2.1. מיכאל “Michael”

The name of an ‘archangel”, מיכאל, described only in Dan 10.13, 21, and 12.1, denotes “Who-(Is)-Like-El?” and it is attested as a common name in biblical references, and in some extra-biblical references. Dan 10.13 further describes his military function:

יהנה מיכאל אחד חשרים בא לעזרני

And lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.

A celestial battle has taken place here. His name occurs also as a co-operator with another chief divine agent, perhaps Gabriel, for the mission. In Dan 10.21b, his function is described more magnificently:

ואין אחד מתחזק עמי על אלה כי אם מיכאל שרכם

And there is no strengthening himself with me against these, except Michael your Prince.

Another of his roles is as the guardian deity or protector deity of the Israelites; thus Dan 12.1 reads יעמד מיכאל חשר חכדול חעמד על בני עמך, “Michael, the great prince who is standing over sons of your people, will stand”.

Since his epithet, שר, also denotes mortal dignitaries (cf. Judg 4.2; 1 Sam 17.55), it can be applied also to indicate the hierarchical ranking of lesser deities. Furthermore these references may signify the idea that there is a clear hierarchical distinction between the ordinary lesser deities and the archangels.