the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Encyclopedias
Seraphim
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
or
It is probable enough that popular mythology connected fire with the attendants of the deity in various ways among different peoples, and that burning lies at the base of the idea in all these suggested etymologies. It remains, however, that in Isaiah's use there is nothing of the popular legend or superstition. These seraphim are august beings whose forms are not at all fully described. They had faces, feet, hands and wings. The six wings, in three pairs, covered their faces and feet in humility and reverence, and were used for sustaining them in their positions about the throne of Yahweh. One of them is the agent for burning (with a coal off the altar, not with his own power or person) the sin from the lips of the prophet.
Seraphim are in Jewish theology connected with
In the New Testament the only possible equivalent is in "the living ones" ("beasts" of the King James Version) in Revelation 4:1-11; Revelation 5:1-14 , etc. Here, as in Isaiah, they appear nearest Yahweh's throne, supreme in praise of His holiness.
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Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Seraphim'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/s/seraphim.html. 1915.
