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In Isa. 6: 2 the holy beings that stand above the throne are called Seraphim, which
has led many to believe that a different order of celestial being from the Cherubim is
indicated. But that this is by no means a necessary deduction, we will seek to show.
Primarily, the word seraph means "To burn", and anything that burns may be a
seraph, even if it be a city (Isa. 1: 7), or an idol (Isa. 44: 16). Consequently, if it suited
the purpose of Isa. 6: to call the Cherubim by a distinctive feature, that of itself would
not prove a distinction of being. The description given in the book of Revelation of the
four "zoa" or "living ones" (wrongly translated "beasts"), shows the Cherubim of Ezekiel
to be identical with the Seraphim of Isaiah.
"And the first living one was like a lion, and the second living one like a calf, and the
third living one had a face as a man, and the fourth living one was like a flying eagle.
And the four living ones had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of
eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God
Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come" (Rev. 4: 7, 8).
This is of prime importance, for the witness of the Cherubim, which commences, so
far as man is concerned, at Gen. 3: continues throughout the Scriptures until its
prophetic pledge is realized in the Revelation. Man's dominion being forfeited in
Gen. 3:, the Cherubim are placed at the east of the garden as a pledge that the dominion
shall be restored. The fact that the next reference to Cherubim is in connection with the
Mercy Seat is an added revelation indicating the process whereby this restoration shall be
accomplished, and the fact that the prayer of Hezekiah, which occurs in the very centre
and climax of Isaiah, is addressed to The Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest
between the Cherubim (Isa. 37: 16) gives point to the theme of restoration, and
intensifies the interest which Isaiah, and we with him, must have in the presence of the
Seraphim at the beginning of his prophetic ministry.
The Seraphim are described as having six wings, yet only two were used for flying,
the remaining four being used in the recognition of the holiness of the One they served.
While not introduced to teach positive doctrine concerning the Godhead, their threefold
ascription of holiness, together with the change of number in the person of the pronoun in
verse 8, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" cannot but be observed.
Before leaving the passage dealing with the Seraphim, it may help us to observe the
way in which the Hebrew word is used in Isaiah.
Seraph in Isaiah.
A | 1: 7. Country desolate. Cities burned. Not consider (3).
B | 6: 2, 6. Temple. Seraphim. Live coal. No understanding (9).
C | 9: 5. War. Burning.
Child born, Prince of Peace (6).
C | 44: 16, 19. Idols. Burn in fire.
He that formed thee from the womb (24-28).
B | 47: 14. Babylon. Fire shall burn them. Not lay to heart (7).
A | 64: 10, 11. Jerusalem desolate. House burned. None call on Name (7).