Connecting With Jesus

Michael the Archangel, Part 1

Who is Michael the Archangel?

“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people, and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1).

Questions frequently arise in Christian circles about the identity of the mysterious biblical character known as Michael, sometimes called “Michael the archangel” and “Michael the Great Prince.”Some daim that Michael is the highest of the heavenly angels, a covering cherub, or a special messenger like Gabriel And therefore, he is a created being Others, such as Bible commentator Matthew Henry, assert that Michael is simply another of the many names for Jesus. Can we the real identity of this mysterious being? Obviously, the key to deciphering this puzzle is found in Scripture (see Isaiah 28:10).

A quick look in a Bible concordance reveals that there are 15 references to the name Michael in Scripture. Ten of these are simply people named Michael. In fact, the entry for “Michael”in the lexicon of a Greek and/or Hebrew dictionary states, “The name of an archangel and nine israelites.”It is the identity of Michael, the archangel and prince, mentioned in the last five references that we seek here.

The first three of these references to Michael are in the Old Testament book of Daniel. The last two are mentioned in the New Testament books of Jude and Revelation. With an honest study and comparison of these and other verses, clues quickly emerge that lead us to the inescapable conclusion of Michael’s true identity: He is none other than Jesus. He is not a created angel or cherub, but this name is another of the many grand titles for God’s eternal Son!

At first glance, the Old Testament appears to portray this Michael as a prince, and the New Testament describes Him as an archangel. But by looking at other related Scriptures where similar language and wording are used, we will see an interesting pattern emerge…

Dear Jesus, thank you for being the Mighty Prince who watches over me. Protect me today and in the times of trouble to come.

For Further Study: Daniel 10:13,21; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7

Daniel 10:13,21 KJV
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. [21] But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

Jude 1:9 KJV
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Revelation 12:7 KJV
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,