The Archangel Michael
Defeating Satan Giclee Print
Reni, Guido
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The Archangel Michael

Michael appears to be one of the more martial of the heavenly beings and his name was a battle cry for other angels. According to tradition it was Michael who led the heaveny hosts in the battle against the "great dragon" at the beginning of time. He will also rise up to lead the battle at the end of time.

Micheal is thus given the role the champion of the people of God, standing up against Satan. He is also tasked with rescuing the souls of the faithful from the clutches of the "enemy" at death. Finally, it is Michael who calls the souls of men to judgement.

The martial aspects of Michael are reflected in artistic representations: many pictures and posters of Michael show him with sword and/or banner. Sometimes he also carries the scales of justice.

Michael also has a reputation as a life-giver, having caused sanctified waters to flow at Colossae and being known in Constantinople as a heavenly physician. Another link between Michael and water is that the Egyptian Christians considered the Nile to be under his protection.

There is also a legend that the cherubim were formed from Michael's tears. At other times Michael himself has been associated with the cherub who stood guard at the gate of paradise.

The name Michael means "He who is like God". Some people - especially Jehova's Witnesses - go further and believe that Michael actually is Jesus. Initially Michael was the Word of God and created the lesser angels and the universe (acting as a demiurge). Later he took on the form of Jesus to enter the mortal world. This association of Michael and Jesus is based on a number of Biblical clues including the fact that the two are never seen together.