Who is Metatron? What is his role in the Bible?
Who is Metatron? Metatron is a legendary archangel mentioned in some Jewish writings. It is said that he was once human, known as Enoch, but now some believe he is the highest angel, often associated with mystical sciences.
Who is Metatron? Metatron, also known as “The Youth,” is a celestial being mentioned in sacred texts. In the Third Book of Enoch, the title “The Youth” appears to refer to him as a servant. He is identified in Exodus 23:21 as the angel who guided the Israelites through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. In response to the question “Who is Metatron?” it should be noted that Metatron is also described as a heavenly priest.
“Metatron” may sound more like the name of a Transformer than an angel, but according to some, he is the most powerful angel in heaven. Metatron is a high-ranking angel or being in Jewish tradition and in some Christian, Islamic, and esoteric traditions. For some, he is an angel who was once human, witnessing the face of God as His scribe and acting as a mediator between God and Israel. However, there are several issues concerning the idea of Metatron that will be discussed further.
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Where did the legend of Metatron originate?(Who is Metatron?)
Metatron is mentioned in sections of the Babylonian Talmud, the mystical texts of Kabbalah, and the Books of Enoch (apocryphal books).
The Talmud is the central text of Judaism, encompassing discussions and interpretations of Jewish history, laws, and customs. For a long time, the Talmud was transmitted orally until it was compiled and recorded in the 2nd century CE as a document called the Mishnah. Subsequent commentaries on the Mishnah were written, forming the second part of the Talmud, known as the Gemara. The Babylonian Talmud, mentioned above, was completed in the 5th century CE.
The Talmud is not recognized as a sacred text in Christianity. Although some of its teachings may align with Christian teachings, the entire New Testament was fully written and largely compiled by the time the Mishnah was written and accepted as scripture before the Babylonian Talmud took shape.
The Books of Enoch are apocryphal, meaning they are works falsely attributed to someone or whose claimed authorship is unsubstantiated. Several of these works are attributed to Enoch, although most people refer to First Enoch when speaking of the “Book of Enoch.”
These books are also not considered sacred or inspired. Like other apocryphal works, they are prone to unorthodox theology and historical inaccuracies.
What do legends say about Metatron?(Who is Metatron?)
According to these writings, Metatron was once a human named Enoch, mentioned in the Book of Genesis as a man who walked with God by faith (though in one version, Metatron was never human and did not come from Enoch).
Enoch was taken to heaven without dying, where he was transformed into the angel Metatron and seated on a throne next to God’s throne. He was second only to God in power, wisdom, and glory, and all other angels obeyed him.
According to legend, Metatron is among the select group of angels permitted to gaze upon God’s face. He serves as the heavenly scribe and also as a mediator or heavenly priest for the people, acting as an intermediary between Israel and God. One legend claims that it was Metatron who guided Israel through the wilderness.
Occult and New Age practices have continued the legend of Metatron. A popular Tarot site states that Enoch/Metatron “was elevated to the angelic realm through his faith in God and completely pious behavior.” The site continues: “Thus, Archangel Metatron is one of the most powerful archangels in this New Age because he directly represents our capacity for ascension and our ability to access spiritual power.”
Books on archangels and mysticism are abundant, advising believers to identify Metatron by his aura color, distinctive scent, or by summoning him using crystals and candles.
What does the Bible say about Metatron?
Metatron is never mentioned in the Bible. However, Enoch is included in two sections.
Genesis 5:18-24 tells the brief story of Enoch’s life:
“When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch. After he became the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Jared lived a total of 962 years, and then he died.
When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more because God took him away.”
Hebrews 11:5 provides a bit more information:
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”
Therefore, the Bible says nothing about Metatron and does not suggest that Enoch became an angel.
Is Metatron real?
So, Metatron is not in the Bible. But could he still exist? According to orthodox Christianity, if he was first the human Enoch, no. Humans and angels are entirely different beings, and humans do not become angels. So what if he wasn’t human first? There are still many red flags. One of the first is the claim of Metatron as a mediator or priest between Israel and God. Only one person can fill this role, and the Bible specifically states that this person is Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus intercedes for us as the high priest (Hebrews 4:14), and placing anyone else, human or angel, in this role is a dangerous deviation.
The second problem is the idea that Metatron is seated on a throne next to God’s throne. The Bible repeatedly states that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). Again, this seems to place Metatron in the position of Jesus. Regarding Metatron leading the Israelites through the wilderness, the Bible specifically states that the Lord, Yahweh, went before them (Exodus 13:21-22). At every turn, Metatron appears to be taking on roles that belong to God.
The Dangers of Metatron Belief in a being that detracts from the roles and honor belonging to God is no simple matter. As much as the biblical inaccuracy of the legends is concerning, the volume of New Age and occult information about Metatron, including how to summon, sense, and call upon his power, is equally troubling. Most research for this article involved sifting through large amounts of New Age and occult material to find Christian or even Jewish perspectives.
Recall the quote above: “Archangel Metatron is one of the most powerful archangels in this New Age because he directly represents our capacity for ascension and our ability to access spiritual power.”
Emphasis on summoning, studying, or even praying to beings and powers other than God ultimately stems from pride. The Bible is clear that we have no “capacity for ascension” on our own but are entirely depraved and saved solely by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Whether or not an angel like Metatron exists, let’s remember 1 Timothy 4:7: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” In all things, let us focus on Christ, our all-sufficient Lord and Savior.