“I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, ‘Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.’”

— Daniel 8:16

Daniel is the only Old Testament book in which any angels are named, and two of them are named in that book. They are Gabriel and Michael, and both are mentioned in the New Testament. Gabriel announced the virgin birth to Mary. In Jude, we learn that Archangel Michael did battle with Satan, with Lucifer. We do have the name of that fallen angel (Lucifer) who did not keep his first estate, but other than those three, the names of angels are unknown to us.

We see in Daniel 8 that Gabriel came in the form of a man. God spoke to Gabriel, and Gabriel came and appeared to Daniel.

Daniel’s response to Gabriel is worth noting. When he came near, Daniel was afraid and fell upon his face. Apparently, this knocked him out because it says in the next verse that he was in a deep sleep. Now keep in mind of whom we are speaking. We are speaking of Daniel—one of the godliest men who has ever lived. This is Daniel who was not afraid to stand up to the likes of Nebuchadnezzar; Daniel who was willing to be cast in among the lions; Daniel who would not defile himself for any cause. This holy man, Daniel, we now find, is approached by Gabriel, and he is so overwhelmed that he literally passes out at the experience.

Angels are God’s special servants to help further His kingdom. They are not to be worshiped, even though they are awe-inspiring.

Jesus, King of angels, we thank You for these ministering spirits which You send to serve those who are to inherit the kingdom. Thank You for sending us angels to aid us, even without our being always aware of it…

BY HIS STRENGTH AND WILL,
ANGELS MINISTER TO US.