Who Decided Angels Should Have Wings?

Was it Just an Artist Who Decided Angels Should Have Wings?

The depiction of angels with wings has been a subject of fascination and artistic expression for centuries. But was it merely an artist’s imagination that gave angels their wings, or is there more to this imagery? Let’s explore this intriguing question through the lens of Biblical scriptures and personal experiences.

Biblical References to Angels

The Bible provides various descriptions of angels, some of which include wings. For instance, in Isaiah 6:2, we read about the seraphim: “Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.” Similarly, in Ezekiel 1:6, the cherubim are described as having four wings. These scriptures suggest that the concept of angels with wings is not merely an artistic invention but has its roots in Biblical descriptions.

However, not all Biblical references to angels include wings. In Hebrews 13:2, it states, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” This verse implies that angels can appear in human form, indistinguishable from ordinary people. This duality in the depiction of angels—sometimes with wings and sometimes without—adds to the mystery and wonder surrounding these celestial beings.

Personal Experience: A Vivid Dream

I had a dream that was as clear as a 4K resolution TV; it was beautiful and awe-inspiring. In this dream, an angel was flying down from heaven and landed in front of a courthouse. The angel was about four times larger than a man and had a scroll rolled out. A man wrote on the scroll my name, Michael A. Hopkins, cherubim of Stoddard County. The dream was so vivid that I do not remember if it was a dream or a vision, but it felt as real as real can be.

This dream raises interesting questions about the nature of angels. In the invisible realm, angels may have wings and appear larger than life, but in the visible realm where we live, they walk among us, looking just like us. This aligns with the idea presented in Hebrews 13:2, that angels can be among us without our awareness.

The Role of Angels in Our Lives

Angels play a significant role in the Bible, often serving as messengers of God. In Luke 1:26-28, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus: “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’”

Angels also provide protection and guidance. Psalm 91:11 says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” This verse reassures us that angels are sent by God to watch over us and guide us through life’s challenges.

Angel Wings in the Bible:

1. Exodus 25:20: “The cherubim shall have their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings and facing one another; the faces of the cherubim are to be turned toward the mercy seat.”

2. Exodus 37:9: “The cherubim had their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward each other; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.”

3. 1 Kings 6:27: “He placed the cherubim in the midst of the inner house, and the wings of the cherubim were spread out, so that the wing of the one was touching the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub was touching the other wall. So their wings were touching each other in the center of the house.”

4. 2 Chronicles 3:11-13: “The wingspan of the cherubim was twenty cubits; the wing of one, of five cubits, touched the wall of the house, and its other wing, of five cubits, touched the wing of the other cherub. The wing of the other cherub, of five cubits, touched the wall of the house; and its other wing of five cubits was attached to the wing of the first cherub. The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits, and they stood on their feet facing the main room.”

5. Ezekiel 1:24: “I also heard the sound of their wings like the sound of abundant waters as they went, like the voice of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army camp; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.”

6. Ezekiel 10:21: “Each one had four faces and each one four wings, and beneath their wings was the form of human hands.”

These scriptures provide a rich tapestry of imagery regarding angels and their wings, further enhancing our understanding of these celestial beings.

Conclusion

The imagery of angels with wings is deeply rooted in Biblical descriptions and has been further enriched by artistic interpretations over the centuries. While some scriptures describe angels with wings, others suggest that they can appear in human form, indistinguishable from us. Personal experiences, like vivid dreams, add another layer of understanding to the nature of angels.

Whether seen with wings or without, angels remain a powerful symbol of God’s presence and protection in our lives. As we navigate our daily lives, let us remain open to the possibility that we may be entertaining angels unaware, just as Hebrews 13:2 reminds us.

In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.

St. Mykul’s prayer:

“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”