another info dump, this time about the hierarchy of angels :)
fun fact about the “biblically accurate angels” is that they usually depict ophanim or galgalim, sometimes called “the wheels.” one of the dead sea scrolls calls them angels (4Q405), whereas the book of enoch portrays them as a class of celestial beings, like the seraphim or cherubim, and the first book of enoch equates them with the thrones, another angel rank described in christian angelology (61:10, 71:7).
the ophanim are described to be 4 wheels, each of 2 nested wheels, covered in eyes, that move next to the winged cherubim, beneath the throne of god (Ezekiel 1:15-21 NIV). Ezekiel 1:15-21 NIV reads:
"... I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel. As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around" (Biblica).
going back to the aforementioned cherubim. cherubim are another class of angel, still within the first sphere, that guard the way to the tree of life in the garden of eden (Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 28:14 & 28:16) and the throne of god (Ezekiel 1:15-21 NIV). they have 4 faces, that of a man, an ox, a lion, and an eagle, all of which were later adopted as the signs of the 4 evangelists. they have 4 conjoined wings, which are covered in eyes, a lions body, and ox feet (Ezekiel 1:5-11 KJV). in the image shown previously, a cherub is on the right. Ezekiel 1:6-11 KJV reads:
"And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot...
And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.
Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies" (Bible Gateway).
(Petites Heures de Jean de Berry, 14th cen.)
then there’s the seraphim. they are the highest class and translate to “the burning ones.” in isaiah chapter 6 in an idealized version of solomon’s temple, they are described as having 6 wings. one pair covers their faces, one their feet, and one which they use to fly. they sing constant praises of god (Isaiah 6:1-3 KJV). Isaiah 6:1-3 KJV reads:
"... I saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory" (Wikisource).
However, this isn't to say that the stereotypical image of an angel is incorrect. the ophanim/galgalim/thrones, cherubim, and seraphim are just 3 angel groups, all in the first sphere. The second sphere contains dominations/lordships (Guiley, 1996), virtues (The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville, 2006), and powers/authorities (The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville, 2006). The third sphere includes principalities/rulers (Ephesians 1, Ephesians 3), archangels (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible), and angels/malakhim. additionally, this is part of proposed theories about angel hierarchies and theology.
sources as they appear in the text, since this one is kind of a mess:
Encyclopedia of Angels by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong
