I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels which present the prayers of the saints and go in before the glory of the Holy One.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 15. Raphael. We know also the names of Michael and Gabriel. All others are apocryphal; such as Uriel, Saltiel, Jeadriel Barachiel, and so forth—Seven. This number is clearly specified by Saint John, Revelation 1:4. A mass in their honour was approved by Pius IV. It is supposed that the seven deacons in the Church of Rome, and of Jerusalem, were instituted in imitation of them. The kings, Assuerus, and so forth had seven chief officers. Esther 1:10. Calmet.—Lord, ready to fulfil his orders, as innumerable other angels, of inferior degree, are likewise. Menochius. Daniel 7:10.—These were the princes of the heavenly court. S. Jerom (con. Jovin.) admits only seven orders of angels. Calmet.—Greek “I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who offer up the prayers of the saints, and go out before the glory of the Holy One. And they were both troubled,” and so forth ( Bible.) at so unusual a thing, ( Menochius.) and filled with reverential awe. Bible.—They might also suspect that death would shortly follow. Calmet. Genesis 16:13.