Isaiah 6:2-3
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. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The seraphim, in their awe before God, cover not only their faces but also their feet. This detail highlights a profound reverence, indicating that even beings closest to God acknowledge their unworthiness to fully behold His glory or to be fully seen by Him, and that humility is paramount in approaching the divine.
Isaiah finds himself in the midst of a cosmic throne room, witnessing the unveiled glory of God. Surrounding the divine presence are majestic beings called seraphim, described with immense power and reverence. This awe-inspiring vision immediately follows Isaiah's realization of his own sinfulness in the face of such holiness, setting the stage for his commissioning as a prophet.
These celestial beings aren't just generic angels; their name and actions reveal something profound about their nature and mission.
The name 'seraphim' comes from a Hebrew word meaning 'to burn.' This fiery imagery points to several key aspects:
Their six wings also tell a story: two covering their faces show awe and unworthiness before God, two covering their feet suggest humility and modesty, and two are for flight, representing their readiness to obey.
Even the highest heavenly beings cover their faces. What does this profound act of reverence teach us about approaching God?
The seraphim covering their faces with two of their wings is a powerful symbol of awe and humility. They are in God's immediate presence, yet they dare not gaze directly upon His infinite glory. This isn't necessarily because they can't see, but because they recognize the overwhelming, unapproachable holiness of God.
Understand the original words
seraphim · Hebrew Noun
Celestial beings attendant to the throne of God, whose name means 'burning ones.' They are characterized by their intense devotion, service, and role in declaring God's holiness.
qadosh · Hebrew Adjective
The quality of being set apart, utterly distinct, and morally perfect. It is God's essential nature, signifying His separation from all creation, His purity, and His transcendence.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name through which God enters into relationship with His creation.
tseba'ot · Hebrew Noun
Isaiah's vision occurs during a time of immense political and spiritual upheaval, with the Assyrian empire looming and internal issues plaguing Judah. This backdrop highlights the urgency and weight of his divine commission.
c. 740 BC
Reign of King Uzziah of Judah
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry during the prosperous but increasingly spiritually compromised reign of King Uzziah. This period laid the groundwork for the challenges Isaiah would later face.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Death of King Uzziah
The death of King Uzziah marks a significant political and spiritual transition for Judah. This event triggers Isaiah's profound vision of God's majesty in the temple.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Expansion into the Levant
During Isaiah's ministry, the Neo-Assyrian Empire was a dominant military power, frequently campaigning in the region and posing a significant threat to Judah and its neighbors.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
A coalition of Syria and Israel attempts to force Judah into rebellion against Assyria. Isaiah advises King Ahaz to trust God rather than seeking Assyrian aid.
This passage also describes heavenly beings with wings, emphasizing their awe and reverence before God by covering their bodies, mirroring the seraphim's covering of their faces and feet.
Revelation 4:8Here, similar celestial beings (living creatures) continuously praise God, echoing the seraphim's posture of worship and emphasizing God's supreme holiness.
Exodus 3:6Moses' reaction upon seeing the burning bush, where he hid his face in fear of God, parallels the seraphim covering their faces, highlighting the overwhelming holiness of God and human unworthiness.
1 Kings 19:13Elijah covering his face in response to God's voice shows a similar human reaction of reverence and awe in the presence of the divine, reflecting the seraphim's action.
gillIsaiah 6:2: "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly."
Above it stood the seraphims,.... Not above the temple, nor above the throne, much less above him that sat upon it, but either "by him", on the right hand and on the left, as Aben Ezra; or "near him", as Kimchi and Ben Melech; or "before him", as the Targum; or "round about him", as the Septuagint; all which denote the ministering for…
clarkeIsaiah 6:2: "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly."
Above it stood the seraphim - שרפים seraphim, from שרף seraph, to burn. He saw says Kimchi, the angels as flames of fire, that the depravity of that generation might be exhibited, which was worthy of being totally burnt up. He covered his feet "He covereth his feet" - By the feet the Hebrews mean all the lower parts of the body. But t…
The seraphim, in their awe before God, cover not only their faces but also their feet. This detail highlights a profound reverence, indicating that even beings closest to God acknowledge their unworthiness to fully behold His glory or to be fully seen by Him, and that humility is paramount in approaching the divine.
Isaiah finds himself in the midst of a cosmic throne room, witnessing the unveiled glory of God. Surrounding the divine presence are majestic beings called seraphim, described with immense power and reverence. This awe-inspiring vision immediately follows Isaiah's realization of his own sinfulness in the face of such holiness, setting the stage for his commissioning as a prophet.
Isaiah finds himself in the midst of a cosmic throne room, witnessing the unveiled glory of God. Surrounding the divine presence are majestic beings called seraphim, described with immense power and reverence. This awe-inspiring vision immediately follows Isaiah's realization of his own sinfulness in the face of such holiness, setting the stage for his commissioning as a prophet.
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Beyond their awe and humility, the seraphim are depicted as ready for action. What does their readiness signify?
The third pair of wings, used for flight, speaks volumes about the active nature of these heavenly beings. They are not passive observers but dynamic servants, poised and prepared to execute God's commands.
Isaiah's vision sets the stage for his own commission, showing that those who encounter God's holiness are not only humbled but also empowered and sent.
A title for God describing Him as the commander of the angelic armies of heaven. It emphasizes His supreme power, authority, and sovereignty over all celestial and terrestrial forces.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The visible manifestation of God’s presence, attributes, and majesty. It refers to the radiance of His character and power as it is displayed or perceived within the created order.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrians, leading to the exile of the ten tribes. This event serves as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of disobedience.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib attacks Judah, conquering many cities. Jerusalem is miraculously spared through divine intervention and Isaiah's prophecy.
"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. And one called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
the whole earth is…" — The seraphim, in their awe before God, cover not only their faces but also their feet. This detail highlights a profound reverence, indicating that even beings closest to God acknowledge their unwort…