Seraphim

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Byzantine sketch of a six-winged Seraphim angel.
Mosaic of the six-winged many-eyed Seraphim and Cherubim Angels (Cathedral of Cefalù, Sicily, ca. 1150 A.D.)

The six-winged Seraphim are the angels closest to God (Isaiah 6:2) who, due to their closeness to God, resemble fire (Hebrews 12:29; Daniel 7:9; Exodus 24:17; Psalms 103:4). Due to this closeness to God, and their appearance, they were given the name 'seraphim', which in Hebrew means 'flaming'. They are aflame with love for God and kindle others to such love.

See also

References

Biblical Sources

  • Isaiah 6:2 - "And the seraphim stood around Him, each having six wings"
  • Hebrews 12:29 - "For our God is a consuming fire"
  • Daniel 7:9 - "His throne was a flame of fire"
  • Exodus 24:17 - "the appearance of the Lord was like a blazing fire"
  • Psalms 103:4 - "Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire"
Angels
First Hierarchy: Seraphim | Cherubim | Thrones
Second Hierarchy: Powers | Dominions | Principalities
Third Hierarchy: Virtues | Archangels | Angels