The Seraphim order of angels is the highest-ranking order of heavenly angels. They are described as having six wings. These celestial beings are described as using two of their wings for flight, two to cover their faces, and two to cover their feet. They have been referred to as “the burning ones” and as “flying serpents.” They also have been described as very tall.
The Seraphim are highly connected with the throne of God. They guard God’s throne effortlessly and help spread God’s divine light. It is said that the Seraphim order of Angels shine so fiery bright that no one else can look upon them.
It is believed that their swords may burn in flames and that they appear in the memories of the Prophet Isaiah. It is also believed that they only use a pair of wings to fly and that with the other two they hide their body: face and feet for modesty and humility before God.
The Seraphim are the Highest Order of Angels
Pseudo-Dionysius discusses how the Seraphim are the highest-ranking order of angels and about their fire-like appearance from a section of the book, De Coelestia Hierachia (On the Celestial Hierarchy) by saying:
“We, whilst admitting this as the arrangement of the holy hierarchies, affirm, that every appellation of the celestial minds denotes the God-like characteristics of each; and those who know Hebrew affirm, that the holy designation of the seraphim denotes either that they are kindling or burning; and that of Cherubim, the fullness of knowledge or stream of wisdom. Naturally, then, the first order of the heavenly hierarchies is ministered by the most exalted. Beings, holding, as it does, a rank which is higher than all, from the fact, that it is established immediately around God, and that the first-wrought divine manifestations and perfections pass earlier to it, as being nearest. They are called, then, ‘Burning’ and Thrones, and a stream of wisdom—by a name which sets forth their Godlike conditions.”
The Seraphim Order of Angels within the Bible
The Seraphim are mentioned heavily in the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 6. Here, Isaiah speaks about seeing the Seraphim at the throne of God. They are also referenced in the book of Revelation and the apocryphal book of Enoch. Enoch 3 speaks about how there are four seraphim angels who correspond to the four winds of the world.
“Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.” – Isaiah 6:2
“Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.’ – Isaiah 6:6-7
The Seraphim Order of Angels and their Constant Praise of God
The Seraphim oversee caring for the throne of God. Their love for God is so intense that it literally keeps them a flame. They also praise God’s holy name without ceasing. We can see this in the following verses:
“And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” – Revelation 4:8
“And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” – Isaiah 6:3
The Seraphim Order of Angels and Esoteric Associations
The Seraphim order of Angels serves as the highest choir of Angels. Esoterically, this order of Angels is associated with the white ray of ascension which is pure and divine in nature. The white ray of ascension consists of God’s pure, loving, and eternal light.
