The Nine-fold Hierarchy of Judea-Christian Angels
Within the Judeo-Christian Faith there is a hierarchy of Angels, and within the Kaballahic practices each of these ‘Choirs’ is seen to be headed by a particular Archangel. Below we shall list the first 5 Choirs and the tenth that encompasses man, with a brief description of each and the name of the Archangel who is in charge of the same.
Hayot Ha Kodesh
Translation: Holy Living Ones
Archangel: Metatron
These four creatures are known in Judaic faith as Angels of Fire, responsible for holding up the Throne of God, and with it, the very Earth itself. They answer to Metatron, the heavenly scribe responsible for writing down the Deeds of Israel, and also the voice of God. It is known that no living being can hear the voice of God, and live, and thus it is Metatron they hear when God is speaking to them.
Ophanim
Translation: Wheels
Archangel: Raziel
These four creatures are seen first in Ezekiel’s vision of the chariot. They appear among the most alien of the Angelic forms, being wheels composed of two intersecting wheels, with eyes along their rims. They answer to Raziel, keeper of secrets and the angel of mysteries, it may be that the many eyes of the Ophanim are tied to Raziel’s ability to see and know all things.
Erelim
Translation: Brave Ones
Archangel: Tzaphkiel
These creatures are one of those in service to Christ and known to be beings of immense power. They keep the higher more expanded energies of the universe and serve to conduct these energies throughout all realms. They are the most powerful in service to Christ and pass down divine judgments. Tzaphkiel is associated with primal waters, darkness, and managing the initial pulse in form and inertia.
Hashmallim
Translation: Glowing or Amber Ones
Archangel: Tzadkiel
These beings are known to be the very heralds of lawfulness, kindness, and love, and as such are ruled over by the angel Tzadkiel. Tzadkiel was the angel who was sent to hold the hand of Abraham to prevent him from sacrificing his son and is often shown holding a dagger because of this. Tzadkiel is the oft-quoted called-upon Angel of Mercy.
Seraphim
Translation: Burning Ones
Archangel: Khamael
The Seraphim are often seen as creatures with six wings, who fly around the Throne of God crying “Holy, Holy, Holy, is YHWH of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory”. Two of their wings cover their face, two of their feet, and the other two are used to maintain their flight. It is their knowledge of how far they are from the true divine that causes them to be referred to as the ‘Burning Ones’, as they continuously perform the act of purification that is placing their lips upon coal from the altar. Khamael is known to be the one who cast Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
Malakim
Translation: Messengers/Angels
Archangel: Raphael
This court is the one that most people are familiar with, the Malakim, or messengers of God. It is commonly used to refer to the Angels as a whole, and the word “Mal’akh” is used to refer to both human and angelic messengers. It means specifically “One who is sent”, and the name for the prophet Malachi means “my messenger”. Raphael’s name means “God Heals”, and is known for performing all acts of healing. A miracle of healing is the most common message from God and thus performed by these messengers.
Elohim
Translation: Godly Beings
Archangel: Uriel
Elohim are referred to as the shining ones, those who are Godly in their acts. Among some the Saints are seen to fall in this brotherhood, being ascended beings themselves. These are both judges and defendants of mankind, as is indicated by their ruler Uriel. Uriel was said to be one of the angels who came to stand before Noah and his kin and testified for them on behalf of all mankind. He was the one who contacted Noah about the flood.
Bene Elohim
Translation: Sons of Elohim
Archangel: Michael
These creatures are perhaps amongst the least understood of all the Angelic choirs, there are arguments as to whether or not they are even Angels in the traditional sense. It is known that from these sprang the half-human Nephilim, for which the world was washed clean. It is known they were distinguished from the Daughters of Man. One argument about them is that these were ‘created men’, and that the bible did not include all the people created on the Earth. The Archangel Michael, often equated with Jesus, and a warrior Angel, leads this choir of Angels.
Cherubim
Translation: No translation
Archangel: Gabriel
The Cherubim are strange creatures, part man, part lion, part eagle. They were seen as guardians devoid of human emotion, often set to protect things of great value, such as the Ark of the Covenant. There is a definite correlation between them and the Lamassu of the Phoenicians, the Shedu from the Assyrian mythologies. They are ruled by Gabriel, a messenger angel and one whose name means “God is my Strength”. He is known to bear a trumpet or bugle which he is known to sound in the end times.
Ishim
Translation: Men, and man-like beings
Archangel: Sandalphon
It may seem odd, but it is presented to us throughout the Kabbalah and from the Bible that we are divine beings, godlike in our way. Humanity exists in the lowest order of the Angelic Choirs, but yet we are included. We are served directly by Sandalphon, Archangel, and protector of unborn children.