Angelology: 9 Choirs of Angels

Due simply to the nature of my undergraduate and master's degrees in biblical literature, theology, and ministry, the odds are that I probably have a better grasp of the biblical (and true) concept of angels than most.  I don't say that to brag, but in fact, to point out that even despite my years of theological and biblical studies, there is much more information about angels to be learned.  Recently I have engaged in a much deeper and more intense study of Angels, which is revealing a lot of very interesting information.  I have added to my resource library of books dealing with the subject of angels, and also taken a closer look at the many scriptural passages regarding them. 

Of course, some of the authors and books on the subject are far better than others.  There is a lot of information and current thought about angels that is absolutely wrong and even ludicrous in some instances.  Furthermore, as a demonologist, I feel strongly that one must become an Angelologist before you can become a true demonologist.  That's simply because demons are fallen angels, who retain much of their power and ability, as well as rank structure and hierarchy.  One must be steadfast in regarding information and facts which can be tied to scripture, directly or indirectly, as more authoritative.  There is plenty that has been written about angels that is absolutely incorrect.  In "googling" angel and looking at the images, almost none of them depict anything close to what the real thing would be like.  Angels are not fat little toddlers, nor are they female.  They do however, have wings.  One of the more interesting aspects of angels, to me, is their rank structure - known as "Choirs" - of which there are nine.  These nine choirs are further subdivided into three hierarchies, or triads. 

The first triad are those choirs of angels that surround and occupy the throne room of God.  Their work is mostly to worship and serve the throne of the Lord Himself.  The second triad consists of those choirs which seem to be a go-between, mediating between the choirs of angels that deal most closely with humans (the third triad) and the heavenly realm.  They also seem to be those angels that deal with world structure, systems, character and virtue.  Finally, the third triad are those choirs which deal most closely with humans and contact with humans.  Below is the listing of the nine choirs.  In the future I will post more information about the realm of each hierarchy, or triad, and also the basic characteristics and work of each individual choir.

First Triad or Hierarchy:
1. Seraphim
2. Cherubim
3. Thrones

Second Triad or Hierarchy:
4. Dominions (or Dominations)
5. Virtues
6. Powers

Third Triad or Hierarchy:
7. Principalities
8. Archangels
9. Angels

As most people know, angel is translated literally from the original Greek of the New Testament as "messenger."  Most scholars, as well as the early Church Fathers, believe strongly that each of us has a guardian angel.  Humans can never become angels, as is popularly believed.  They are an entire other race of creature created by God.  Angels don't ever become human, humans never become angels.  Of the first two choirs - seraphim and cherubim - the "im" ending is the plural form.  So, it is incorrect to say "Seraphs" and "Cherubs."  Rather, they are seraphim and cherubim.  A single angel of these two choirs would be a seraph and cherub, respectively.