Depending on your tradition and background, you might have different ideas when you read the words “choirs of angels.” If you come from a Catholic background, you might think of the nine choirs of angels within the three main hierarchies of angels.
However, if you are a Protestant, your thoughts would likely go to the groups of angels that praise God, such as the heavenly host in Luke 2. Regardless of tradition or background, we need to look at what the Bible says about this topic.
Choirs are mentioned in Scripture, but these choirs consisted of human singers. For example, the Bible mentions musicians, which included singers, who served in the Tabernacle and the Temple (1 Chronicles 6:32 and 1 Chronicles 25).
David, Asaph, and the sons of Korah wrote many psalms or songs for the choir, which the Israelites used when worshiping God and when offering sacrifices (Psalm 9:1; 77:1; 84:1).
During Nehemiah’s time, he used choirs at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 12:27-43).
The Bible does mention groups of angels that worship God. When the angel announced the Messiah’s birth to the Shepherds, a heavenly host appeared and praised the Lord (Luke 2:8-14).
Similarly, John the Apostle mentioned the four living creatures, which resemble the description of Seraphim in Isaiah, that stand around the Throne of God: “Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8; compare to Isaiah 6:2-3).
Although these angels could have sung praises, Scripture does not specifically mention if they were singing. Christians praise and worship God through song and music, so it is probable that angels do the same (Psalm 13:6; Ephesians 5:19).
However, the Bible does not specifically tell us if angels do or not. Furthermore, in the instances recorded in the Bible in which the angels give praise to God, there is no mention of choirs.
Within certain traditions, such as the Roman Catholic Church, there are Christians who believe in choirs or groups of angels. The tradition that there are nine choirs of angels within three hierarchies came from Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite’s work The Celestial Hierarchy.
Thomas Aquinas, the 13th-century Christian thinker and theologian, also mentioned this classification system in his famous Summa Theologica under his discussion about hierarchies and orders of angels.
He listed the order of the hierarchies based on the works of Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite and Gregory the Great.
Following Dionysius’ order, Aquinas presents the hierarchies and choirs of angels in the following manner in Summa Theologica:
1. First hierarchy: Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones.
2. Second hierarchy: Dominations (or Dominions), Virtues, and Powers.
3. Third hierarchy: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels
The types of angels under each hierarchy are known as choirs of angels. Thus, there are three sets of choirs of angels under each hierarchy according to tradition.
In his writings, Aquinas described how these different classifications related to one another in terms of role and ranking. Today, his work continues to influence how people perceive angels and their classifications.
The titles for the choirs of angels are derived from Scripture. The Books of Isaiah and Ezekiel mention Seraphim and Cherubim, which are types of angels (Isaiah 6:2-7; Ezekiel 1:4-28). Of course, the term “archangel” is found in the Bible, as is the general title “angel” (Jude 1:9; Hebrews 1:14).
Furthermore, Ephesians 1:20-21 and Colossians 1:16 mention the terms, “dominions,” “virtue,” “powers,” “principalities,” and “thrones” (see the Douay-Rheims version for the inclusion of “virtue” in Ephesians 1:21).
As we can see from these examples, Thomas Aquinas (influenced by the works of Dionysius and Gregory) did use the Bible in his discussion about angels and directly took the titles from Scripture.
In the Summa Theologica, he also includes Scripture references when discussing if the angels are properly named.
The Bible does seem to support a type of angelic order in Ephesians 1:21 and Colossians 1:16. We know from other verses that there is a ranking among angels.
In Daniel 10:13, Michael the archangel is referred to as “one of the chief princes,” which indicates a superior role among the angels (see also Daniel 12:1 and Jude 1:9).
Scripture, though, does not give specific details about this ranking. Neither are there any references to hierarchies of angels or choirs.
Therefore, we need to note that although the names for the choirs of angels are derived from the Bible, the idea of choirs and detailed hierarchies is not present in God’s Word.
When considering the tradition within Christian thought about choirs of angels, we must remember that Aquinas’ writings can provide helpful insights, but his works are not the same as Scripture.
Also, Thomas Aquinas had a specific purpose in writing about angels when he penned the sections discussing angels.
As John R. Gilhooly mentions in his article for Credo Magazine, “For Thomas, and for medieval theology generally, angelology was largely a bridge doctrine — a conceptual link between the pure and ineffable nature of God and the natures of lower, corporeal creatures.”
If we focus too much on the hierarchies and choirs that Aquinas delineates, we miss the wider intent of his arguments.
Therefore, several types of angels exist, as mentioned in Scripture. There does seem to be some sort of ranking since Michael is listed as one of many chief princes. However, regarding specific hierarchies and choirs, such detailed delineations are part of tradition, not the Bible.
Focusing too much on the classification of choirs of angels also misses the point of the biblical study of angels. When we read about angels in the Bible and how they serve and praise God, our response should be to turn our focus to the Lord.
He is the Holy One surrounded by the living creatures that continually praise His awesome name (Revelation 4:8-11). Angels, no matter their type or role, serve the Lord and do His will.
As we read about the activities of the heavenly hosts and their exclamations of praise, we should let these exaltations move us to worship the Lord.
Believers are wise not to get caught up in an obsession with angels. They are created beings just like us. If we saw an angel today, he would tell us exactly what the angel in Revelation told John the Apostle.
He said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God” (Revelation 22:9, NLT).
Instead of getting wrapped up in discussions about hierarchies and choirs of angels, we should turn our eyes to Christ. He is preeminent over all things, including angels (Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:4-14).
Believers from different traditions within Christianity hold various views about choirs of angels. Some Christians think of singing angels while others quickly think of the nine choirs of angels, as delineated in Thomas Aquinas’ famous work.
Although the names of the rankings are based on the Bible, the idea of choirs and hierarchies of angels are not present in Scripture.
People can find the study of angels interesting and insightful, but ultimately, angels should remind us to worship the Lord and focus on Him. He is the only One worthy of our devotion and love.
For further reading:
Can Christians Speculate about the Lord’s Divine Council?
Does the Bible Show an Angel Hierarchy?
What Was the Significance of the Angels at Christmas?
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