The Angel of Death
by: Richard S. Clifton

Vol. 2, No. 21 (October 23, 1999)

In the popular movie, City of Angels, angels are seen fetching souls from people at the instant of their deaths. Movies, novels, plays and lore often depict an "Angel of Death." More than 400 years ago, Shakespeare wrote of "flights of angels" which carried one to his rest. If you're a fan of Touched by an Angel, you're no stranger to their portrayal of the Angel of Death. However, no reference in the bible identifies any angel or group of angels in this particular role. It seems to have evolved from ancient beliefs in divinities of death.

For example, Hindus believe in a god of death called Yama. Yama rules the afterlife. In the early times, this afterlife was filled with carnal pleasures. Later, Yama became a somewhat dark god who grabbed the souls of the deceased and carried them off to a hell-like place.

The modern concept of the Angel of Death appears to have evolved from folklore, stories and writing. Stories, and later movies and TV shows, generally fall into three categories. In one, the Angel of Death is portrayed as an evil and being - a magic being such as vampire stories. In another sort, he is a somewhat dimwitted character who can easily be defeated by human deception. Finally, the angel may act somewhat kindly. Often, he is able to be persuaded to spare the life of person he has come for.

Whether a product of the human imagination or the mind of God, any angel associated with the death of a human being can only be following the will and desires of God Himself. It is often believed that one of duties of angels is to be there when we die to spirit our soul away to Heaven. If this is the case then any angel in the group would be better known of the Angel of Life, for it is towards that perfect and eternal life with our Heavenly Father that the angels take us.

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