Michael seems to be an important individual in heaven. He is the Archangel which means the chief of the angels. Michael has an important meaning as well, it means: (one) who is like God. The computer lexicon describes Michael as: one of, the chief, or the first archangel who is described as the one who stands in time of conflict for the children of Israel. In the new Testament, Michael is described as: the first of the chief princes or archangels who is supposed to be the guardian angel of the Israelites.
Let's look at all the Bible text that mention his name.
12. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:12-13
20. Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
21. But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. Daniel 10: 20-21
In Daniel we find that Michael is one of the chief princes and that He is our prince. That might mean He is in line for the Throne. We also find Him working behind the scenes with Gabriel to ensure that God's will for nations actually occurs.
1. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:1-3
Now we see Michael who is called the great prince, standing up, and when he does a time of trouble starts and God's people are delivered. Why is it that God's people are delivered when Michael stands up. Why not God or Jesus? And why is Michael described as standing for the children of thy people?
9. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Jude 1:9
In Jude we see Michael confronting Satan when Moses was resurrected. For such direct confrontations why is an angel being used to confront Satan which is also an angel? Why shouldn't God or Jesus be doing these important confrontations? This can be a difficult text to fully understand. There is more on Jude 1:9 in the middle and toward the end of this page.
7. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8. And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:7-12
Finally in the book of Revelation we see a war in heaven. The opposing sides are described as Michael and his angels against the dragon which we know as Satan and his angels. The war in heaven is very important. Why isn't God taking part in the war. Why are the angels described as being Michael's angels and not God's or Christ's angels?
Who is Michael anyway? Michael is the archangel, the chief of the angels. He is described as one of the chief princes and our prince. When He stands up, things happen. He is described as standing for the children of thy people. So when He stands there is a time of trouble that results in God's people being delivered, every one who's name if found written in the book. He contends directly against Satan and the angels in heaven are described as being Michael's angels.
Is it possible that Michael could be part of the God Head? Could Michael be Jesus Christ? Let's start looking at the evidence. In the Jewish literature, Michael is described as the highest of the angels and identify him as the angel of Yahweh which is often mentioned in the Old Testament as a divine being.
Various visitors to my site are Not understanding what I am trying to say. So before I continue I need to make one thing very clear.
No, I do not think Jesus is a created being. Some would have you believe that Jesus is just a created being, that he is the first one to be created. They believe that he was an angel who was elevated to the position of, possibly a lesser god.
We need to understand what the Bible says. Jesus is God just like the Father. Also Jesus said He was God several times. The Jews understood Him clearly, they picked up stones to stone Him!
Jesus also accepted worship when He was on earth! Even the angels in Heaven did not do this. In the last book of the Bible, John was stopped from worshiping an angel who was in front of him: And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10) Yet many times, Jesus accepted the worship of those around Him.
The Ten Commandment specifically says: You shall have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3. It also says: You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God Exodus 20:5 (first part). Now, if Jesus was not God, He would be causing others to sin as well by not stopping this worship of Him. Jesus would be an enemy of God.
Satan is the one who wants to be worshiped as if he were God. That makes Satan the enemy of God, because Satan wants to take God's glory for himself!
So, this idea that Jesus is not God cannot be true! We know that Jesus is God with the Father. That is why He accepts worship. On the other hand, the angels in Heaven certainly do not accept worship at all.
I believe that Jesus came to die for our sins and that we are saved through the shedding of His Blood. These are the very central pillars of our Christian Faith!
So, with this thought in mind, that Jesus is not a created being, but that He is God with the Father, let's get back to Michael. I have been looking at the statements on Michael and I see evidence that suggests that Jesus could have been known as Michael in heaven, before He came to Earth as Christ.
The word angel merely means messenger. Archangel merely means top angel. So many times in the old testament, The Angel of the Lord comes, yet when we read the text a little closer, we see that it is God!
Could this be Jesus?
In trying to make sense of all these texts (that you will see below), I have come to the conclusion that when the word angel is used that it does not have to mean the created race of beings that we know to be called Angels.
We know that there was a war in Heaven and that 1/3 of the angels were kicked out with Lucifer. Today, we know them as the evil angels of Satan, or demons.
Why would Satan want to attack God? Did he not respond to God's love? What about the angels who listened to Satan? I think it extremely possible that it became necessary for Jesus to act as a go between in Heaven for the angels, much like He has for us on this Earth. so that Michael could show the Father to the angels.
However no matter how strange this idea is, don't for one moment think that I believe Jesus is a created being! Or that I think Jesus was an angel that later was elevated to a lesser god status. Jesus is God as is His Father. He is the Son of God! Let's not forget that!
I am just wondering if we see activities of Jesus before the New Testament? Is the Angel of the Lord, Jesus? Could His name, in the past in Heaven, be Michael?
I'm curious how you fit all these Bible Texts together to make sense? Look at the Scripture that I have and then give me another possible answer for all these Bible Texts.
So now I will ask you the same question, now that you know that I am NOT saying that Jesus is just an angel.
Is it possible that Michael could be part of the God Head? Could Michael be Jesus Christ? In the Jewish literature, Michael is described as the highest of the angels and identify him as the angel of Yahweh which is often mentioned in the Old Testament as a divine being.
In fact I have found that many Bible scholars, such as Charles Spurgeon and Matthew Henry, actually identify Michael as being Christ, the Son of God. In the New Testament Michael is easily identified as being Jesus, when a few texts are compared.
Let's do a comparison right now:
13. But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
In Thessalonians we see that the Lord is descending from heaven and He is shouting with the voice of the archangel. Most people seem to think that it is the archangel that is shouting and not Jesus. Actually there are two possible meanings to the text: (1) the archangel could be shouting for Jesus; or (2) Jesus could be doing the shouting Himself and he is using the voice of an archangel because He is the Archangel.
Some might think there is a third possibility, that two voices are sounding; Both Jesus and the archangel. however, if we look at verse 16 in the Greens Literal translation (below) we will see that this is probably not an option.
16. Because the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice, and with God's trumpet. And the dead in Christ will rise again first. Thessalonians 4:16 Greens Literal Translation
Now lets see what Christ said when He was on Earth.
25. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27. And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:25-29
If we compare the two Bible texts above (1 Thessalonians 4:16 and John 5:25-28) we see one of the strongest cases for supporting the idea that Michael is Jesus.
We saw that there were two possible meanings to: "the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice" 1 thess 4:16 (1) the archangel could be shouting for Jesus; or (2) Jesus could be doing the shouting Himself and he is using the voice of an archangel because He is the Archangel.
Which one is it?
John 5:25,28 solves the problem: "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God". So in 1 thess, its the archangel's voice, but in John 5, it is the voice of the Son of God! One cannot be wrong and the other right. Michael the Archangel must be Jesus!
Now that we know that it is Jesus Himself who is doing the shouting, we can read 1 Thess. 4:16 with new eyes. What 1 Thess. 4:16 is really saying, is that Jesus descends from heaven shouting with the voice of the Archangel. This comparison shows that the Archangel really is Jesus.
Also, in both Thessalonians and John we see that the voice causes the resurrection of life. The dead in Christ will rise when they hear His voice! This is the same event and Jesus and Michael must be the same person.
Let's look in the Old Testament for some more evidence. In the book of Joshua, we see that Joshua also saw Michael the Archangel:
13. And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14. And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
15. And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:13-15
This account in the book of Joshua is very interesting because we can now "nail down" who Joshua saw. Joshua met the captain of the Lord's host and we find that it is God. Joshua worshiped Him, and He did not stop Joshua in his worship. This is significant.
In Revelation, when John tried to worship an angel, the angel told him not to do that: "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10) We are only to worship God!
So we see that what the Man Joshua saw, was God Himself. Joshua is told that this ground is holy, take off your shoes. He is in the presence of God. Also, we see that this Being accepted the worship and the reverence that Joshua gave Him. Angels will not accept worship. When John tried to give honor to an angel, the angel stopped him:
We also see that Jesus accepted worship when He was on earth! Many times, Jesus accepted the worship of the people around Him.
In Revelation we find that it is Michael who leads the angel forces of heaven. Later you will see that in much of the Old Testament, this Being is identified as the angel of the Lord, but to Joshua, He identifies Himself as the captain of the Lord's Host! Who is that? Who is the captain of the Lord's Host?
In Revelation 12:7 we saw that Michael led the angel forces in Heaven.
7. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, Revelation 12:7-12
Now we find that the angels in Heaven are Michael's angels and that Michael leads His angels in battle against Satan! So, we can see that Michael is the Captain of the angels. He is their leader.
Putting Joshua 5 and Revelation 12 together, we see that Joshua saw a man who identified Himself as the Captain of the host of the Lord. That man is Michael, who is also God. Also we must remember the meaning of Archangel. Archangel means the chief of the angels. This does not mean that Michael is an angel, but that He is the Chief or Leader of the Angels in Heaven! He is the Chief of the angels! He is their commander, the Commander of the LORD'S army in Heaven, God's angels.
Now, in Revelation 19, we see that the leader of the armies of heaven, the leader of angels of heaven, is also called by a different name.
11. Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
12. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
13. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
14. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Revelation 19:11-14
We now see in verse 13 that it is The Word of God who leads the armies of heaven! From John 1:1 we read: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word of God is Jesus! Also, there are other hints that tell us that this is Jesus. "Faithful and True" (see Revelation 3:14) and "robe dipped in blood" both say that this is indeed Jesus. Jesus Himself is the one who leads the armies of Heaven to judge and make war against Satan!
Following on, we see that in verses 14, 19, and 20; the armies of heaven is indeed His army.
14. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
19. And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
20. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 19:14,19-20
Satan gathers together all his armies to battle against Jesus and His army in the final battle in the time of the end. This is when Satan is utterly defeated and all those who follow Satan are either placed alive in the lake of fire or they are killed with the sword (Rev 19:21). In Revelation 20 we see that Satan is bound for 1000 years before he is destroyed.
So, In Joshua 5 and Revelation 12 we saw that Michael is the chief of the angels. He is the leader of the armies of angels in heaven. But in Revelation 19 we see that it is Jesus Himself who leads the armies of heaven against Satan and his armies.
Before, we saw that "the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice" 1 thessalonians 4:16 but we also saw that "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God" John 5:25..
This all shows that Michael must be Jesus and that He is of the Godhead. Jesus is Michael the Archangel, the chief of the angels, and the captain of the host of the Lord. He is the one who leads the angels to victory!
Let's look at all the Bible text that mention his name.
12. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:12-13
20. Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
21. But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. Daniel 10: 20-21
In Daniel we find that Michael is one of the chief princes and that He is our prince. That might mean He is in line for the Throne. We also find Him working behind the scenes with Gabriel to ensure that God's will for nations actually occurs.
1. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:1-3
Now we see Michael who is called the great prince, standing up, and when he does a time of trouble starts and God's people are delivered. Why is it that God's people are delivered when Michael stands up. Why not God or Jesus? And why is Michael described as standing for the children of thy people?
9. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Jude 1:9
In Jude we see Michael confronting Satan when Moses was resurrected. For such direct confrontations why is an angel being used to confront Satan which is also an angel? Why shouldn't God or Jesus be doing these important confrontations? This can be a difficult text to fully understand. There is more on Jude 1:9 in the middle and toward the end of this page.
7. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8. And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:7-12
Finally in the book of Revelation we see a war in heaven. The opposing sides are described as Michael and his angels against the dragon which we know as Satan and his angels. The war in heaven is very important. Why isn't God taking part in the war. Why are the angels described as being Michael's angels and not God's or Christ's angels?
Who is Michael anyway? Michael is the archangel, the chief of the angels. He is described as one of the chief princes and our prince. When He stands up, things happen. He is described as standing for the children of thy people. So when He stands there is a time of trouble that results in God's people being delivered, every one who's name if found written in the book. He contends directly against Satan and the angels in heaven are described as being Michael's angels.
Is it possible that Michael could be part of the God Head? Could Michael be Jesus Christ? Let's start looking at the evidence. In the Jewish literature, Michael is described as the highest of the angels and identify him as the angel of Yahweh which is often mentioned in the Old Testament as a divine being.
Various visitors to my site are Not understanding what I am trying to say. So before I continue I need to make one thing very clear.
No, I do not think Jesus is a created being. Some would have you believe that Jesus is just a created being, that he is the first one to be created. They believe that he was an angel who was elevated to the position of, possibly a lesser god.
We need to understand what the Bible says. Jesus is God just like the Father. Also Jesus said He was God several times. The Jews understood Him clearly, they picked up stones to stone Him!
Jesus also accepted worship when He was on earth! Even the angels in Heaven did not do this. In the last book of the Bible, John was stopped from worshiping an angel who was in front of him: And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10) Yet many times, Jesus accepted the worship of those around Him.
The Ten Commandment specifically says: You shall have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3. It also says: You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God Exodus 20:5 (first part). Now, if Jesus was not God, He would be causing others to sin as well by not stopping this worship of Him. Jesus would be an enemy of God.
Satan is the one who wants to be worshiped as if he were God. That makes Satan the enemy of God, because Satan wants to take God's glory for himself!
So, this idea that Jesus is not God cannot be true! We know that Jesus is God with the Father. That is why He accepts worship. On the other hand, the angels in Heaven certainly do not accept worship at all.
I believe that Jesus came to die for our sins and that we are saved through the shedding of His Blood. These are the very central pillars of our Christian Faith!
So, with this thought in mind, that Jesus is not a created being, but that He is God with the Father, let's get back to Michael. I have been looking at the statements on Michael and I see evidence that suggests that Jesus could have been known as Michael in heaven, before He came to Earth as Christ.
The word angel merely means messenger. Archangel merely means top angel. So many times in the old testament, The Angel of the Lord comes, yet when we read the text a little closer, we see that it is God!
Could this be Jesus?
In trying to make sense of all these texts (that you will see below), I have come to the conclusion that when the word angel is used that it does not have to mean the created race of beings that we know to be called Angels.
We know that there was a war in Heaven and that 1/3 of the angels were kicked out with Lucifer. Today, we know them as the evil angels of Satan, or demons.
Why would Satan want to attack God? Did he not respond to God's love? What about the angels who listened to Satan? I think it extremely possible that it became necessary for Jesus to act as a go between in Heaven for the angels, much like He has for us on this Earth. so that Michael could show the Father to the angels.
However no matter how strange this idea is, don't for one moment think that I believe Jesus is a created being! Or that I think Jesus was an angel that later was elevated to a lesser god status. Jesus is God as is His Father. He is the Son of God! Let's not forget that!
I am just wondering if we see activities of Jesus before the New Testament? Is the Angel of the Lord, Jesus? Could His name, in the past in Heaven, be Michael?
I'm curious how you fit all these Bible Texts together to make sense? Look at the Scripture that I have and then give me another possible answer for all these Bible Texts.
So now I will ask you the same question, now that you know that I am NOT saying that Jesus is just an angel.
Is it possible that Michael could be part of the God Head? Could Michael be Jesus Christ? In the Jewish literature, Michael is described as the highest of the angels and identify him as the angel of Yahweh which is often mentioned in the Old Testament as a divine being.
In fact I have found that many Bible scholars, such as Charles Spurgeon and Matthew Henry, actually identify Michael as being Christ, the Son of God. In the New Testament Michael is easily identified as being Jesus, when a few texts are compared.
Let's do a comparison right now:
13. But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
In Thessalonians we see that the Lord is descending from heaven and He is shouting with the voice of the archangel. Most people seem to think that it is the archangel that is shouting and not Jesus. Actually there are two possible meanings to the text: (1) the archangel could be shouting for Jesus; or (2) Jesus could be doing the shouting Himself and he is using the voice of an archangel because He is the Archangel.
Some might think there is a third possibility, that two voices are sounding; Both Jesus and the archangel. however, if we look at verse 16 in the Greens Literal translation (below) we will see that this is probably not an option.
16. Because the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice, and with God's trumpet. And the dead in Christ will rise again first. Thessalonians 4:16 Greens Literal Translation
Now lets see what Christ said when He was on Earth.
25. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27. And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:25-29
If we compare the two Bible texts above (1 Thessalonians 4:16 and John 5:25-28) we see one of the strongest cases for supporting the idea that Michael is Jesus.
We saw that there were two possible meanings to: "the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice" 1 thess 4:16 (1) the archangel could be shouting for Jesus; or (2) Jesus could be doing the shouting Himself and he is using the voice of an archangel because He is the Archangel.
Which one is it?
John 5:25,28 solves the problem: "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God". So in 1 thess, its the archangel's voice, but in John 5, it is the voice of the Son of God! One cannot be wrong and the other right. Michael the Archangel must be Jesus!
Now that we know that it is Jesus Himself who is doing the shouting, we can read 1 Thess. 4:16 with new eyes. What 1 Thess. 4:16 is really saying, is that Jesus descends from heaven shouting with the voice of the Archangel. This comparison shows that the Archangel really is Jesus.
Also, in both Thessalonians and John we see that the voice causes the resurrection of life. The dead in Christ will rise when they hear His voice! This is the same event and Jesus and Michael must be the same person.
Let's look in the Old Testament for some more evidence. In the book of Joshua, we see that Joshua also saw Michael the Archangel:
13. And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14. And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
15. And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:13-15
This account in the book of Joshua is very interesting because we can now "nail down" who Joshua saw. Joshua met the captain of the Lord's host and we find that it is God. Joshua worshiped Him, and He did not stop Joshua in his worship. This is significant.
In Revelation, when John tried to worship an angel, the angel told him not to do that: "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10) We are only to worship God!
So we see that what the Man Joshua saw, was God Himself. Joshua is told that this ground is holy, take off your shoes. He is in the presence of God. Also, we see that this Being accepted the worship and the reverence that Joshua gave Him. Angels will not accept worship. When John tried to give honor to an angel, the angel stopped him:
We also see that Jesus accepted worship when He was on earth! Many times, Jesus accepted the worship of the people around Him.
In Revelation we find that it is Michael who leads the angel forces of heaven. Later you will see that in much of the Old Testament, this Being is identified as the angel of the Lord, but to Joshua, He identifies Himself as the captain of the Lord's Host! Who is that? Who is the captain of the Lord's Host?
In Revelation 12:7 we saw that Michael led the angel forces in Heaven.
7. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, Revelation 12:7-12
Now we find that the angels in Heaven are Michael's angels and that Michael leads His angels in battle against Satan! So, we can see that Michael is the Captain of the angels. He is their leader.
Putting Joshua 5 and Revelation 12 together, we see that Joshua saw a man who identified Himself as the Captain of the host of the Lord. That man is Michael, who is also God. Also we must remember the meaning of Archangel. Archangel means the chief of the angels. This does not mean that Michael is an angel, but that He is the Chief or Leader of the Angels in Heaven! He is the Chief of the angels! He is their commander, the Commander of the LORD'S army in Heaven, God's angels.
Now, in Revelation 19, we see that the leader of the armies of heaven, the leader of angels of heaven, is also called by a different name.
11. Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
12. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
13. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
14. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Revelation 19:11-14
We now see in verse 13 that it is The Word of God who leads the armies of heaven! From John 1:1 we read: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word of God is Jesus! Also, there are other hints that tell us that this is Jesus. "Faithful and True" (see Revelation 3:14) and "robe dipped in blood" both say that this is indeed Jesus. Jesus Himself is the one who leads the armies of Heaven to judge and make war against Satan!
Following on, we see that in verses 14, 19, and 20; the armies of heaven is indeed His army.
14. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
19. And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
20. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 19:14,19-20
Satan gathers together all his armies to battle against Jesus and His army in the final battle in the time of the end. This is when Satan is utterly defeated and all those who follow Satan are either placed alive in the lake of fire or they are killed with the sword (Rev 19:21). In Revelation 20 we see that Satan is bound for 1000 years before he is destroyed.
So, In Joshua 5 and Revelation 12 we saw that Michael is the chief of the angels. He is the leader of the armies of angels in heaven. But in Revelation 19 we see that it is Jesus Himself who leads the armies of heaven against Satan and his armies.
Before, we saw that "the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice" 1 thessalonians 4:16 but we also saw that "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God" John 5:25..
This all shows that Michael must be Jesus and that He is of the Godhead. Jesus is Michael the Archangel, the chief of the angels, and the captain of the host of the Lord. He is the one who leads the angels to victory!
FGJ
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