Who Is the Archangel Uriel, Known as the Angel of Wisdom and Truth?

　　In biblical literature, the Archangel Uriel is considered to be the angel of wisdom, who shines the light of God’s truth to those who seek information, solutions, or even require wisdom. He is commonly portrayed carrying a book or a scroll which symbolize wisdom.

　　The name “Uriel” is derived from the Hebrew אוּרִיאֵל and means “God is my light.” It is also translated as “Fire of God.”

　　Other names for Uriel are Oriel, Auriel, and Uzziel, however, he is also known as the “Prince of the Sun,” the “Angel of the Presence,” the “Archangel of Salvation,” and the “Patron of Prophecy,” and more.

What is the Origin of the Archangel Uriel?

　　However, there are 15 literary texts called the Apocrypha, which provide accounts of the Archangels, but are not a part of the biblical canon, so as such, these entries must be taken with a grain of salt.

　　These apocryphal texts include the Book of Tobit, the Book of Enoch, the First and Second Book of Esdras, The First and Second Book of the Maccabees, The Book of Wisdom, and more.

　　In the Book of Enoch, seven angels are defined as Archangels and are listed by name, of which Uriel is included. Archangels are superior in rank to the other types of angels such as cherubim, Seraphim, Principalities, and Powers and therefore lead them. Uriel is also mentioned by name in the Testament of Solomon.

　　The seven archangels mentioned in the Book of Enoch lamented over the toll that man’s sins had waged over them, which resulted in human suffering and a broken world.

　　In response, God assigned some of these angels to watch over mankind and guide and protect them. Uriel was one of these.

　　Ancient texts such as the Tobit 12:15-22 and Jewish and Kabalistic writings mention the existence of six further Archangels. Here are their names: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Jophiel, Raguel, and Lucifer.

　　Note: These apocryphal books, which were believed to have been written between 200 BC and AD 400. However, they were eventually disregarded for their lack of divine conception and incompatibility with biblical principles.