Michael

Michael is one of the most notable archangels found in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditons, arguably second only to Gabriel. Michael is commonly depicted as the powerful leader of the heavenly "hosts" (armies). He primarily serves as a protector and defender of Israel and the Jewish people, or the people of God more generally.

Etymology
Michael's name in Hebrew is מִיכָאֵל‎ ("Mikhaʾel"), which is a shortened form of the question: " m iy kha mokha yahweh el oheynu," or "Who is like Yahweh our God?" found in the Hebrew Bible in Psalm 135:5. Or more literally, the name can be translated to English simply as "Who is like El (God)?" The question that comprises his name is meant to be rhetorical, implying that no one is like God. Besides Psalm 135:5, this question is referenced in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible. One example is Exodus 15:11:


 * “11 Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?
 * Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
 * awesome in splendor, doing wonders?"


 * -Exodus 15:11 (New Revised Standard Version)

Another is Deuteronomy 33:26-29:


 * "26 There is none like God, O Jeshurun,
 * who rides through the heavens to your help,
 * majestic through the skies.
 * 27 He subdues the ancient gods,
 * shatters the forces of old;
 * he drove out the enemy before you,
 * and said, “Destroy!”
 * 28 So Israel lives in safety,
 * untroubled is Jacob’s abode
 * in a land of grain and wine,
 * where the heavens drop down dew.
 * 29 Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,
 * a people saved by the Lord,
 * the shield of your help,
 * and the sword of your triumph!
 * Your enemies shall come fawning to you,
 * and you shall tread on their backs."


 * -Deuteronomy 33:26-29 (New Revised Standard Version)