In Isaiah
In Isaiah, seraphim surround God enthroned in the temple during the vision of Isaiah's call. Each has six wings, with two covering the face, two covering the feet, and two used for flight.
One of the seraphim flies toward the speaker with a burning coal taken from the altar with tongs. A seraph touches Isaiah's lips with the burning coal, purifying him for prophetic ministry.
In 3 Enoch
This text describes four Seraphim, each with six wings and each as tall as the seven heavens combined. Their light is so intense that its brightness rivals that of the Throne of Glory.
The fiery Seraphim and the heavenly rulers of the Merkaba overwhelm the person they behold with fear and awe. The Holy One tells the Seraphim, Kerubim, and Ophannim to turn their eyes away from Ishmael so he will not tremble.
In Testament of Adam
Testament of Adam places the seraphim in the eighth order and describes their unceasing song before the Majesty. At the fourth hour, the Seraphim proclaim Him holy, while at the tenth hour their wings sound as cocks crow and praise God.
Where the Seraphim appear
- IsaiahIn Isaiah, seraphim surround God in the temple, and a seraph purifies Isaiah's lips with a burning coal. · The Complete 88-Book Ethiopian Bible
- Testament of AdamIn Testament of Adam, the seraphim belong to the eighth order and sing continually before the Majesty. · The Complete Books of Enoch
- Hekhalot RabbatiHekhalot Rabbati describes seraphim of flame standing around the throne as a cry sounds from every side. · The Complete Books of Enoch
- Mysteries of Heaven and EarthIn Mysteries of Heaven and Earth, the seraphs carry the cross of light while singing and bearing censers. · The Complete Books of Enoch
- On the Origin of the WorldOn the Origin of the World describes serpent-like angels named seraphim beside the throne, offering unceasing glorification. · The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
- The Secret Book of JohnThe Secret Book of John describes Yaldabaoth displaying different faces as he moves among the seraphim. · The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
- Testament of SolomonTestament of Solomon names Seraphim and Cherubim in an appeal for help accompanying treatment with salt and oil. · The Complete Books of Enoch
What the texts say, in their own words
“Seraphim stood above him, each with six wings: two covered his face, two covered his feet, and with two he flew.”
“Seeing this, the Holy One rebuked the Seraphim, Kerubim, and Ophannim, saying, “My servants, my Seraphim, my Kerubim, and my Ophannim, turn your eyes away from Ishmael, my son, my friend, my beloved one, and my glory, so that he will not tremble in fear before you.””
“The eighth order is that of the seraphim, who sing before the Majesty day and night, crying, “Holy, holy, holy,” and never fall silent.”
“Beside the throne he brought into being still other angels, serpent-like ones named seraphim, who glorify him without ceasing.”
Questions
Who are the Seraphim?
The Seraphim are heavenly beings described as guarding the throne of glory alongside Cherubim and Ophanim. Isaiah also places seraphim around God enthroned in the temple during the vision of his call.
How many wings do the Seraphim have?
In Isaiah, each Seraph has six wings, two covering the face, two covering the feet, and two used for flight.
Do the Seraphim sing?
Yes, Testament of Adam describes the seraphim singing before the Majesty day and night without falling silent. Mysteries of Heaven and Earth also describes the seraphs singing while carrying the cross of light.
Where is the Seraphim mentioned in the lost texts?
The Seraphim appears in Isaiah, in The Complete 88-Book Ethiopian Bible; Testament of Adam, Hekhalot Rabbati, Mysteries of Heaven and Earth and Testament of Solomon, in The Complete Books of Enoch; On the Origin of the World and The Secret Book of John, in The Nag Hammadi Scriptures.
