So now I will ask you the same question, now that you know that I am NOT saying that Jesus is just an angel.

Is it possible that Michael could be part of the God Head? Could Michael be Jesus Christ? In the Jewish literature, Michael is described as the highest of the angels and identify him as the angel of Yahweh which is often mentioned in the Old Testament as a divine being.

In fact I have found that many Bible scholars, such as Charles Spurgeon and Matthew Henry, actually identify Michael as being Christ, the Son of God. In the New Testament Michael is easily identified as being Jesus, when a few texts are compared.

Let's do a comparison right now:

13. But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

In Thessalonians we see that the Lord is descending from heaven and He is shouting with the voice of the archangel. Most people seem to think that it is the archangel that is shouting and not Jesus. Actually there are two possible meanings to the text: (1) the archangel could be shouting for Jesus; or (2) Jesus could be doing the shouting Himself and he is using the voice of an archangel because He is the Archangel.

Some might think there is a third possibility, that two voices are sounding; Both Jesus and the archangel. however, if we look at verse 16 in the Greens Literal translation (below) we will see that this is probably not an option.

16. Because the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice, and with God's trumpet. And the dead in Christ will rise again first. Thessalonians 4:16 Greens Literal Translation

Now lets see what Christ said when He was on Earth.

25. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27. And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:25-29

If we compare the two Bible texts above (1 Thessalonians 4:16 and John 5:25-28) we see one of the strongest cases for supporting the idea that Michael is Jesus.

We saw that there were two possible meanings to: "the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice" 1 thess 4:16 (1) the archangel could be shouting for Jesus; or (2) Jesus could be doing the shouting Himself and he is using the voice of an archangel because He is the Archangel.

Which one is it?

John 5:25,28 solves the problem: "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God". So in 1 thess, its the archangel's voice, but in John 5, it is the voice of the Son of God! One cannot be wrong and the other right. Michael the Archangel must be Jesus!

Now that we know that it is Jesus Himself who is doing the shouting, we can read 1 Thess. 4:16 with new eyes. What 1 Thess. 4:16 is really saying, is that Jesus descends from heaven shouting with the voice of the Archangel. This comparison shows that the Archangel really is Jesus.

Also, in both Thessalonians and John we see that the voice causes the resurrection of life. The dead in Christ will rise when they hear His voice! This is the same event and Jesus and Michael must be the same person.

Let's look in the Old Testament for some more evidence. In the book of Joshua, we see that Joshua also saw Michael the Archangel:

13. And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14. And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
15. And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:13-15

This account in the book of Joshua is very interesting because we can now "nail down" who Joshua saw. Joshua met the captain of the Lord's host and we find that it is God. Joshua worshiped Him, and He did not stop Joshua in his worship. This is significant.

In Revelation, when John tried to worship an angel, the angel told him not to do that: "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10) We are only to worship God!

So we see that what the Man Joshua saw, was God Himself. Joshua is told that this ground is holy, take off your shoes. He is in the presence of God. Also, we see that this Being accepted the worship and the reverence that Joshua gave Him. Angels will not accept worship. When John tried to give honor to an angel, the angel stopped him:

We also see that Jesus accepted worship when He was on earth! Many times, Jesus accepted the worship of the people around Him.

In Revelation we find that it is Michael who leads the angel forces of heaven. Later you will see that in much of the Old Testament, this Being is identified as the angel of the Lord, but to Joshua, He identifies Himself as the captain of the Lord's Host! Who is that? Who is the captain of the Lord's Host?

In Revelation 12:7 we saw that Michael led the angel forces in Heaven.

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

Now we find that the angels in Heaven are Michael's angels and that Michael leads His angels in battle against Satan! So, we can see that Michael is the Captain of the angels. He is their leader.

Putting Joshua 5 and Revelation 12 together, we see that Joshua saw a man who identified Himself as the Captain of the host of the Lord. That man is Michael, who is also God. Also we must remember the meaning of Archangel. Archangel means the chief of the angels. This does not mean that Michael is an angel, but that He is the Chief or Leader of the Angels in Heaven! He is the Chief of the angels! He is their commander, the Commander of the LORD'S army in Heaven, God's angels.

Now, in Revelation 19, we see that the leader of the armies of heaven, the leader of angels of heaven, is also called by a different name.

11. Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
12. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
13. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
14. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Revelation 19:11-14

We now see in verse 13 that it is The Word of God who leads the armies of heaven! From John 1:1 we read: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word of God is Jesus! Also, there are other hints that tell us that this is Jesus. "Faithful and True" (see Revelation 3:14) and "robe dipped in blood" both say that this is indeed Jesus. Jesus Himself is the one who leads the armies of Heaven to judge and make war against Satan!

Following on, we see that in verses 14, 19, and 20; the armies of heaven is indeed His army.

14. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.

19. And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
20. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 19:14,19-20

Satan gathers together all his armies to battle against Jesus and His army in the final battle in the time of the end. This is when Satan is utterly defeated and all those who follow Satan are either placed alive in the lake of fire or they are killed with the sword (Rev 19:21). In Revelation 20 we see that Satan is bound for 1000 years before he is destroyed.

So, In Joshua 5 and Revelation 12 we saw that Michael is the chief of the angels. He is the leader of the armies of angels in heaven. But in Revelation 19 we see that it is Jesus Himself who leads the armies of heaven against Satan and his armies.

Before, we saw that "the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice" 1 thessalonians 4:16 but we also saw that "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God" John 5:25..

This all shows that Michael must be Jesus and that He is of the Godhead. Jesus is Michael the Archangel, the chief of the angels, and the captain of the host of the Lord. He is the one who leads the angels to victory!

Let's look at this subject from another angle. Jesus is called the Word of God:

1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. He was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

14. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-3,14

So Jesus must be the one who speaks to us, since He is the Word. Then He became a man and lived among us.

18. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. John 1:18

It is Jesus who has declared the Father. This makes sense since He is the Word of God. He is the one who expresses the thoughts of God. Also, which is interesting; No one has seen God (the Father) at any time. If no one has ever seen the Father, then it must have been Jesus, or Michael who was seen by Moses and the others throughout history.

When Steven was brought before the Jewish Leaders in the Sanhedrin, just before he was stoned; Stephen started telling the story of their fathers. In that story, he says that Moses talked with the Angel on Mount Sinai.

37. "This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, 'The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear'.
38. "This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, Acts 7:37-38.

Stephen's story agrees with John 1:18 in the specific example of Moses, saying that Moses actually talked to the Angel or Michael the Archangel on Mount Sinai.

Look at this text:

10. Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
11. searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 1 Peter 1:10-11.

In the text above, we find that it was the Spirit of Christ that was in them. It was His spirit, the Spirit of Christ that inspired the prophets in the times of the Old Testament.

So, if the Spirit of Christ had inspired the prophets of the Old Testament, then it makes very good sense when John says that Jesus declares the Father to the world. After all, Jesus is the word of God! If Jesus has been the one who has communicated with man then we can see why "No one has seen God at any time".

Early on, in the Exodus, God promised to send an Angel to go before them.

20. Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.
21. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. Exodus 23:20-21

"My name is in Him," to the Hebrews at the time, it meant, "He is my heir, my descendent, the one who will carry on my legacy" (Examples of this same use of language for heirs of Abraham and others are found in: Gen 48:16, Isa. 66:22, Deut. 25:6-7, 2Sam. 14:7). This idea of having God say: "My name is in Him", agrees with what is written in Hebrews about Jesus:

4. having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
5. For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son"? Hebrews 1:4-5.

Elsewhere, in the Bible, we find that Jesus is the Son of God. He is not a created being, but rather, He is the Son of God. So naturally, Jesus has a more excellent name by inheritance than the angels.

Now, when The Angel of the LORD appears before Manoah and his wife, Samson's parents; The Angel of the LORD says something different. He identifies Himself as having a name that is wonderful!

15. Then Manoah said to the Angel of the LORD, "Please let us detain You, and we will prepare a young goat for You."
16. And the Angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "Though you detain Me, I will not eat your food. But if you offer a burnt offering, you must offer it to the LORD." (For Manoah did not know He was the Angel of the LORD.)
17. Then Manoah said to the Angel of the LORD, "What is Your name, that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?
18. And the Angel of the LORD said to him, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?
19. So Manoah took the young goat with the grain offering, and offered it upon the rock to the LORD. And He did a wondrous thing while Manoah and his wife looked on--
20. it happened as the flame went up toward heaven from the altar--the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar! When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell on their faces to the ground.
21. When the Angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah knew that He was the Angel of the LORD.
22. And Manoah said to his wife, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!"
23. But his wife said to him, "If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have told us such things as these at this time." Judges 13:15-23

Who's name is it that is wonderful? It is non-other than Jesus Christ!

6. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

The Hebrew word for "wonderful" in Judges 13:18 is the very same Hebrew word for "Wonderful" in isaiah 9:6. The Strong index number is 6382 and it means incomprehensible, beyond our understanding, wonderful.

So The Angel of the LORD says that his name is wonderful. His name is beyond our understanding and it is incomprehensible to us. In Isaiah 9:6, we find that Jesus' name is also incomprehensible and beyond our understanding. Jesus and the Angel of the Lord are described in the same way.

So, the Angel of the LORD's name is wondeful and we know from Exodus 23 that God's name is in Him. Both of these points help us to identify the Angel of the Lord as Jesus because He has a more excellent name. We are actually looking at one who's name is incomprehensible to us and beyond our understanding. We are looking at the Son of God!

In the following verse we see that He is also called the Angel of God's Presence!

8. For He said, "Surely they are My people, Children who will not lie." So He became their Savior.
9. In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them All the days of old. Isaiah 63:8-9

So, this angel was the Angel of God's Presence, the Angel in whom was the Name of the Great GOD, and His name is Wonderful!

In the Jewish literature, Michael is associated with the Angel of the LORD which is often mentioned in the Old Testament as a divine being. Lets look through the Old Testament to see if any further clues can be gathered. You will see many indications showing that the angel of the LORD is indeed God!

Perhaps the best Old Testament source for connecting the angel of the Lord with God is the burning bush experience of Moses:

2. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
3. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
4. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
5. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
6. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
7. And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; Exodus 3:2-7

The angel of the Lord appears before Moses in a burning bush that does not burn up, yet as we read into the experience (above) we see that it is God Himself. Also notice that the same thing that was told Joshua was also told Moses. Both were instructed to take off their shoes since they were now standing on holy ground. It is because they were now in the presence of God! This must be none other than Jesus/Michael the Archangel!

Later, when asked what His name was, He identified Himself as: "I am".

13. Then Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?"
14. And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
15. Moreover God said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: 'The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.' Exodus 3:13-15

In verse 15 we have a very interesting statement: This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations. In Isaiah, we see that His people will know Him by His name and when He comes, they will know it:

6. "Therefore My people shall know My name; Therefore they shall know in that day That I am He who speaks: 'Behold, it is I.'" Isaiah 52:6

Who is it that is speaking here in Isaiah? When Jesus was saying: Behold, it is I, many rejected Him, but His people knew Him!

When Jesus was on earth, He also identified Himself as "I am".

56. "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."
57. Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?"
58. Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."
59. Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. John 8:57-59

Jesus used the same name that He used in talking to Moses. Everyone knew Who Jesus was referring to when He said "I AM", and they acted immediately. They picked up stones to stone Him because Jesus was telling them that He is I AM, He is the God of the Old Testament who spoke to the various patriarchs.

Another interesting point is what Jesus said in verse 56. Jesus told the Jews that Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus in His day. He appariently said it in such a way that the Jews realized that Jesus was saying that He knew Abraham personally and had talked with him. They were incredulous: You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?

It should be clear that Jesus was actually identifying Himself as the I AM, that it was He who had talked to Abraham and Moses. By saying: I AM, He was specifically quoting the Old Testament. And He knew what would be their reaction, because they knew what "I AM" refered to, and they would not allow themselves to believe that all the prophecies were being fulfilled.

All these Scripture, when put together, help us to realize that the Angle of the LORD is really Jesus. Jesus is I AM. He said that He knew and talked to Abraham and that Abraham knew Him!

Now, in Zechariah 3:1-2, we see another example where the Angel of the Lord is identified as being God. Let's also compare it with Jude 1:9.

In Zechariah, we see Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord. Satan, the accuser, is also present to oppose what the Angel of the Lord is doing. In the second verse, the Angel of the Lord starts speaking to Satan. In this verse The Angel of the Lord is actually called "the LORD". We know that it is not the Father speaking. Why would the Father say: "The Lord rebuke you"? No, it is not the Father. It is the Son! One Lord is speaking of the other Lord.

Jude 1:9 is an interesting parallel which helps to confirm that it is the Angel of the Lord and not the Father who is speaking in Zechariah. Because the Angel of the Lord in Zechariah is doing the very same thing that Michael the archangel does in Jude.

The three things in common that connect Zechariah 3:1-2 and Jude 1:9 are: (1) They are referring to the same person. The Angel of the Lord is Michael the archangel. (2) In both texts, Satan is confronted. (3) Both times, He does not not accuse Satan directly, but he refers the rebuking of Satan to the Father. Both times He says: "the Lord rebuke you". So Satan is approached in the same way.

So we again have the Angel of the Lord as being identified as being the Lord. The Angel of the Lord is shown to be God.

Some use Jude 1:9 to show that Michael and Jesus are not the same individual (Jude 1:9 is more thoroughly discussed at the end of this web page). However we now see that Jude in connection with Zechariah is really an evidence showing that the Angel of the Lord is actually the Lord, it is Jesus.

Jacob also saw and wrestled with a man who turned out to be God:

24. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
29. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.Genesis 32:24-30

The angel of the Lord came to Hagar several times. We see that Hagar realized that it was God who talked to her:

7. And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
8. And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
9. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
10. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
11. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
12. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
13. And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? Genesis 16: 7-13

15. And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
16. And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
17. And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
18. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
19. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. Genesis 21:15-19

We also see that while the angel of God was with Hagar that God opened her eyes. Who could it be that will make a great nation of the boy. Not an angel but God. And we see that the speaker identifies Himself as I. "I will make him a great nation". So here we have the angel of God saying that He will make the boy great. Who could this angel be? Michael the Archangel or Jesus!

All the rest of the examples are listed below. They describe the experiences of Abraham, Jacob, Balaam, and others with the angel of the Lord. These examples are numerous and you might not want to read them all since there is nothing special in identifying who the Angel of the Lord is in these examples. However, all the examples are on this page for you to note.

You may want to scan past these examples to continue with the commentary if you choose not to read everything. or you can click here to get to the commentary.

10. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
11. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
13. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
14. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
15. And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
16. And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
17. That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
18. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Genesis 22:10-18

It is very interesting that when the Angel of the LORD speaks of God, He speaks in the first person. I will bless thee, I will multiply thy seed, For now I know that you have not withheld your son from me!

Now look at verses 15 and 16. This is extremely important! The angel of the LORD calls to Abraham out of heaven and says: By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD . . I will beless thee and . . . I will multiply thy seed . . . because you have obeyed my voice. Yes, this must be Jesus!

11. And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.
12. And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.
13. I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. Genesis 31:11-13

In Genesis 28, we see what Jacob bowed.

20. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ÒIf God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on,
21. Òso that I come back to my fatherÕs house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God.
22. ÒAnd this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be GodÕs house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.Ó Genesis 28:20-22

So again, the Angel of God speaks in first person and He actually declares Himself as God. He must be Jesus!

19. And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them.
20. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night. Exodus 14:19-20

In Exodus 14 we have the Angel of God who goes before the camp of Israel, but in Exodus 13, it is the LORD who goes before them.

21. And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22

Here we have evidence showing that The Angel of God is the same as the LORD.

21. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
22. And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
23. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
24. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.
25. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
26. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
27. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
28. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
29. And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
30. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
31. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
32. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
33. And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
34. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.
35. And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Numbers 22:21-35

1. And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.
2. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
3. Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
4. And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. Judges 2:1-4

Who brought the Israelites out of Egypt? The Angel of the LORD, Jesus.

11. And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
12. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
15. And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
16. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
17. And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
18. Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
19. And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
20. And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
21. Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
22. And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
23. And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Judges 6:11-23

It is the viewpoint of the author of this web page, using Scripture as evidence as you saw on this page, that all the interaction we see in the Old Testament that is usually attributed to God is actually Jesus or actually Michael the Archangel as He is known in Heaven. I believe that Michael is Jesus Christ. When Joshua saw God, God identified Himself as the captain of the host of the Lord. He is the Archangel! I believe He is the one who came down to die for our sins! After all, doesn't Michael's name mean (one) who is like God?

Would It seem fitting that Jesus would have presented Himself also as an angel? The answer might be obtained from the four Gospels. When Jesus was on earth, He presented Himself as a man. Looking at Christ's mission on Earth we see that He acts as the go between, an intercessor. Jesus is the one who connects man with God. It was Christ's mission to show us the Father. It was Christ's mission to show us what the Father is like.

Could it also have been Christ's mission in heaven to show to the angels what the Father is like as well? Some might wonder why this would be necessary since they are all in Heaven where God is. How is this possible to have the angels being deceived about God when they live in Heaven with God?

We must not forget that there was a war in Heaven. I do not understand why this might be so; How could Lucifer and many of the other angels reject God when they are in the very presence of God? Satan of course, wanted to be God himself and he was some how able to convince other angels to follow him. We also know what Satan is like today so we know that his position was probably grounded in deceit. Satan must have lied about God in the struggle to convince angels to follow him. After all isn't that what he does now?

Satan did not want the angels to continue to follow God, but rather, he himself wanted the adoration and worship of the angeles in Heaven. Today, Satan does not want any of us to follow God's plan for redemption, so he tries to turn people away from God by lying. He especially lies about God Himself, saying that God is responsible for all the misery on this planet when it is Satan who has caused all the misery.

So, Jesus or Michael was needed to show to the angels in Heaven what the Father is like as He later has done for us. If Satan was able to lie about God in Heaven, there must have been a need for Michael to appear, showing what God is really like. Two thirds of the angels in heaven chose to believe Michael and one third sided with Lucifer who became Satan, the Devil. It looks like there was quite a spiritual struggle in Heaven as well as the physical battle that is described to have occurred in Heaven.

Today we seem to be having the same kind of spiritual battle and we have the two opposing leaders that we could follow. We could choose to follow either Jesus or Satan. It is our choice whom we will believe. But thank God, that He has sent His Son down to us so that we may know the truth and be saved!

Lets look at John 8:44 and Jude 1:9 side by side to compare.

Why would Jesus not accuse Satan directly when they argued over Moses, because while Jesus was on Earth, He certainly did accuse Satan directly.

There are three basic points to consider when we explain the difference between the actions of Jesus on earth versis His actions as Michael.

Point #1: When Jesus rebuked both the Jewish leaders and their father the devil, there were many other people around to listen. I think Jesus said what He said for the benefit of those listening. These people needed to realize that their leaders were leading them in the wrong direction on many issues. These people looked up to the leaders, yet these leaders were preparing them for destruction by their teaching and their rejection of Jesus. They were not good examples to follow.

3. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.
4. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.
6. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
7. greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' Matthew 23:3-7.

12. Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?"
13. But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.
14. "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."
15. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. Matthew 15:12-15.

When Michael faced Satan, the only audience were possibly angels, both evil and righteous. This occurred long after the angels had decided whom to follow. Remember 2/3 followed Michael, while 1/3 followed Satan. By this time, they all knew the issues involved in the war between Jesus and Satan. In addition, the fate of the evil angels are already decided. There is no reason why Michael would try to convince anyone at this point in time.

Point #2: In the Old Testament, we find another time when Jesus did not accuse Satan directly. It is an example where the Angel of the Lord, whom we know to be Michael the archangel, which we know to be Jesus; He does not directly accurse Satan. Lets look at these Bible verses side-by-side:

In Zechariah, we see Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord. Satan, the accuser, is also present to oppose what the Angel of the Lord is doing. In the second verse, the Angel of the Lord starts speaking to Satan. In this verse The Angel of the Lord is actually called "the LORD". We know that it is not the Father speaking. Why would the Father say: "The Lord rebuke you"? No, it is not the Father, it is the Son! One Lord is speaking of the other Lord. Jesus is speaking about His Father, that His Father will rebuke Satan.

In Jude 1:9, Michael does not directly accuse Satan by saying: "The Lord rebuke you". But in Zechariah, we also see that the Angel of the Lord does not directly accuse Satan. He says: "The Lord rebuke you, Satan!" He continues with the following: "The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you? So Michael and the Angel of the Lord do the same thing, they do not accuse Satan directly. It should not be surprising to realize that they are the same individual.

Those who say that Jesus, God's Son, would indeed directly accuse Satan, must ignore Zechariah 3:2. In Zechariah, we find that the Lord says to Satan: "The Lord rebuke you, Satan!" So we see that Jesus, does not directly accuse Satan. To say that Jesus would not say what He does say in Jude 1:9 is not paying close attention to Scriptuure.

Point #3: Why would Jesus think Satan is a dignitary? To understand the third point, let's look at the context of what is said in Jude 1:9.

4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
9. 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.
10. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Jude 1:4-10

Jude is warning of ungodly men coming into the church. The green text indicates the type of sins that will be brought in. The yellow text indicates that God is no respecter of persons. It does not matter who they are, if they follow Satan, they will be destroyed.

In verse 8, speaking evil of dignities, is mentioned as an evil that will come into the Church. Then in verse 9, Jude gave the example of Michael, that even he did not speak evil of Satan, who is the dignitary or leader of our world.

Several questions are in order. Why would Jude think that Satan is a dignitary? What authority does Satan have?

When Jesus was on this earth He Himself said that Satan was the ruler of this ruler.

30. Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.
31. "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
32. "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
33. This He said, signifying by what death He would die. John 12:30-33

Also, in the Lord's prayer, Jesus says:

9. "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10

We are still praying for God's will to occur on earth as it is in Heaven. We are praying this because His will is still not yet happening fully. Jesus has not yet taken authority. Yes, that is right. Satan is still the ruler of this world. There is just so much death, destruction, hate, and sorrow all around us. It is still occurring. Jesus still has not taken our world away from Satan, and we know that is true because we are still here living in this sad sinful world!

44. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? Matthew 22:44

Jesus has had to wait until God the Father makes His enemies his footstool.

In Revelation, starting with chapter 4 we see that there is a court session in Heaven. Daniel refers to this same session in Daniel 7:9-10. This occurs at the time of the end. In Revelation we see that there are two witnesses who are here on earth for 3-1/2 years until Satan himself kills them. This is the only time that I know of that Satan actually kills someone himself, personally. In Bible times, it took two people to convict someone. Is this needed for the court proceedings?

Also, Jesus mentioned to the disciples that Satan will sit in the holy place, sitting where he should not sit:

15. "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" "standing where it ought not" (whoever reads, let him understand),
16. "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

21. "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matthew 24:15-16,21 (A phrase from Mark 13:14 is added into Matthew 24:15.)

Also, in Daniel 11 & 12 we have Satan putting down the tents of his palace in Jerusalem!

45. "And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
Daniel 11:45

This action seems to be "the straw that breaks the camel's back". When Satan sits down as God, Michael stands up (Daniel 12) and the battle of Armageddon occurs, which is the time of great tribulation spoken of by Jesus:

1. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1

God attacks Satan and his angels and the end of the world comes as Jesus comes to receive His own. Satan has to overstep his authority before God stands up to take away his dominion. There seems to be a legal battle that is occurring between Jesus and Satan.

In Jude 1:9, Michael is not referring to Jesus but to the Father when He says "Lord".

Because of what I have read in Revelation, I see that Satan cannot be thrown out until all the issues are settled. These issues have not even occurred yet, but they will eventually be brought up in court, in the last days. So because Michael still does not have the authority that will soon be given to Him, He did not directly rebuke Satan.

Today, Michael is still our prince. He is not yet our King and He has not yet taken authority. It is only much later, which is still in the future, when Satan tries to sit down as God (The Abomination of Desolation) that God stands up and the end of all things comes to be.

Satan has endeavored to overtake God and His Kingdom. Click the link for a more complete Biblical study of Satan's legal battle. From the Scripture evidence shown on the legal battle page it will easily be seen why Michael/Jesus would not yet have His authority and why Satan would still be the ruler of this world.

The time that Jesus will rule the earth (the kingdoms of this world) will not occur until the Seventh Trumpet sounds.

15. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17. Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. Revelation 11:15-18

It will not be until the Seventh Trumpet sounds that the Kingdom of God will also include the kingdoms of this world, in other words, the earth. See the legal battle page for details.

15. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15 KJV

So, the question is this: Is Jesus the first created being of creation? Or is Jesus over all creation, the source of creation, the Son of God?

When we read the King James Version, it does look like Jesus could be the first born of every creature, a created being. However, when we look at other versions of the Bible, we can see that many of the versions read a little differently.

So, is this verse saying that Jesus was the first created being, or is it saying that Jesus ranks higher than any created being that has been made? Either Jesus was the first creation of God or Jesus existed before the creation process began.

Lets include verse 16 along with verse 15 to see if we can tell which of the two interpretations is correct.

15. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
16. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:15-16.

If verse 15 is trying to say that Jesus is the first created being, why doesn't the next verse support this idea. In verse 16, we see that Jesus created all the created things that exists everywhere. That is not saying that Jesus is the first created being, it is saying that He made everything.

So, verse 16 supports the idea that Jesus is over all creation, that He existed before the creation process began and that he is higher than everything that has been made; because it is He who has created all things that are in heaven and earth. Scripture itself tells us how to interpret the text.

In Hebrews we see that when God puts the firstborn into the world, that He says to the angels to worship Him!

4. having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
5. For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son"?
6. But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
7. And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire."
8. But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. Hebrews 1:4-8

Jesus cannot be a created being if He is to be worshipped by the angels. He is God with the Father!

Let's look at the meaning of the original Greek words. The Greek word for "first born" is prototokos, which means the pre-eminent one, or the one who has the privileges and prerogatives of God.

The idea reminds us of the controversy between Jacob and Esau. Esau was the first born however, it was Jacob who received the rights, privileges, and authority that the first born was to receive.

Jesus is first born not in the sense of time but in the sense of privilege. So, Jesus has all the privileges of the first born. In ancient Israel, first born had the privilege of representing the Father. When Jesus came to this world, He came to reveal God's glory (Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? John 14:9).

When we look at a few more verses we can see that Jesus is indeed the pre-eminent one, who has the privileges and prerogatives of God, for by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth!

15. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
16. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
17. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
18. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
19. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, Colossians 1:15-19.

In verse 18, we see something very interesting. Jesus is called the first born from the dead. Was Jesus the first person to be resurrected from the dead? No, He was not. Jesus had resurrected a few people from the dead when He was on earth (Luke 7:11-15; 8:41-42; 8:49-55; John 11:38-44). However these people died again in a few years. However, there is at least one person who had been raised from the dead before Jesus was raised from the dead, and he went to heaven.

In Jude 1:9 we find that Michael raised Moses from the dead. we know he was brought back from the dead because when Jesus was on the earth, both Moses and Elijah came to talk to Jesus. We know that Elijah never died, but Moses certainly did die (Deuteronomy 34:5-7).

So again, "firstborn from the dead" does not necessarily mean the first on to be resurrected, but instead, it refers to the one with special privilege of power over death.

Another verse that is often used to suggest that Jesus is a created being is Revelation 3:14. In this verse, Jesus is describing Himself in many ways:

14. And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: Revelation 3:14

This verse in the New King James Version makes it sound like Jesus is the first of the creation, meaning that He is the first created being. However there are other versions that say it differently:

There are two possible meanings to the text. Either Jesus is the beginning of the creation of God, meaning that he is the first created being, or He is the source or origin of all God's creation. Else where, we know that Jesus created every created thing. So the interpretation that fits that idea is that Jesus is the source or origin of all creation.

In addition, we find that the Greek word for beginning means beginner or origin of God's creation. So the text could read "the originator of God's creation". This interpretation agrees with John 1:3 and Hebrews 11:3, saying that Jesus created everything that was ever created!

3. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:3

3. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3

Jesus is not the first created being, but rather He is the one who has made everything that is created, without Him nothing was made that was made! He is the source and origin of all God's creation. He is even the ruler of God's creation.

Concerning Daniel 10:13; This is an interesting problem that I have had to grapple with. However, when we start looking at more and more verses of the Bible, the problem disappears. Lets look into this.

So, Michael is one of the chief princes.

13. 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. Daniel 10:13

However, Michael is also our prince!

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. Daniel 10:21

If Michael is our prince, then maybe, the other prince or princes are not our prince!

And Michael is the great prince that protects God's people.

1. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1

Michael is not just a prince, He is the great prince, the Prince of Peace, the Prince and Savior, and also the prince of the kings of the earth!

6. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

14. ÒBut you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15. Òand killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. Acts 3:14-15.

30. ÒThe God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31. ÒHim God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:30-31.

5. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Revelation 1:5

This is the great prince that protects God's people. Maybe, the other prince does not protect God's people.

7. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Revelation 12:7

If Michael is the great prince who protects the children of thy people, it is quite possible that the other prince is our enemy. I think that the other prince, who is not our prince, who does not protect us, is the enemy dragon. In Revelation 12:7 we see the two princes battling it out. Michael with His angels, the angels of heaven, is fighting against Satan with his fallen angels, those who have become demons.

Now, lets look at this from another angel. When Satan started to become evil, he was corrupted by his own glory:

17. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Ezekiel 28:17

13. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:13-14.

This is interesting. Apparently, Jesus did not stick out as being one of the Godhead. So, Lucifer was able to think that he might be better than Jesus. When Jesus was on earth, He looked like any other man, yet He was God. It is quite possible that the same thing happened when He was among the angels in heaven. Michael was probably there as an angel to show the other angels what God was like. Just like when He came to earth as a man to show us the Father and die for our sins. This apparently was necessary since there were some angels who chose to rebel against God.

Now, this is where it gets really interesting. Since, Satan wanted to become like God, he was essentially declaring himself to be the next ruler, a prince! He was saying that he was going to be the prince that will one day rule everything like the most High.

When Jesus was on earth, God proclaimed that Jesus was His beloved Son, so we know that Jesus is God's special Son:

16. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
17. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:16-17

It is quite possible that the same thing happened in heaven. In spite of the fact that Satan would be going against God, he continued in his war. So, Satan declares himself to be a prince, But it is God who declares Jesus to be the real prince. "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!"

Now Satan is considered to be the ruler of this world. Jesus Himself said so:

31. "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. John 12:31

30. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. John 14:30

In addition, Satan is also called the prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit who works in evil people.

1. And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
2. in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
3. among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. Ephesians 2:1-3

So Satan is called a prince. There is another interesting text in Daniel:

13. 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. Daniel 10:13

Here we have the angel Gabriel, who came to fight the prince of Persia. Apparently this prince withstood him for 21 days until Michael came to help him. Could this have been an earthly prince? I don't think so. In the Bible, we see thousands of people destroyed by just one angel. Gabriel was fighting someone more substantial than just a human, I believe that Gabriel was fighting the enemy prince, Satan. Satan is the prince of the kingdom of Persia.

After Jesus dies on the cross and is taken up into heaven, He sits on the right hand of the Father, till His Father will make His enemies His footstool:

44. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? Matthew 22:44

It is only some time later, at the end of the world, that Jesus will reign on the throne.

15. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17. Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. Revelation 11:15-18

So, Michael is our great prince who protects us from Satan! Satan, on the other hand, is the enemy prince who had to declare himself to be a prince because God clearly chose His special Son. Satan wants to take the kingdom away from even the Father as well as the Son of God.

13. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:13-14.

So, it is true that Michael is one of the chief princes because Satan is also a prince who has proclaimed himself as a prince. Satan has corrupted his wisdom because he thought he was so bright, saying: I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will be like the most High. But Michael, our prince, has been proclaimed by The Father, saying: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Michael is the great prince which stands and protects God's people. He is our prince!

If you are correct that Michael needed help to fight Satan, then you would be right. However, you have confused the text. Michael is not needing the help; but rather, Michael is giving the help!

It is an angel, possibly Gabriel, that needs Michael to help him. Let's look at the text:

NOTE: The (RED text) indicates that Michael came to help the angel. The (GREEN text) indicates that this angel talking was sent to Daniel. The (ORANGE Text) shows the fight against Satan.

10. Then, suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
11. And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
12. Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. Daniel 10:10-12
13. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.
14. "Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."
15. When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. Daniel 10:10-15

In verse 13 we see that "Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help". He was not needing help because He could not fight Satan alone. He came to help because the angel could not fight Satan alone! Looking at verses 10 and 11 we see that this angel was sent to Daniel by someone of higher authority. So the hand that touched Daniel was that of an angel.

If you read the next question, you will see that it is Gabriel who usually speaks to Daniel explaining what is happening in the vision.

What you are saying is that it was not the angel Gabriel that was talking about Michael but that it was really Jesus who was speaking of Michael, in 3rd person, as being our prince in Daniel 10? This would be serious! If Jesus were the one saying these things in Daniel 10, then there would be a problem, Michael could not be Jesus!

First let's compare the description of Jesus in Revelation 1 to the description we find in Daniel 10. (please note the colors: RED identifies the person as Jesus; ORANGE describes the garments; GREEN describes the appearance; and LIGHT BLUE describes His voice.

It does look like we have a match. Both description have a garment that is girded with a gold band. Both have a very similar appearance and they both have a voice that sounds like a multitude or the sound of many waters.

So, not only is the last book of the Bible concerning the Revelation of Jesus Christ, but we find that Jesus also has a central part to play in the prophecies of Daniel.

But does Daniel only talk to Jesus in the vision or is there some one else who he talks to in the vision?

It is very clear in the text of Daniel 7, 8, 9, and 10, that the one who speaks of Michael as being our prince in Daniel 10 is actually an angel, possibly Gabriel, and not Jesus. Let's look into this problem.

In Daniel 7, we find that Daniel had a dream but it is only later, when Daniel is troubled about what he saw that he approached one of the angels to ask a question. Apparantly there were at least a couple angels standing near by:

15. "I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
16. "I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: Daniel 7:15-16

From the very first vision that Daniel had, all the explanation of the actual vision that he saw was done by angels, not by Jesus. As we look into his later visions: Daniel 8, 9, and 10; we will see that this precedent will continue.

In Daniel 8, Daniel saw another vision much like the first in Daniel 7. After he saw it, Jesus tells Gabriel to tell what the vision means:

15. Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man.
16. And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision." Daniel 8:15-16

In Daniel 9, Daniel fasted and prayed for his people, and Gabriel comes to help Daniel understand the vision because of a command that went out in heaven:

20. Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God,
21. yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering.
22. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, "O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand.
23. "At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision: Daniel 9:20-23

So far, Daniel has repeatedly seen and heard both Jesus and Gabriel in his visions. But it is Gabriel or some other angel, that has always interpreted the vision for Daniel. We will see that the next vision is no different. Initially, in Daniel 10, Daniel sees Jesus in such a dramatic way that he goes into a deep sleep with his face on the ground.

5. I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz!
6. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. Daniel 10:5-6

9. Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. Daniel 10:9

But then someone comes to help him. A hand touches Daniel. Since this person has come to help Daniel understand the vision, it is most likely and angel.

10. Then, suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
11. And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
12. Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. Daniel 10:10-12

Here we see that this person was sent to Daniel. This example is just like what we saw in Daniel 8 and Daniel 9. So let's make a closer comparison of the three visions of Daniel.

So, both previous times in Daniel 8 and 9, Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand the vision. This point is true even when Jesus is present in the vision. Now, in Daniel 10, the individual that comes to help Daniel is not named, but we find that this individual is also sent to help Daniel in his understanding just like in the two previous visions (8 & 9). In Daniel 10, there is no suggestion that this person is a Supreme Being like we saw in in verses 5 and 6. But rather we see evidence that this is probably an angel because this person says he has been sent to help him.

So, in all three examples (Daniel 8, 9, and 10), there is a command (RED text) for someone to go to Daniel and help him understand the vision. The first two times, Gabriel (GREEN text) is actually named, but in Daniel 10, the individual is not named.

We also see in all three examples (Daniel 8, 9, and 10), that the messenger comes in response to Daniel's effort in trying to understand the meaning of the vision (ORANGE Text). When Daniel humbled himself before God in supplications, that is when the messanger was commanded to come and help him understand the vision.

We also saw from all of Daniel's visions (Daniel 7, 8, 9, and 10), that all the explanations and interpretations in all his visions were given by angels. God seems to always have them play a very important role in His communications to man.

In my New King James Bible, a Cross Reference is made linking Daniel 10:10 to Daniel 9:21. The people who put the cross references together see that the hand that touches Daniel is not that of Jesus but most likely Gabriel. This person could very well be Gabriel, since Gabriel seems to have a history of explaining things to Daniel in his visions from God.

Reading more in Daniel 10:

10. Then, suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
11. And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
12. Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. Daniel 10:10-12
13. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.
14. "Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."
15. When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. Daniel 10:10-15

The (RED text) indicates the battle for 21 days. The (GREEN text) indicates that this person talking was sent to Daniel. The (ORANGE Text) shows that the messenger came in response to Daniel's effort to ask God his questions. When Daniel humbled himself before God in supplications, that is when the messenger was commanded to come and help him understand the vision.

In verse 13 we find that this individual withstood the kingdom of Persia for 21 days. Is this Jesus? Why would Jesus need help if he was only fighting Satan, a created being? If Michael was only a created being of lesser abilities, how would his helping Jesus be of any real benefit to him?

But if this individual was only an angel, who had battled the prince for 21 days, then the fact that Michael comes to help him makes much more sense; Since Michael is actually Jesus Himself! This would be really effective help!

There are too many good clues showing that Daniel saw both Jesus and an angel in Daniel 10. The angel himself tells Daniel that he was sent to help by explaining things to him. So, it was not Jesus who spoke of Michael but it was an angel who did these things.

You mention that you use the word "archangel" in the singular sense, not plural. I believe the same way as you.

I have heard about a number of traditions about Archangels. Various churches espouse a number of archangels and I have read about these things and I have noted the sources of these ideas, such as the Apocrypha. The Aprocrypha is known to have problems and some of its teachings are contrary to the 66 books of the Bible.

However, I want to know what the Bible says about truth. My faith is built upon the word of God. Human traditions are by their very nature, faulty. So I will trust in God's word. The Bible only refers to Michael as the Archangel.

Since Archangel means chief of the angels, there is only one chief of the angels. In Revelation 12:7 we find that Michael and His angels fought against the dragon and the dragon's angels. It makes sense that there is only one top commander of the angels in heaven.

Now lets see if Luke 1:11-19 actually spells out the idea that "the angel of the Lord" is actually "Gabriel". In Judges 13, we see that the angel of the LORD appears before a woman and gives her a message:

3. And the Angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, "Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son." Judges 13:3

The story continues and Manoah, the woman's husband is able to see the vistor. So the angel of the Lord repeats the message in his presence as well. At this point, Manoah becomes curious and asks the question: Who are you?

17. Then Manoah said to the Angel of the LORD, "What is Your name, that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?"
18. And the Angel of the LORD said to him, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?" Judges 13:17-18 KJV

In Isaiah 9:6 we read a prophecy of the birth of Jesus:

6. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV

The Hebrew word for "wonderful" in Judges 13:18 is the very same Hebrew word for "Wonderful" in isaiah 9:6. The Strong index number is 6382 and it means incomprehensible, beyond our understanding, wonderful.

So The Angel of the LORD says that his name is wonderful, it is incomprehensible, beyond our understanding. In Isaiah 9:6, we find that Jesus' name is also incomprehensible and beyond our understanding. Jesus and the Angel of the Lord are described in the same way.

Now when we look at Luke 1 we see that this angel plainly identifies himself as Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.

18. And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
19. And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings". Luke 1:18-19

This angel, Gabriel, stands in the presence of God. His name is not beyond our understanding nor is it incomprehensible. It is Gabriel. In Judges, 13, we saw a very different person who's name is wonderful, who is incomprehensible and beyond our understanding.

So, Luke 1 does not spell out the idea that the angel of the Lord is always Gabriel.

There is another difference between the Luke and Judges stories.

11. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Luke 1:11

We see that this angel is introduced as an angel of the Lord, not as the angel of the Lord, as we read in Judges 13:

3. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. Judges 13:3