Q: #394. Do angels have names?
A: Yes, angels do have names, however, we only know with certainty the names of four angels. The Bible gives us the names Michael (Dan 10:13,21)(Dan 12:1)(Jude 1:9)(Rev 12:7), Gabriel (Dan 8:16)(Dan 9:21)(Lk 1:19.26), Lucifer (Isa 14:12), and Abaddon/Apollyon (Rev 9:11). Michael is called an “archangel” in (Jude 1:9), and based upon the times he is mentioned in the Bible, it appears he might be God’s chief warrior angel. Each time the angel Gabriel is mentioned, he is delivering messages from God. Based upon the description of Lucifer in (Isa 14:12-15), Lucifer appears to be Satan, who is a fallen angel (Lk 10:18). Interestingly enough, when coupled with verses in (Ezek 28:11-17), which most agree is also speaking of Satan/Lucifer, it might be possible that he was at one time a leading worship angel (perhaps an archangel): “tabrets (tambourines) and pipes were prepared in him (or a part of his body?).” (More on Lucifer here.) Abaddon/Apollyon is also a fallen angel who is mentioned as ruling over the “bottomless pit” in the end times.
Apart from the Bible, we have what are called “apocryphal books.” In short, these are books that have demonstrable errors in doctrine, history, and geography, among other things. As such, they could not be “God-inspired,” and therefore are not included in our Canon of Scripture. Contained within these books are the names of many other angels. However, because they are not God-inspired, we cannot know if the angels mentioned within them actually exist or not. Primary amongst these books is the Book of Enoch (see: previous question). It speaks of 7 archangels named: Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sariel, Gabriel, and Jerahmeel. Raphael is also mentioned in the book of Tobit, an apocryphal book contained within the Catholic Bible. The Jewish Talmud says that God made “four angels to surround His Throne – Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael.”
Enoch also gives a fairly long list of the names of fallen angels. Here are some: Semjaza, Samlazaz, Araklba, Rameel, Kokablel, Tamlel, Ramlel, Danel, Ezeqeel, Baraqijal, Asael, Armaros, Batarel, Ananel, Zaqiel, Samsapeel, Satarel, Turel, Jomjael, Sariel.
The Bible tells us that there are countless numbers of angels (Rev 5:11)(Dan 7:10)(Heb 12:22). If indeed they all have names, as seems likely, then this list could go on for pages. Again, however, we only know the names of four for sure. I speak more on angels here.
