{"id":711,"date":"2022-05-20T21:05:02","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T21:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/?p=711"},"modified":"2022-11-07T05:50:06","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T05:50:06","slug":"biblically-accurate-angels-would-actually-be-pretty-scary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/biblically-accurate-angels-would-actually-be-pretty-scary\/","title":{"rendered":"Biblically Accurate Angels Would Actually Be Pretty Scary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Glorious humanoids with gilded armors, beautiful wings, perfect faces, and an all-righteous nature that brings warmth, comfort, and solace \u2014 that\u2019s how we picture angels. After all, that\u2019s how we\u2019ve depicted the majestic creatures throughout history in every piece of art and literature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is this common description a portrayal of our reimagination, or does it have a striking resemblance to angels who rule heaven? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Bible, it would appear that we\u2019re in the wrong. Unlike the gentle, human-like apparitions we\u2019re familiar with, angels look strange, terrifying even. And it would appear that there\u2019s a good reason behind it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sub-buzz-3765-1646867890-2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sub-buzz-3765-1646867890-2.webp 700w, https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sub-buzz-3765-1646867890-2-300x199.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption>Biblical Depiction of an Angel via<em>\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/oddlyterrifying\/comments\/sq4aov\/biblically_accurate_angel\/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x&amp;context=3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">reddit.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conceptualizing Angels: A Brief History<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The word \u201cangel\u201d has a couple of origins. It is derived from the Greek word \u201cangelos,\u201d and the Greek word, in turn, comes from the Hebrew word \u201cMal\u2019 akh,\u201d which stands for messenger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we\u2019re visualizing an angel, we\u2019re often thinking of Malakim, who acted on God\u2019s behalf in the Old Testament to carry out his judgment and took on the role of messengers in the New Testament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Malakim are said to be the closest depiction of human beings. However, they are not mentioned in the Bible as beings with wings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indeed, the earliest known Christian image of an angel, from the mid-third century, depicted them as human-like beings without wings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This image, however, changed in the late fourth century as artists reimagined angels with wings to represent their sublime nature, even though the scripture makes no mention of wings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Popular Angels and Their Biblical Forms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s take a look at some of the most well-known depictions of the angels we\u2019re familiar with and how much they differ from their Biblical descriptions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cherubim<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Bible, cherubim are responsible for guarding the Garden of Eden \u2014 the Biblical terrestrial paradise \u2014 against humankind when Adam and Eve, the first humans, were driven out of the heavenly garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prophet Ezekiel\u2019s vision of cherubim is depicted in the Book of Ezekiel in which they are portrayed as having four faces \u2014 one of an eagle, one a human, one an ox, and finally a lion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cherubim have straight legs, four wings (one set covers their body while the other is used for flying), and bull hooves for feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cherub_by_kelbremdusk_d8aqg9y-fullview.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-712\" width=\"537\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cherub_by_kelbremdusk_d8aqg9y-fullview.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cherub_by_kelbremdusk_d8aqg9y-fullview-300x221.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cherub_by_kelbremdusk_d8aqg9y-fullview-768x564.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px\" \/><figcaption>Cherubim &#8211; Art by Art by KelbremDusk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This portrayal is nothing like what we imagine them to be. Cherubim, commonly known as cherubs, are depicted as chubby, beautiful, naked children with wings in art, as represented by Renaissance sculptors who revived the ancient practice of putti. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These depictions of Cherubim are often connected with divinity. These animal-human hybrids have also been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/cupid-the-oftentimes-evil-god-of-love-and-desire\/\" title=\"Cupid: The Oftentimes Evil God of Love and Desire\">associated with cupids,<\/a> the diaper-clad chubby babies who are sometimes shown with a trumpet and arrow to symbolize romantic love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some attribute this modern-day image to cupid-like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/the-three-fates-of-greek-mythology\/\" title=\"Who were the Moirai, the Three Fates of Greek Mythology?\ufffc\">Greek<\/a> and Roman deities. On the other hand, the Biblical image is frequently attributed to cultural exchanges with ancient Babylonia, Egypt, and Syria, which explains their mixed appearance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Seraphim <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Christian angel hierarchy, seraphim hold the highest rank. In art, the four-winged cherubim are painted in blue to symbolize the sky, while the six-winged seraphim are painted in red to symbolize fire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hebrew term \u201cSaraph\u201d means \u201cvenomous desert snake\u201d and \u201cSeraph\u201d means \u201cto burn.\u201d These terms are the two main historical influences on Seraphim\u2019s name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Bible describes seraphim as having six wings, four of which are used to cover their heads and feet in front of God as a symbol of humility, and the remaining two are used to fly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are second in ranking in the angel hierarchy, with their sheer presence emitting holiness. And unlike the ophanim and cherubim, seraphim are not guard-angels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Seraphim-2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Seraphim-2.webp 360w, https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Seraphim-2-240x300.webp 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><figcaption>Seraphim<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seraphim are described by prophet Isaiah as angelic beings that continually worship God by surrounding God\u2019s throne and singing \u201cHoly, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory\u201d in unison when God approaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While they\u2019re the epitome of helpfulness and forgiveness, their appearance instills fear in the prophet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several historians suggest that the description of the Seraphim\u2019s wings and flames may have been based on the connection with Egyptian imagery and description of the cobra. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ophanim<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTheir entire bodies, including their backs, hands, and wings, were full of eyes all around, as were their four wheels.\u201d (Ezekiel 10:12)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ophanim, or \u201cthe wheels,\u201d are one of the strangest, most bizarre beings referenced in Ezekiel\u2019s vision. They\u2019re portrayed as beings made of interlocking gold wheels, with every wheel adorned with numerous sets of eyes on the exterior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These wheels, however, do not change directions as the creatures move by floating in the skies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/The-Appearance-and-Roles-of-the-Ophanim-by-Ezekiel.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-714\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/The-Appearance-and-Roles-of-the-Ophanim-by-Ezekiel.webp 680w, https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/The-Appearance-and-Roles-of-the-Ophanim-by-Ezekiel-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/The-Appearance-and-Roles-of-the-Ophanim-by-Ezekiel-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/The-Appearance-and-Roles-of-the-Ophanim-by-Ezekiel-330x330.webp 330w, https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/The-Appearance-and-Roles-of-the-Ophanim-by-Ezekiel-660x660.webp 660w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><figcaption>Ophanim<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second book of Enoch refers to ophanim as \u201cmany-eyed ones.\u201d They are sometimes also described as spheres or whirlwinds. They\u2019re also classified as \u201cthrones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s an interesting theory that the ophanim are the wheels attached to God\u2019s chariot. Others, like former NASA scientist Jose F. Blumrich, believe ophanim might have been what we would consider a UFO sighting today.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> While they\u2019re not considered angels in the Bible, the Jewish angelic hierarchy considers them responsible for guarding God\u2019s throne and being the angels closest to God. This notion also coincides with beliefs held in different traditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the obscure description of ophanim has no exact <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historydefined.net\/humpty-dumpty-history\/\">historical origin<\/a>, which is why some authors speculate that Ezekiel\u2019s vision of the wheeled angel was caused by ingesting psychedelic substances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ophanim could thus be a metaphor for God\u2019s mystery that man cannot understand or a mechanism of the Lord\u2019s chariot that paves the way for multi-dimensional travel. We\u2019ll never know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Angels Look The Way They Do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The image we have of angels with flowing white robes, halos, and beautiful wings, is a product of art and fiction. According to actual religious text, most angels are surreal, terrorizing creatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, why this discrepancy? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s start with the disclaimer they come with. When angels descend upon humans, the first thing they say is something along the lines of \u201cdo not be afraid,\u201d rather than a felicitation or a greeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This suggests that there\u2019s a good chance their appearance can strike fear in the hearts of those who see them, rather than a sense of calm and comfort we associate with angels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s not to say that heaven does not have its fair share of human-like angels. But, since they don\u2019t change our perception of what angels look like, we\u2019ll focus on the Biblically accurate angels who would actually be scary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, the question is, if, as <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Book_of_Genesis\">Genesis<\/a> reminds us, \u201cGod saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good\u201d suggests that God creates beautiful things, why are angels made to be terrifying rather than beauty incarnate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One theory is that humans would find angels terrifying because we would not be able to comprehend their eldritch forms. They\u2019re mighty creations that stand by and are of service to God. As a result, when angels appear to us, their presence can emit their powerful presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another theory is that angels are spiritual creatures who exist outside of time and space. So, recreating their image, complete with their heavenly light and presence as well as supernatural strength and force, using fragments of recognizable patterns that our brains can understand can be very difficult. It can lead to a rather unsettling image of angels in our minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why we compare their appearances to other creatures we know exist on Earth and can easily recognize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Think It Can\u2019t Get Any Weirder? Well, Think Again<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As if the portrayal of angels in the Bible wasn\u2019t frightening enough, the Book of Ezekiel also mentions that the cherubs, the same chubby little sweethearts that go around shooting love darts, were accompanied by Ophanims. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, the same wheel-like beings with interlocking wheels glistening like topaz covered with eyes on the outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would undoubtedly evoke an indescribable emotion bordering on heart-pounding fear \u2014 a far cry from the heavenly vision we imagine when we think of two angels working together in harmony to carry out God\u2019s orders and bring peace and light to the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ophanim, or many-eyed ones, only move in the direction of the cherubim, leading some to conclude that cherubs outranked the ophanim. It is also believed that the cherubim spirit is within the ophanim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As to how that worked, cherubs have four faces, and seraphim face four directions, so neither need to turn to change directions. They glide smoothly through the sky to do God\u2019s work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Will We Ever See Angels in their Biblical Forms?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the years, we have reimagined angels into what we believe angels should be \u2014 glorious, pure, and immaculate human-like beings with ethereal faces and wings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While their conceptualization has changed with time, it is believed that if we are worthy enough, we will be able to dwell alongside these strange, otherworldly creatures and see them in their real forms in heaven.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This, admittedly, can be a scary thought in and of itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, appearances can be misleading. Angels, despite their appearance, are worshiping beings that give all praise to God and only act on his behalf. It implies that they have our best interests at heart, even when we ourselves may not be aware of it. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Glorious humanoids with gilded armors, beautiful wings, perfect faces, and an all-righteous nature that brings warmth, comfort, and solace \u2014 that\u2019s how we picture angels. After all, that\u2019s how we\u2019ve depicted the majestic creatures throughout history in every piece of art and literature. Is this common description a portrayal of our reimagination, or does it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":712,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ancient"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.8 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you know what angels are really like? 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