What's the origin of angels in the Abrahamic religions? Did they exist in related Semitic polytheism? Are they imported/co-opted gods? Were there ever any cults or off-shoots that worshiped them?

by Seswatha
singing-mud-nerd

I suggest r/academicbiblical

pberggre

For the first part of the question, This is a very informative article on the subject. Read the whole thing though because it begins in a part of the Old Testament that is far after Abraham, but it is for a good purpose to interpret words used in genesis. https://biologos.org/blogs/archive/genesis-creation-and-ancient-interpreters-what-about-angels/ As you can see in the above article, you will notice that the words for angel, and stars can be interchangeable, and when you study the beliefs and understanding of all ancient religions, you will find in the symbolism the belief in the symmetry and geometry of light and darkness, so I would say that all religions, all kingdoms, and all cults that worshipped stars, or angels, or Gods, or demons, are all worshipping the same thing. Angels, Hosts, stars, Gods, and the timing of angles of light and darkness, are the same thing in one way or another.