Michael (archangel)

Michael (Hebrew מיכאל Micha'el or Mîkhā’ēl) is an archangel, who is only mentioned by name in the Persian context of the post-Exilic Book of Daniel. Only there in Daniel does Michael appear— as "one of the chief princes" who in Daniel's vision comes to the angel Gabriel's aid in his contest with the angel of Persia, and is also described there as the advocate of Israel (10:21, 12:1). The Talmud tradition rendered his name as meaning "who is like El (God)? (but literally "El's Likeness")" (compare the late prophet Micah), but according to Rabbi Simeon ben Lakish (230-270 CE), however, all the specific names for the angels were brought back by the Jews from Babylon, and many modern commentators would assent.

Related Topics:
Hebrew - Archangel - Book of Daniel - Daniel - Gabriel - Talmud - El - Micah - Simeon ben Lakish

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Much of the late Midrash detail about Michael was transmitted to Christian mythology through the Book of Enoch whence it was taken up and further elaborated. Catholic and Orthodox Christians refer to him as St. Michael the Archangel and also simply as Saint Michael. Judeo-Christian and modern occultists associate Michael with the color Red, the direction South and the element Fire.

Related Topics:
Midrash - Christian mythology - Book of Enoch - Catholic - Orthodox Christian - Occult - Red - South - Fire

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