Archangel Gabriel - Who is Archangel Gabriel?

Gabriel is an archangel in Abrahamic religions, originally mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Gabriel appears to the prophet Daniel in the Hebrew Bible to explain his visions. The archangel is also mentioned in the Book of Enoch and other early Jewish texts. Gabriel, along with the archangel Michael, is depicted as Israel’s guardian angel, defending its people from the angels of other nations. In several languages, Gabriel is also known as “God’s Strength.”

Judaism

In the books of Daniel and Ezekiel, Talmudic rabbis interpreted the “man in linen” as Gabriel. Gabriel is the one who interprets Daniel’s visions in the Book of Daniel. Gabriel’s primary role in Daniel is that of revealer, which he continues to play in later literature. Gabriel is thought to be the angel that was sent to demolish Jerusalem in the Book of Ezekiel. Gabriel, according to the Jewish Encyclopedia, takes the form of a man and sits at God’s left hand.

Intertestamental Literature

The intertestamental period (approximately 200 BC–50 AD) produced a vast amount of literature, much of it apocalyptic in nature. Angels and devils were given new names and levels, and each had specific responsibilities and standing before God.