Seraphim: God's Most Powerful Angels

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. In today’s video, we’re going to discuss Seraphim, the angels closest to God’s throne and the highest order of angels in the celestial hierarchy. Because of this, Seraphim can be viewed as the most powerful order of angels - the most powerful demons sometimes said to have been Seraphim before they fell from grace and became malevolent entities. However, it is important to note that certain named archangels, especially Michael, are often considered the most powerful angels. Michael, for example, is seen as a warrior and protector, and in the Bible, he is depicted as leading the heavenly host in the battle against Satan and the forces of evil. One reason that explains this is that the word ‘archangel’ has multiple meanings. In angelology, it usually refers to the second lowest angelic order. However, in the bible, the word ‘archangel’ has a more general meaning that simply denotes superior angelic beings.

The word Seraphim is derived from the Hebrew word "saraph," which means "to burn," and reflects their intense, fiery nature, usually associated with their burning love for God. They are mentioned explicitly in the Bible only in the Book of Isaiah, where they appear in a vision experienced by the prophet Isaiah. In this vision, the Seraphim are described as having six wings: two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two for flying.

Seraphim are considered the highest order of angels in the Christian angelic hierarchy, this based on the classification system developed by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in his work "The Celestial Hierarchy." Thomas Aquinas, in his "Summa Theologica," further developed the understanding of Seraphim, emphasizing their unmatched love for God and their superior knowledge of divine truths. As part of the first triad in the angelic hierarchy (along with Cherubim and Thrones), Seraphim serve as intermediaries between God and the lower orders of angels, transmitting divine wisdom throughout the cosmos.

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