When were the angels created?
The Bible does not specifically mention angels during the creation account of Genesis 1—2. This has led to many questions regarding the origin of angels. When did God create angels?The Bible does not give an exact time, but does offer details that reveal the general period in which angels were created. First, the Bible teaches angels are ministering spirits who exist to serve God's people: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). Matthew 18:10 also teaches, "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." As one of the angels' purposes is to minister to humans, it makes sense that angels existed before Adam and Eve, at least by "day six" of creation.
In addition, Satan came in the form of a serpent to tempt Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. Since Satan is a fallen angel (Isaiah 14:13), then angels clearly existed prior to this temptation.
However, an even more exact detail is provided in Job 38:4-7. There we read, "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" We find that angels (here described as "sons of God") existed before the earth was developed. Therefore, angels existed on the first day of creation in Genesis 1.
Exactly "when" the angels were created is difficult to determine as time the way we understand it did not exist before God "laid the foundation of the earth." It is possible the angels were created just prior to God's creation of the earth, or well before it (in our reckoning of time). We know that angels existed by the first day of creation in Genesis 1. They witnessed God's creation of the foundations of the earth, praising God for the beauty and majesty of His work.
What are angels according to the Bible?
What are archangels? Is there more than one archangel?
What are the seraphim in the Bible?
Are there guardian angels?
Do humans become angels after death?
Truth about Angels
