
He also watches over various arts and skills that require wisdom, like alchemy, astronomy, and philosophy.
Patron saint of sacred knowledge and writing
Due to his connection with wisdom and truth, Uriel is seen as the patron saint of sacred knowledge and writing. He inspires scribes, teachers, and writers in pursuits to uncover divine truths and impart that knowledge through writing.
For instance, Uriel guided the prophet Ezra during his work to compile holy scriptures and restore sacred texts after they were destroyed.
Raguel – Angel of Harmony
As one of the 7 archangels, Raguel is regarded as the angel of harmony. His name means “Friend of God” and he has several key roles related to overseeing relationships, resolving conflicts, and promoting justice and fairness.
Oversees relationships and restoring harmony
Raguel is considered the angel who oversees relationships. Whether it’s friendships, family bonds, marriages or work partnerships, Raguel helps nurture unity, affection and harmony within these connections.
When tensions or conflicts arise, he steps in to repair damaged relationships and restore harmony. Through kindness, compassion and understanding, Raguel brings people back together.
Resolves arguments and fosters unity and peace
As the angel of harmony, Raguel helps resolve arguments and disagreements between people. He promotes open, respectful communication to heal divisions.
With empathy and diplomacy, Raguel enables all sides to understand each other and find common ground.
By fostering unity and reconciliation, Raguel creates an environment of lasting peace and harmony. As the Bible notes in Ephesians 4:3, Raguel “Makes every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. “
Patron of justice, fairness and harmony
As the overseer of justice and harmony, Raguel is regarded as the patron saint of these causes. He is a guiding force who inspires fairness, unity and reconciliation.
Believers pray to Raguel for help in legal matters, conflicts and relationship problems.
They also praise him as an exemplar of promoting understanding. By honoring Raguel’s qualities of empathy, integrity and peacemaking, individuals can foster more harmony in their own lives and communities.
Remiel – Angel of Hope
Guides souls to Heaven and protects the living
As the angel of hope, Remiel is believed to guide souls to Heaven after death. He comforts souls who are afraid to cross over and reassures them of God’s mercy and the paradise that awaits.
Remiel also protects the living by warding off negative energy and evil spirits that may try to lead people astray.
Brings comfort, divine visions and prophecy
Remiel’s energy brings great comfort and consolation to those who are struggling. He sends visions and revelations to let people know that better days are coming soon.
Remiel can also bestow the gifts of prophecy and divination to those who are open to receiving his messages and guidance.
Inspires hope against adversity and despair
When life gets tough, Remiel reminds us to have faith and keep hope alive. He inspires inner strength to withstand adversity, rise above challenges, and avoid succumbing to despair.
Even in the darkest of times, Remiel’s light shines brightly to show us the path forward.
Patron saint of new beginnings and change
As the angel who guides souls into the afterlife, Remiel is associated with new beginnings and transitions. He gives hope and courage when starting a new chapter, taking a leap of faith, or making a significant change.
Remiel reassures that every end leads to a hopeful new start if we trust in divine timing.
Some believe Remiel can specifically help those who are recovering from addiction, grief, depression, or self-destructive behavior to embrace profound life changes.
His gentle energy provides faith that they can heal, transform and start anew.
Sariel – Angel of Death
Sariel is one of the seven archangels of God and serves an important role as the Angel of Death.
As the angel who guides souls into the afterlife, Sariel comforts both the dying and the grieving during difficult transitions.
Guides souls of the deceased to the afterlife
When a person’s life on Earth ends, it is Sariel who comes to guide their soul into the afterlife. He ensures a peaceful and orderly transition from the earthly realm to the next.
Sariel makes sure that souls safely reach their destined afterlife destination, whether that is heaven, hell, purgatory, or elsewhere.
His assistance reassures the deceased that they are not alone on their journey.
Ensures peaceful and orderly transition into death
Sariel helps dying persons make the psychological and emotional shift into death. He relieves any fear, anxiety, or confusion they may experience when passing to provide comfort.
Sariel also oversees the entire metaphysical process, guaranteeing that the separation of the soul from the body happens smoothly and without incident.
Many believe he can be called upon to provide a tranquil passing.
Offers comfort to grieving and dying persons
In addition to aiding those who have died, Sariel extends his care to those left behind. He sends signs and messages to reassure grieving loved ones that the deceased are at peace.
Sariel also lends support during bereavement by encouraging acceptance and helping mourners find meaning.
As an angel of empathy, he inspires the living to value the time they had with loved ones.
Patron saint of the dying and grieving
As the Angel of Death, Sariel serves as a patron saint for both the dying and the mourning. Those struggling with a terminal diagnosis can pray to Sariel for a peaceful transition surrounded by love and light.
Grieving persons can also invoke his guidance through the chaos of loss.
Sariel brings hope of reunification to those dealing with death. His divine messages remind us that while death may end a life, it does not end a relationship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 7 archangels – Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel and Sariel – were created by God to fulfill important duties and responsibilities.
Each has specific roles as leaders, messengers, healers, protectors and guides over aspects of human life and spirituality.
Knowing about the 7 archangels provides insight into how God interacts with humanity and oversees the world according to Judeo-Christian scriptures and traditions.
