Biblical Descriptions of Angels
- Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2-4)
- Have six wings: two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two for flying.
- Constantly praise God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.”
- Cherubim (Ezekiel 10:1-22)
- Have four faces (human, lion, ox, and eagle).
- Have four wings and are covered in eyes.
- Their bodies shine like fire or burnished metal.
- Guard the throne of God and were placed at the entrance of Eden.
- Ophanim (Ezekiel 1:15-21)
- Also known as “the wheels.”
- Appear as interlocking wheels covered in eyes.
- Move in any direction without turning.
- Serve as part of God’s throne chariot.
- Standard Messenger Angels (e.g., Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38)
- Appear more human-like but often evoke fear, which is why they frequently say, “Do not be afraid.”
There’s a pretty common argument among Christians, that angels don’t look how we have seen them depicted… Yet, in my children’s stories, I like to depict angels as the classic “human-looking but with wings.” And the reason being, is because that’s what messenger angels in the bible are essentially depicted as… Maybe they don’t have wings, maybe they look almost exactly like humans but with a angelic, magnificent beauty to them… However, I still like to depict my messenger angels in my books as humans with wings.
Because, although, it may not be a “Biblical depiction” it is still the way that children understand angels to look. And if they want to look into the Biblical depiction of angels when they’re older, then they can do that. But they do not need to be feared into it as children.
And so, my messenger angel in Elliot the Elephant is a beautiful woman angel, as such.
If you’re interested in checking out this book more, it’s about an elephant who loses his hearing, and instead of getting it back… God uses it to bring Elliot closer to Him.
You can find it here. 🙂