Fallen Angels as We Think Them Do Not Exist: Understanding Who They Really Are
- So Am I Books
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
The idea of “fallen angels” has long captured the imagination—rebellious celestial beings cast out of heaven for defying God. But what if this popular understanding is mistaken? The Bible does talk about “fallen angels,” yet not as supernatural rebels. Instead, these “fallen angels” are better understood as disobedient human beings—specifically Israelites—under divine judgment, or as obedient agents of God carrying out His wrath.
In this article, we’ll explore the biblical evidence that clarifies who the so-called “fallen angels” really are, challenging common myths and restoring a faithful scriptural perspective.
Angels Are Always Obedient
From Genesis through Revelation, angels are described as powerful, obedient spirits who serve God and His purposes without rebellion.
Angels Carry Out God’s Commands
Psalm 103:20 (KJV): “Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”
Hebrews 1:14: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
Luke 1:19: The angel Gabriel declares, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.”
Psalm 104:4: “Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire.”
In each passage, angels are sent by God to perform specific tasks—delivering messages, protecting His people, executing judgment. Their obedience is fundamental to their nature.
What About “Evil Angels” in Psalm 78:49?
Psalm 78:49 states:“He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.”
Many assume these “evil angels” are rebellious spirits or demons, but a closer look at the Hebrew word for “evil” (ra) clarifies this:
The word means harmful, calamitous, or troubling, not inherently morally evil.
These angels are instruments of God’s wrath, sent to execute judgment on Israel.
This means “evil angels” are obedient servants of God used for punishment, not disobedient celestial rebels.
The “Fallen Angels” Were Israelites
The Bible frequently portrays Israel as God’s chosen people who failed to uphold their covenant, leading to divine judgment.
Acts 7:53: “You who received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”
Hebrews 2:2: “For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward...”
Psalm 82:6-7: “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men...”
These passages point to Israelite leaders and people as spiritual “gods” or representatives who fell from their high calling through disobedience, not angels who rebelled.
Angels as Winds and Flames of Fire: Instruments, Not Rebels
Hebrews 1:7 and Psalm 104:4 describe angels metaphorically as “winds” and “flaming fire”—elements under God’s control, sent as His ministers.
These images emphasize angels as forces of divine will, not autonomous beings capable of rebellion.
Examples of Angelic Obedience in Scripture
Exodus 23:23: “For mine angel shall go before thee... and I will take away the Amorite.”
Numbers 20:16: God sends an angel to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
Isaiah 63:9: “The angel of his presence saved them.”
Isaiah 37:36: The angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrians.
Acts 5:19: An angel opens the prison doors for the apostles.
In every case, angels act as faithful agents of God’s will.
Conclusion: Fallen Angels Are a Misunderstanding
The Bible never teaches the existence of rebellious angels who fell from heaven independently. Instead:
All angels are obedient spirits sent by God.
The “evil angels” mentioned in judgment contexts are obedient agents executing divine wrath.
The “fall” refers to covenantal disobedience by Israelite people, who were entrusted with the Law by angels but failed to keep it.
This understanding aligns with the consistent biblical theme that God’s heavenly hosts do not rebel and that human disobedience, not celestial rebellion, is the true cause of spiritual fall.
References:
Psalm 78:49 KJV
Psalm 103:20 KJV
Hebrews 1:7, 1:14
Psalm 104:4 KJV
Acts 7:53
Hebrews 2:2
Luke 1:19
Exodus 23:23
Numbers 20:16
Isaiah 63:8-9
Isaiah 37:36
Acts 5:19
Job 33:22-26
