Good analogy!
It it my understanding that the three named angels in the Bible are named after aspects/praises of God, in relation to their angelic duties or functions. The angels themselves are not called “God,” as that would be a poor and misleading translation of the angelic names.
Michael (link)
Mikha’elִיכָאֵל / מיכאל
Gabriel (
link)
Gabri El: גַבְרִיאֵל
I am hoping that someone else will be able to explain the name
Raphael (Rafa’el רָפָאֵל) more fully. I understand that it is “God who Heals,” but would like a more in-depth break down of the meaning and etymology of the name Raphael.
In the book of Tobit, for instance, **the Angel Raphael is seen as a sort of mediator or a deliver of prayers that are brought before God
(“Now when you, Tobit, and Sarah prayed, it was I who presented the record of your prayer before the Glory of the Lord; and likewise whenever you used to bury the dead.” (Tobit 12:12-16 and comparing Tobit prayer with Psalm 141:2)) and also, the book of Tobit confirms that God’s will is commissioned to His angel (Raphael) ** to heal Tobit and his daughter-in-law Sarah, but also the
angel Raphael was sent to test Tobit, "13 When you did not hesitate to get up and leave your dinner in order to go and bury the dead, 14 I was sent to put you to the test. …
and there is some debate over this statement below:
Gabriel standing at the north-side of the temple, where the table with the twelve show-breads; i.e. physical side
Michael standing at the southside, where the menorah, the light, i.e. is, the spiritual side.
Uriel standing at the east-side, it is where you come in with your korban.
Raphael at the west, where the holy of holiest.
others say:
The tribe of Judah led to the east, corresponding to the angelic camp led by
Gabriel. Judah was a symbol of strength and firm discipline as is Gabriel, the angel of divine strength.
The tribe of Reuben led to the south, corresponding to the angelic camp led by
Michael. Reuben was a symbol of kindness; he was the first to rush to Joseph’s rescue. This corresponds to Michael, the angel of divine benevolence.
The tribe of Ephraim led to the west, corresponding to the angelic camp led by
Raphael. Generation later, the tribe of Ephraim would prevent Jews from the north of Israel to visit the Temple in Jerusalem. They never repented for this sin and were never spiritually healed. They were therefore aligned with Raphael, the angel of divine healing.
The tribe of Dan led to the north, corresponding to the angelic camp led by** Uriel**. The tribe of Dan actually implemented Ephraim’s ban on the pilgrimage and denied themselves access to spiritual light. They were therefore aligned with Uriel, the angel of, divine light."
There is more information on this but I can’t locate it right now
Many blessings
Mary
