by Doreen Kajulu | 22 July 2020 08:46 am07
The Bible presents various types of angelic beings, each serving a unique role in the spiritual realm. Among them are:
These beings are described in apocalyptic visions and prophetic literature and serve specific functions: worship, warfare, message delivery, and guardianship.
The Seraphim (Hebrew: śārāph, meaning “burning ones”) appear explicitly in Isaiah 6:1–7, in the prophet’s vision of the Lord in the temple. This is the only place in the Bible where they are named:
Isaiah 6:1-3 (NIV)
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 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. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’”
Their cry of “Holy, holy, holy” is significant—this threefold repetition emphasizes God’s perfect and complete holiness, unlike any created being.
The worship of the Seraphim reveals key theological truths:
Revelation 4:8 (NIV) parallels Isaiah’s vision:
“Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”
The behavior of the Seraphim offers practical lessons for Christian worship today. If angels, who are sinless, cover themselves before God, how much more should we approach Him with reverence?
Paul addresses this principle in 1 Corinthians 11, instructing the church on modesty and order during worship:
1 Corinthians 11:5 (NIV)
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”
1 Corinthians 11:10 (NIV)
“It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.”
This reference to “the angels” connects earthly worship with the order and reverence of the heavenly realm. Modesty, head coverings, and respectful behavior are not cultural relics but reflections of spiritual truths.
Many today come to worship dressed casually or immodestly, forgetting the sacredness of the moment. The Seraphim remind us that worship is not about comfort or appearance—it is about honoring a holy God.
Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)
“…let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”
While angels serve God and minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14), they are not objects of worship. Throughout Scripture, worship belongs to God alone.
Revelation 22:8-9 (NIV)
“I, John… fell down to worship at the feet of the angel… But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you… Worship God!’”
Creating images of angels or praying to them goes against this biblical instruction. The purpose of angelic beings is to glorify God, not to receive glory from men.
The Seraphim are not just awe-inspiring creatures—they are living symbols of how we should worship God:
Let us learn from their example and approach God in worship with fear, awe, and deep respect.
May the Lord bless
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/07/22/who-are-the-seraphim/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.