Can Christians command angels?

from the old testament

• Psalm 8:4–5 tells us that humans were made lower than the angels, yet God crowned us with glory and honor. Angels are actually more powerful than humans.
• Angels serve God and do what God commands them (Psalm 103:20–21). For example, Daniel 6:22 tells us that God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths when Daniel got thrown in with them. Also, angels carried out God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

from the new testament

• Hebrews 2:7–9 quotes Psalm 8:4–5 and reveals that Jesus, the Creator of the angels, made Himself “lower than the angels” when He became a human.
• The Bible does not mention any occasion of a person commanding an angel to act. Instead, angels follow the commands of God. They serve as His messengers and servants who do His will. Hebrews 1:14 shares, "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"
• Angels ministered to Jesus in the wilderness (Mark 1:13) and often helped God's people in the Bible.
• Speaking of children, Jesus taught, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 18:10). It appears angels specifically watch over children, serving under the authority of God, not humans.
• Angels can also carry out God's judgments. For example, Revelation 15:6 shares that seven angels carry out the seven plagues God will send on the earth during the future tribulation.
• Why, then, does the apostle Paul state in 1 Corinthian 6:2–3 that believers will "judge angels"? As people created in God's image, believers will one day have the authority to likewise govern angels in heaven (2 Timothy 2:12). In addition, it is possible Paul means believers will stand in judgment against fallen angels, or demons, at the final judgment (Revelation 20:4). Both may be true, indicating that although the role of angels is superior to humans in this life, it will be different for God's people in eternity.

implications for today

God did not give Christians the ability to command angels in this life. When angels visited people in the Bible, the response was generally one of fear and respect, not telling them what to do. Angels represent God and serve His will. Believers are not to command angels to serve their needs but rather to serve alongside God's holy angels to worship God and carry out His will in this world. In our daily lives, it is important to remember that we do not have authority over angels—they are God's messengers and servants. Just as angels obey God's commands and fulfill His will, we are called to trust in God's guidance and care. Rather than attempting to command spiritual beings, we should trust that God, in His wisdom and power, dispatches His angels for protection, guidance, and carrying out His plans. This understanding invites us to live with humility, recognizing our own limitations and the greatness of God's authority. It also reassures us that, just as angels watch over and minister to God's people, we are under the care of a loving and sovereign God, who orchestrates all things according to His purpose. This knowledge should inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our security and guidance come from God alone, who commands all creation, including His mighty angels.