The Angel of Death What The Bible Says!

Throughout recorded history, people from various religious perspectives have spoken of a figure or figures who comfort people when they’re dying and escort their souls into an afterlife, a rough equivalent of the Jewish and Christian notion of the “Angel of Death.”

Sometimes dying people’s last words describe the visions they’re experiencing. For example, just before famous inventor Thomas Edison died in 1931, he remarked, "It is very beautiful over there." And some have claimed to have seen the angel that will take them on to their "afterlife" journey but is this SCRIPTURAL?

Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Perspectives

The Angel of Death’s personification as an evil creature wearing a black hood and carrying a scythe (the Grim Reaper of popular culture) originated from the Jewish Talmud which is really an "Occult" and Kabbalistic book showing descriptions of an Angel of Death (Mal'akh ha-Mavet) that represents the demons associated with the fall of mankind (one consequence of which was death). However, the Midrash explains that God does not allow the Angel of Death to bring evil to righteous people. Also, all people are bound to encounter the Angel of Death when it’s their appointed time to die, says the Targum (the Aramaic translation of the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible), which translates Psalm 89:48 as, "There is no man who lives and, seeing the angel of death, can deliver his soul from his hand."

In Catholic Christian tradition, the Archangel Michael supervises all of the angels who work with dying people. Michael appears to each person just prior to the moment of death to give the person the last chance to consider the spiritual state of his or her soul. Those who aren't yet saved but change their minds at the last moment can be redeemed. By telling Michael with faith that they say "yes" to God's offer of salvation, they can go to heaven rather than hell when they die.

The Bible doesn’t name one specific angel as the Angel of Death. But the New Testament does say that angels are "all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). The Bible makes it clear that death is a holy event ("Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints," Psalm 116:15), so in the traditionally Christian view, it’s reasonable to expect that one or more angels will be present with people when they die.

Traditionally, Christians believe that all angels who help people make the transition into the afterlife are working under Archangel Michael's supervision.

The Quran also mentions an Angel of Death: "The Angel of Death who is charged with taking your souls will take your souls; then you will be returned to your Lord" (As-Sajdah 32:11). That angel, Azrael, separates people's souls from their bodies when they die. The Muslim Hadith tells a story that illustrates how reluctant people can be to see the Angel of Death when he comes for them: "The Angel of Death was sent to Moses and when he went to him, Moses slapped him severely, spoiling one of his eyes. The angel went back to his Lord, and said, 'You sent me to a slave who does not want to die'" (Hadith 423, Sahih Bukhari chapter 23).

Angels Who Comfort the Dying

Accounts of angels comforting dying people abound from those who have watched loved ones die. When their loved ones are about to pass away, some people report seeing angels, hearing heavenly music, or even smelling strong and pleasant scents while sensing angels around them. Those who care for the dying, such as hospice nurses, say that some of their patients report deathbed encounters with angels.

Caregivers, family members, and friends also report witnessing dying loved ones talking about or reaching out to angels. For instance, in his book "Angels: God's Secret Agents," Protestant Christian "False Prophet" and (Jesuit) evangelist Billy Graham writes that immediately before his maternal grandmother died,

"The room seemed to fill with a heavenly light. She sat up in bed and almost laughingly said, 'I see Jesus. He has his arms outstretched toward me. I see Ben [her husband who had died some years earlier] and I see the angels.'"

Angels Who Escort Souls to the Afterlife

When people die, according to this notion, angels may accompany their souls into another dimension, where they'll live on. It may be just one angel who escorts a particular soul, or it may be a large group of angels who make the journey alongside a person’s soul.

Muslim tradition says that the angel Azrael separates the soul from the body at the moment of death, and Azrael and other helping angels accompany the soul to the afterlife.

Jewish tradition says that many different angels (including Gabriel, Samael, Sariel, and Jeremiel) may help dying people make the transition from life on Earth to the afterlife, or to their next life (Judaism has many varied understandings of what happens after death, including reincarnation).

Jesus told a story that appears in Luke 16 about two men who died: a rich man who didn’t trust God, and a poor man who did. The rich man went to the lake of fire, but the poor man got the honor of angels carrying him into an eternity of joy in God's Kingdom (Luke 16:22). The Catholic Church teaches that the archangel Michael escorts the souls of those who have died to the afterlife, where God judges their earthly lives.

But What Does the Bible Really Says About the Angel of Death?

According to Christianity.com: "Some say the Archangel Michael plays some role in the process from passing from this world to the next as the "angel of death", but no Bible verse or passage supports this notion. In Scripture, Michael appears to fight spiritual battles and carry out the commands of God, none of which seem to indicate a grim reaper role. The name Azrael never appears in the Bible as well."

The idea of a grim reaper has not only pervaded popular cultures, such as in books like The Book Thief and Scythe, but it has also taken a featured spot in many and various religions. Judaism, for instance, attributes this role to Azrael, an angel of destruction. Islam has a name for this figure, “Malak Almawt,” as do other religions such as Hinduism.

Does Christianity have a similar figure by a different name? Does a sole Angel of Death exist, realizing the idea of the Grim Reaper?

Some say the Archangel Michael plays some role in the process from passing from this world to the next, but no Bible verse or passage supports this notion. In fact in Scripture, Michael appears to fight spiritual battles and carry out the commands of God, none of which seem to indicate a grim reaper role. The name Azrael never appears in the Bible as well.

Although angels may appear to cause death in some cases in the Bible, we should make a note that no sole angel (or demon) can do so without God willing it. Job makes it clear God has numbered our days, but He alone chooses when we reach the end of our life on earth (Job 14:5).

Angels of Death in the Bible

When looking at Scripture, it appears angels do have a hand in some instances of death and destruction.

For instance, an angel of the Lord in 2 Kings 19:35 goes out at night and kills 185,000 Assyrians. Considering the Assyrians made themselves out to be enemies of God’s people, God willed this angel to commit such a mass destruction.

What Really Happens When We Die?

From page 288 of my book: EVERYTHING You Never Knew and You Need to KNOW! Here's the AMAZING Answer: What Really Happens After Death? What happens after someone dies? Do you have an immortal soul? Do many go to heaven and then return to tell about it? Do the dead know what the living are doing? Does suicide "end it all"? Will you meet dead loved ones again? Did departed ones "pass away" to heaven, purgatory, or Hades? Or will they somehow be resurrected and/or become reincarnated?

Death is Like Sleep

The Bible teaches that when people die, they basically are like being asleep. So do you know what the dead are now doing? The dead are dead. They are simply "sleeping" in their graves, unconscious, waiting to be called to resurrection.

They are not strumming harps nor feeling the torment of pain and torture of a "hellish" fire. Someone recently sent me a link to something that was opposed to the New Radio Church of God doctrines, and used the intended pejorative term 'soul sleep' to denounce this doctrine it considered 'cultist.' Here is the logic another source uses to denounce the same doctrine: Soul sleep is the teaching that when a person dies that his soul "sleeps" until the time of the future resurrection. In this condition, the person is not aware or conscious....The primary verses used to support soul sleep are found in Ecclesiastes: Eccl. 9:5, “For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten."

Eccl. 12:7, "then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." Ecclesiastes must be understood in the context of its own commentary, which says at the opening of the book, "The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” 3 What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?"(Eccl. 1:1-3). The writer is telling us how things are from the human perspective from "under the sun." He is not telling us doctrinal statements about whether or not the soul continues after death. Besides, it's a mistake to use the Old Testament to interpret the New Testament. It is the New Testament that sheds light on the Old Testament.

In the New Testament, we see Paul say in 2 Cor. 5:8, "we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord."

Paul is clearly telling us that when he dies that he will go and be with the Lord. Furthermore, at the Transfiguration of Jesus” (Matt. 17:1-8), we see Moses and Elijah who were alive. There was no soul sleep with them. Therefore, the doctrine of soul sleep is incorrect. (According to Slick M. President and Founder of the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. What is soul sleep? https://carm.org/soul-sleep accessed 01/13/16)

The above is wrong. It not only wants to discount the Book of Ecclesiastes, but it misunderstands the Apostle Paul's writings, and misconstrues the Transfiguration. Plus it ignores the direct teachings in both the Old and New Testaments on the state of the dead.

Notice some passages from the Old Testament Book of Psalms: 5 “For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks? (Psalm 6:5) 3 “Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, Lest I sleep the sleep of death;” (Psalm 13:3) 6 “At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep.” (Psalm 76:6) 10 “Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? (Psalm 88:10) 17 “The dead do not praise the Lord, Nor any who go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the Lord From this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 115:17-18) The Book of Psalms, and not just the Book of Ecclesiastes, teaches that the dead know nothing and that death is like sleep. The dead must be resurrected to praise God, and that will happen in a future time NOT NOW! Consider also the following: 14 “If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes.” (Job 14:14) 21 “Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?” (Ecclesiastes 3:21)

Upon death, the spirit of humans returns to God (2 Corinthians 5:8). The human spirit is there, sort of like a saved computer file of your memory and character in a sleep-like state (Psalm 13:3; 76:6) and is saved for the resurrection (Ecclesiastes 3:21; John 3:13; Ezekiel 37:11-14; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54). But, the spirit of animals seemingly comes to an end (Ecclesiastes 3:21) as they are not ever mentioned in any resurrection. What about the New Testament?

The idea that death is like sleep is what Jesus Himself taught: 18 “While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. 20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well." 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour. 23 When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24 He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. 25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went out into all that land.” (Matthew 9:18-26) “49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher." 50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise." 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately.” (Luke 8:49-55) 11 “These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up."12 Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well." 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead" (John 11:11-14).

In each of the above cases, the person was dead, but basically because this was NOT the permanent, second, death, Jesus said the person was sleeping. All who sleep in the grave will be resurrected and hear His voice (John 5:28). Jesus showed a foretaste of this by resurrecting those He did.

As far as the Transfiguration supposedly disproving this goes, notice what the Bible actually teaches: 1 “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead." (Matthew 17:1-9)

Notice that Jesus said the Transfiguration was a VISION. Something related to the future. Not something that already happened. Moses has not yet been resurrected nor has Elijah. Consider that God called David "a man after His own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). Yet, after Jesus was resurrected, notice what the Apostle Peter said: 29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven …” (Acts 2:29-34, NIV).

David has not yet been resurrected, nor is he in heaven. Nor is anyone other than Jesus, the Father, and the angels.

But what about 2 Corinthian 5:8 and desiring to be being absent from the body? Does that not prove that 'soul sleep' was not taught? No.

Notice what Pionius of Smyrna taught in the middle of the third century: When Pionius had been nailed down the public executioner said to him once again: "Change your mind and the nails will be taken out." But he answered: "I felt that they are in to stay." Then after a moment's reflection he said: "I am hurrying that I may awake all the more quickly, manifesting the resurrection from the dead." (The Martyrdom of Pionius and his Companions, Chapter 21. Text from H. Musurillo, The Acts of the Christian Martyrs (Oxford, 1972), 137-167. https://archive.is/abf7S accessed 10/17/15) Pionius desired to be with God quickly, but he understood that this would happen in the resurrection, which to him would seem to be the instant after he was killed. As far as 'soul sleep' goes, notice what some of what the Apostle Paul was inspired to write: 29 “For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.” (1 Corinthians 11:29-30) 12 “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-23) 51 “Behold, I tell you a mystery (a hidden truth): We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on in-corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on in-corruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). 14 “Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14) 14 “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18)

It is proper for Christians to teach and believe that death is like sleep. Christians are to be comforted by God's plan, which includes the dead being asleep until they are resurrected.

Those who condemn "soul sleep" are also condemning Jesus and the Apostle Paul. Did early Christians and others who professed Christ continue to teach this? Yes.

The Letter to the Corinthians, also known as 1 Clement (though it does not state that Clement wrote it) from the late first century, teaches the following:24 “Let us consider, beloved, how the Lord continually proves to us that there shall be a future resurrection, of which He has rendered the Lord Jesus Christ the first-fruits by raising Him from the dead. Let us contemplate, beloved, the resurrection which is at all times taking place. Day and night declare to us a resurrection. So no one is taken up into heaven by a so called: "Angel of Death" nor dead people are aware of what is happening after they die, THEY SIMPLY GO TO SLEEP! For more on this subject please get a copy of my book: EVERYTHING That YOU Never KNEW and You Need to Know!

Popular, But Wrong, Ideas About Angels

For instance, there is no mention of wings in most appearances of angels found in Scripture, while they do occur in some visions—though not with just two. There are other common misconceptions too.

Halos of light

A typical feature of angel costumes in children’s Bible plays is a glittery halo—representing a supposed ring of light over the head denoting holiness. This recalls a lot of medieval art, where saintly Bible characters are depicted with a halo or glowing golden disk over or behind the head. In fact, this image—also known as a nimbus, aureole, glory or gloriole—has been used in the sacred art of many religions.

We find it among the Greeks and Romans. The rayed crown of the sun god Helios was depicted in the Colossus of Rhodes (and later copied for the Statue of Liberty). It was used in images of Hellenistic and Roman rulers. This may probably have been associated with the Zoroastrian divine luster that marked Persian kings. The halo also occurs in ancient Hindu and Buddhist art.

And it goes back much further. “Sumerian religious literature frequently speaks of . . . a ‘brilliant, visible glamour which is exuded by gods, heroes, sometimes by kings, and also by temples of great holiness and by gods’ symbols and emblems’” (Wikipedia, “Halo (religious iconography)”). Indeed, we see it prominently as the solar disc of Ra, the Egyptian sun god.

As the editors of The Encyclopaedia Britannica point out: “Because of its pagan origin, the form was avoided in Early Christian art, but a simple circular nimbus was adopted by Christian emperors for their official portraits. From the middle of the 4th century, Christ was also shown with this imperial attribute . . . In the 5th century it was sometimes given to angels, but it was not until the 6th century that the halo became customary for the Virgin Mary and other saints . . . The halo was used regularly in representations of Christ, the angels, and the saints throughout the Middle Ages” (Britannica.com/art/halo-art). While Christ and the angels do have glorious radiance—with brilliant, shining faces—this does not correspond to the halo and its origins as a pagan sun symbol.

Sitting on clouds

The idea of angels lolling about on clouds—and that people will do the same after they die—probably comes from a combination of very archaic imagination and misapplied scriptural mentions of clouds in association with heaven. Satan in his rebellion said of his assault on heaven, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14). Yet this was not ascending into some “Jack and the Beanstalk” kingdom of giants on the clouds, but rising out of the earth’s atmosphere and traveling beyond outer space into another dimension.

We also see prophecies in Scripture of Christ coming with or on “the clouds of heaven” (Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64)—or “coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). Consider that He also came to the ancient Israelites in a cloud with power and glory—in the pillar of cloud and fire that led them and that descended on the physical tabernacle.

When Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection “a cloud received Him out of [the disciples’] sight”—and angels said He would return in the same manner (Acts 1:9-11).

In most of these passages the reference is to the earth’s atmosphere, where there are physical clouds. And even physical clouds can be spectacular. You’ve no doubt seen clouds of the sky beautifully illuminated by the sun as a grand display of the majesty of the Creator. In any case, the picture of angels sitting on actual clouds is more cartoonish than scriptural.

Idly strumming on harps

Another popular conception has angels idly strumming on harps while floating about or sitting on the clouds. Yet we don’t see this in Scripture either. It’s true that some angels do have harps, while others have other instruments. Indeed, God enjoys music, and at least some angels were given great musical abilities, as is true of some people.

Notice what God said to the Super Archangel who rebelled and became Satan: “The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created” (Ezekiel 28:13). The apostle John in Revelation 5:8 refers to the 24 angelic elders “each having a harp”—presumably used in performance and praise before God. John later in Revelation 14:2 hears “the sound of harpists playing their harps.”

It seems there are choirs and orchestras of angels in regular praise at the throne of God. John later sees a vision of people joining in the music, “having harps of God” (Revelation 15:2). As the physical tabernacle and temple of God were intended as a model of the heavenly temple (see Hebrews 9:23-24), it seems quite likely that the Levitical choirs and musicians of the physical service were meant to model the ongoing heavenly praise directed toward God.

Don’t be misled by popular—but wrong—ideas. Learn what the Bible reveals about God’s powerful angels! I highly recommend you get a copy of my NEW book: The Book of JESHURUM!

God has shown me that today July 11th may be the day of my demise and my last day here on planet earth! So being that this might be my "time of departure" as the Apostle Paul mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:6, I want to tell ALL my readers here on LINKEDIN that if I ever have "offended" and "hurt" anyone by my articles and posts here, I sincerely apologize and genuinely and honestly would ask you to "PLEASE FORGIVE ME!" It wasn't really my intention to do so! So I can finally rest in peace and wait for my change to come (Job 14:14). So NO, I'm not expecting the so called: "angel of death" to come by my "death bed" and to take me in his arms as soon as I expire and my "human spirit" returns to God (see Ecclesiastes 12:7).

But I did want to make my peace with you all because this morning after my usual morning prayer I had my Bible opened to the following Scripture: "Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which ought him ten thousand talents. but forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and his children, and ALL that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee ALL. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which ought him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord ALL that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee ALL that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay ALL that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts (and minds) forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." Matthew 18:23-35. So in conclusion I do FORGIVE those of you who "rejected" me in my work search and discarted my resume and application for work as well as those who DESPISE ME and HATE ME! With deep love in Christ,

Apostle Jeshurum