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Not All Angels Play the Harp

Not all angels play the harp,
_Or sing in heaven’s choir.
Some of them are warriors
_Who fly on wings of fire.

Daniel saw before his eyes
_A mighty angel standing.
Gabriel the messenger
_Gave Daniel understanding:

“Looking up, he saw there stood
_A man in linen fine;
A belt of finest gold around,
_A body crystalline.”

“Face like lightning streaming forth,
_Eyes like flaming torches,
Arms and legs like burnished bronze”
_(and Earth beneath He scorches.)

God says do not be afraid
_And do not lose your heart.
It’s not your war, it’s God’s to fight;
_His foes will soon depart.

Angels of the Lord encamp
_Around those who love Him.
They’re given power that’s divine
_To rescue all of them.

Then on doomsday God will take
_His terrible swift sword,
And kill at last Leviathan—
_It’s written in His word.

Praise of God be in my mouth,
_With two-edged sword in hand.
Please, God, help me slay the foe
_In accordance, as You planned.

Not all angels play the harp;
_Some carry out destruction.
Nothing earthly can deter their
_Puncturing compunction.

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Poet’s Note: The above poem is based on the following Bible verses: Daniel 10:5-8; 2 Chronicles 20:15; Psalms 34:7; and Isaiah 27:1.

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LTC Roy E. Peterson, US Army Military Intelligence and Russian Foreign Area Officer (Retired) has published more than 6,200 poems in 88 of his 112 books. He has been an Army Attaché in Moscow, Commander of INF Portal Monitoring in Votkinsk, first US Foreign Commercial Officer in Vladivostok, Russia and Regional Manager in the Russian Far East for IBM. He holds a BA, Hardin-Simmons University (Political Science); MA, University of Arizona (Political Science); MA, University of Southern California (Int. Relations) and MBA University of Phoenix. He taught at the University of Arizona, Western New Mexico University, University of Maryland, Travel University and the University of Phoenix.

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12 Responses

  1. Brian Yapko

    I have a personal affinity for Daniel and so greatly enjoyed this poem, Roy. The fact is, people of faith are not called upon to be doormats. Faith is full-blooded and has muscle as well as tears. Each has its own season.

    Reply
    • Roy Eugene Peterson

      Exactly my point. Great way to put it! I have written a book, “Demolishing the Demons,” that makes this case. Thank you for your comments.

      Reply
  2. Shamik Banerjee

    A striking message conveyed through this beautiful musical piece, Mr. Peterson. Thanks for the read!

    Reply
  3. Maria

    This poem is so beautifully composed with such a striking message.
    It is a prayer that deserves to be read frequently.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  4. M.D. Skeen

    This could be set to music as a hymn. As I was reading it the tune to “Oh God our help in ages past,” came to mind.

    Reply
    • Roy Eugene Peterson

      What a wonderful comment, M.D. I have written more than 150 songs, but I had not considered this one of them. Thank you for the thought.

      Reply
  5. Mary Jane Myers

    Dear Roy

    Thank you for your well-crafted ballad. The concept of “angel” has been over-sentimentalized by contemporary secular writers. Your poem reminds us that angels and archangels are powerful spiritual beings who are tasked by God with protecting humanity.

    Here in Springfield, Illinois, we Roman Catholics recite the Pope Leo XIII St Michael prayer after low Mass. “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle….” The prayer reminds us that God has created a heavenly host of angelic warriors “who fly on wings of fire” to fight against evil.

    Most sincerely
    Mary Jane

    Reply
    • Roy Eugene Peterson

      Mary Jane, bless you for your outstanding comments laden with wisdom. Thank you for sharing this prayer with us that shows divine inspiration. in recognition of those angels who do not play the harp and their role in Christian battle. This is one of the reasons I still love hearing and singing, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

      Reply
  6. Yael

    Great poem and well done, I really enjoyed reading it. I like the quick pace which it imparts to these Bible themes, giving it a rousing feel.

    Reply
  7. Margaret Coats

    Roy, very sorry to have missed this fine work of yours for a whole week. I like your “Angels of the Lord encamp/Around those who love Him” because it echoes the conclusion of my bedtime prayer. “Jesus Christ my God, I adore Thee and thank Thee for all the graces Thou hast given me this day. I offer Thee my sleep and all the moments of this night. I place myself within Thy sacred side and under the mantle of Our Lady Thy mother. May Thy holy angels stand about me and keep me in peace, and may Thy blessing be always upon me.” Blessings be upon you for having written this!

    Reply

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