Archangel Michael
The Great Prince & Warrior
Revelation 12:7–8
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
— Revelation 12:7–8 (ESV)Jude 1:9
But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
— Jude 1:9 (ESV)Michael is the only angel explicitly given the title “archangel” in the Bible, and his name — Mikha'el in Hebrew — means “Who is like God?” It is not a question seeking an answer but a battle cry, a declaration of God's incomparability.
He appears throughout Scripture as a warrior-prince of heaven. In the Book of Daniel, he is called “one of the chief princes” and “the great prince who has charge of your people,” serving as the guardian and champion of Israel. When the angel sent to Daniel is delayed by a hostile spiritual power called “the prince of Persia,” it is Michael who comes to his aid.
In the Book of Revelation, Michael leads the angelic armies in the war against the dragon — Satan — and casts him out of heaven. In Jude, he demonstrates remarkable restraint: even when disputing with the devil over the body of Moses, he does not pronounce judgment himself but defers to God's authority. Michael is the supreme warrior angel, yet his power is always exercised in submission to the Lord he serves.
Further Reading
- Revelation 12:7–9
- Daniel 10:13, 21
- Daniel 12:1