Angelology
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Dominions
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Dominions
Dominions: The Divine Orchestration of Celestial Duty Hold the role of leadership among angels, orchestrating the duties of celestial beings to enact God’s will, symbolized by their regal attire and scepters.
“In extrabiblical literature, κυριότης occurs only very rarely. When it does, it has the meanings of ‘lordship, rule’ and ‘special meaning’. It is only in writings influenced by the NT that the term is used to refer to a class of angels; see the many references in Lampe’s PGL 788b. When in a fragment of the originally Jewish Apocalypse of Zephaniah the author is said to have been brought up into the fifth heaven where he saw “angels who are called lords” (ἀγγέλους καλουμένους κυρίους, quoted by Clement of Alexandria, Strom. V 11, 77, 2), we may have here a kind of Jewish precursor of the Christian usage of κυριότης, but the origin of this passage remains debated (contrast the opinion of Bietenhard 1951:105 n.2 with O. Wintermute in OTP I 508 n.b), although Acts 10:4 (κύριε said to an angel) would seem to corroborate its Jewish character. The same uncertainty attaches to the ‘dominions’ mentioned as a class of angels in the longer recension of 2 Enoch 20:1, handed down only in an Old Church Slavonic version, and to the ‘angels of dominions’ in 1 Enoch 61:10, preserved only in a (Christian) Ethiopic translation (W. Foerster, TWNT 2 568). Also the list of angelic powers (among which κυριότητες) in the originally Jewish prayer in the Apostolic Constitutions VII 35, 3 is suspect since it may well derive from Col 1:16. The occurrence of ‘dominions’ in the angelic list of Test. Adam 4:6 is not very helpful either since it is found in only one manuscript of the Syriac version. If (some of) these passages could be proved to be of Jewish origin, the NT authors would reflect Jewish usage here, as is also the case with the other designations of angelic classes (Bietenhard 1951:105; for the use of abstract instead of concrete nouns see Foerster in TWNT 3 1096). That these (evil?) angels were originally regarded as powerful ‘Lords’ is apparent from this designation (Schroeger 1981:821).” (1)
“Jubilees, § 15: Over all [the Gentile nations] hath [God] set spirits as lords’ (cf. Sir 17:17); in Test. XII. Patr. Levi 3, ‘In the heaven next to God are thrones (θρόνοι), powers (ἐξουσίαι),’ angels being, in the same passage, assigned to each of the first six out of the seven heavens, in descending order; in Enoch 6:10, ‘The host of the heavens and all the holy ones above, and the host of God … all the angels of power, and all the angels of principalities,’ etc. Christian Fathers, such as Origen, Ephrem Syrus, Pseudo-Dionysius, accept similar though varying gradations (see Lightfoot, Col 1:16)” (2)
“Mentioned at Eph. 1:21; Col. 1:16 (cf. KJV, Jude 25; RSV “authority”) in conjunction with thrones, principalities, and authorities, dominion (Gk. kyriótēs; cf. kýrios “lord”) appears to designate an order or hierarchy of angels (cf. Eph. 6:12). Paul here insists that Christ alone is the mediator between the Creator and creation, having the full authority of God.”(3)
Sources:(1) Van der Horst, P. W. “Dominion.” Ed. Karel van der Toorn and Bob Becking. Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible 1999: 262. Print.(2) Massie, John. “DOMINION.” Ed. James Hastings et al. A Dictionary of the Bible: Dealing with Its Language, Literature, and Contents Including the Biblical Theology 1911–1912: 616. Print.(3) Myers, Allen C. The Eerdmans Bible dictionary 1987: 290. Print.-
This discussion was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by
Justinian of Arizona.
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This discussion was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by Justinian of Arizona.
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This discussion was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by Justinian of Arizona.
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This discussion was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by
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20 Replies
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What specific leadership roles do Dominions hold within the hierarchy of angels?
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In Eastern Orthodox theology, Dominions are considered to be high-ranking celestial beings who exercise authority over the lower choirs of angels, directing them in accordance with God’s will. They ensure that the cosmos remains in order and that the divine plan is executed throughout creation.
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How do Dominions orchestrate the duties of other celestial beings to enact God’s will?
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Dominions orchestrate the duties of other celestial beings by delegating responsibilities and overseeing their activities. They serve as heavenly governors, ensuring that each angelic being fulfills its designated role in the divine economy, thus maintaining harmony and order in the universe.
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In what ways are Dominions symbolized by regal attire and scepters, and what do these symbols represent?
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Regal attire and scepters symbolize the authority and governance that Dominions hold within the celestial hierarchy. These symbols reflect their role as leaders and administrators of God’s will, signifying their sovereignty over the lower orders of angels and their duty to uphold divine law and order.
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Can humans perceive or understand the actions of Dominions in the spiritual realm?
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While the actions of Dominions in the spiritual realm are beyond full human comprehension, their effects can sometimes be perceived through the order and harmony in creation, and through the guidance and protection believers receive. The faithful may also gain insights into the workings of the celestial hierarchy through prayer, contemplation, and the study of Holy Scripture.
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How do the tasks assigned to Dominions differ from those of other angelic ranks?
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The tasks of Dominions are primarily focused on leadership and governance, ensuring that God’s will is carried out throughout the celestial and terrestrial realms. Unlike angels who are messengers to humans or those who engage directly in spiritual warfare, Dominions operate at a higher level of administration and authority, overseeing the implementation of divine order.
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Are there biblical or theological texts that provide insight into the functions and responsibilities of Dominions?
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While specific details about Dominions are not extensively outlined in Scripture, their existence and role within the celestial hierarchy are implied in various biblical passages, such as Colossians 1:16 and Ephesians 1:21. Church Fathers and theologians, such as Dionysius the Areopagite in his work “Celestial Hierarchy,” have further elaborated on their functions and responsibilities.
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How do Dominions contribute to the maintenance of cosmic order and divine law?
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Dominions contribute to the maintenance of cosmic order and divine law by overseeing and directing the activities of the lower choirs of angels, ensuring that everything operates according to God’s will. Their governance helps maintain balance and harmony in the universe, reflecting the divine order.
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In what manner do Dominions interact with humans, if at all, in their role as leaders among angels?
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Direct interaction between Dominions and humans is rare, as their primary role is governance within the celestial realm. However, their actions indirectly impact humanity by maintaining the order and harmony of creation, which benefits all beings, including humans.
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What significance does the leadership of Dominions have on the spiritual well-being of humanity?
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The leadership of Dominions has a profound significance on the spiritual well-being of humanity by ensuring that the universe operates according to divine law, which includes the unfolding of God’s salvific plan for humanity. Through their governance, they facilitate an environment where humans can grow spiritually and move towards salvation.
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Are there specific prayers or practices believers can engage in to seek guidance or assistance from Dominions?
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While there are no specific prayers addressed directly to Dominions in Eastern Orthodox tradition, believers are encouraged to pray to God, asking for the intercession of all the heavenly hosts, including Dominions, for guidance and assistance. Engaging in the sacramental life of the Church, participating in liturgical worship, and leading a life of obedience to God’s commandments are ways to align oneself with the divine order that Dominions help to maintain.
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