Question: Do the holy angels in heaven have leaders, just like we humans have leaders who guide us?
Answer: Yes. Just as humans have leadership here on earth, Scripture reveals that angels also have leadership roles in heaven. This means some angels are appointed as leaders, while others are not.
One clear example is Michael, who is explicitly identified as a leading angel. In Revelation 12:7-8 (NIV), we read:
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.”
Here, Michael is shown as the chief warrior angel leading the heavenly forces against Satan and his followers. This clearly implies a hierarchical structure among angels.
Additionally, in Jude 1:9 (NIV), Michael is called the archangel:
“But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”
The title “archangel” literally means “chief angel” or “principal angel,” highlighting Michael’s leadership and authority among the angelic beings.
Another significant example is found in the Old Testament, where Joshua meets the “Commander of the Lord’s army.” In Joshua 5:13-15 (NIV):
“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’ ‘Neither,’ he replied, ‘but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, ‘What message does my Lord have for his servant?’ The commander of the Lord’s army said, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.”
This “Commander” is commonly understood to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a high-ranking angelic being tasked with leading God’s heavenly armies. The title “commander” (Hebrew sar, meaning leader or prince) indicates authority over other angelic beings.
While the Bible clearly teaches there is leadership among angels, it also emphasizes that angels are not to be worshiped or adored. Worship is due to God alone.
Colossians 2:18 (NIV) warns:
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
Worshiping angels is considered a false practice that can lead believers astray. Angels are servants of God, sent to minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14), but they are not divine themselves.
Scripture makes it clear that only God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — is worthy of worship, praise, and reverence.
Jesus Christ is the one believers are called to trust, follow, and serve.
In summary:
Shalom.
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