Seraphim

 

     I planned to write on Gabriel, Michael, the seraphim and cherubim all in one day. Turns out I could have done a week on each. The study of angels in the Bible is exhaustive and I encourage you to dig deeper even after our two-week look at these fascinating creations of our awesome God.

     Let’s check in on the seraphim. They are mentioned only in Isaiah 6. Isaiah is a major prophet and began his ministry in 740 B.C.

Above him were seraphim; each with six wings; with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  Isaiah 6:2

     Isaiah saw the Lord and these six-winged angels above His throne. They are praising God saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of his glory.”  At this sound everything shook and the temple was filled with smoke (see Isaiah 6:3-4)

     Isaiah’s reaction to this sight?

“Woe to me!” I cried, “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips…Isaiah 6:5

     The most amazing thing happens next:

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”  Isaiah 6:6-7

     Can you imagine seeing this vision of the Lord and His angels? No wonder Isaiah believes he is ruined. It is too much for us to imagine let alone see with our own eyes. What do we know about the seraphim?

·       They reside above the throne of God

·       They praise Him in holy worship

·       They have six wings and can fly

·       They are able to speak

·       There are live coals on the altar of the Lord and the angels handle them with tongs

     The cherubim also have coals floating between their bodies and the wheels with eyes that follow below them. Interested? Tune in tomorrow. The cherubim are in the Bible over seventy times, so we will delve in as much as possible in one day. 

Dear Lord,

How can we imagine such a scene as this? You are above all that we think or imagine. Your creation around us is astounding. Your creations in the heavenlies take our breath away. Keep us studying Your word. You are the light of the world and to Your glory we praise You.

In our precious Savior, Jesus

Amen