SPECIAL TOPIC: SERAPHIM

SPECIAL TOPIC: SERAPHIM (BDB 977 II, KB 1360, #4, PLURAL)

Isaiah 6:2, 6 (i.e., the heavenly throne room) contains the only mention of this angelic category in the Bible (i.e., they are mentioned in I Enoch along with Cherubim).
They are a particular order of angels whose name means "burning ones" (BDB 977 II, KB 1360 I). The word is from the root "to burn" (BDB 976, KB 1358).
In Revelation 4:8, it seems that the Seraphim and the Cherubim are combined (i.e., two separate angelic orders in II Enoch). "The beasts" look like Cherubs which have two wings (Exod. 25:19) or four wings (Ezek. 1:6-14), but in Revelation they have six wings and occupy the place of Seraphim.
Possibly related to
1. "flying serpents," Num. 21:8; Deut. 8:15; Isa. 14:29; 30:6 (BDB 977 I plus BDB 733)
2. an Egyptian word serref ("guardian griffin," a combination of a lion and an eagle, usually functioning as a protector)
3. "winged snakes," from Tut-ankh-amon's throne (ANEP 415-417)
4. another Hebrew root (BDB 978), meaning "chief," in Arabic called "sharafa," meaning "to be noble" (2 PER, vol. 5, p. 349)
In Canaanite mythology and Jewish folklore they are connected with the personification of "lightning."
There is so much about the spiritual realm that God has chosen not to reveal to us. Be careful of (1) speculation; (2) logical theories; and (3) links to pagan mythology!