Isaiah 6:1–7; Numbers 21:4–9
The Seraphim: Fiery Serpents
Description:
Mysterious, “fiery serpents” whose name etymology may hold the key to understanding their identity, form, and function. But could there really be heavenly snakes? Watch the full video to find out.
Classification: Heavenly BeingsDrawn by Cameron Suter
The Seraphim: Fiery Serpents — Heavenly Beings
100% Hand-Drawn • GRAPHITE & CHARCOALDocumentary Investigation & Drawing ProcessEpisode Archive: 07
THE ENTRY IN BRIEF
Scriptural Account
The Hebrew word seraph means can relate to fire, and the same word is used for the venomous, or “fiery” serpents that bit Israel in the wilderness. This entry looks at the case that the seraphim above the throne in Isaiah’s vision are winged, serpentine beings, and at what their appearance points to concerning judgement and Christ.
The “seraph” appear as venomous snakes in Numbers 21, which God sends to judge the grumbling Israelites.
However, God also provides a means for them to be healed: by looking as a bronze snake, “seraph,” that Moses has sculpted atop a pole.
Later, Isaiah uses that same word to describe the spiritual attendants around God’s throne in a vision of the temple.
Whether the seraphim are therefore serpentine is debated, but the connotation to snakes has important implications we can learn from.
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