SERAPHIM, or Zeraphim. This Word comes from the Hebrew Word Zaraph, which signifies to burn, to melt Metal, to purify. Zeraphim is us’d to signify Goldsmiths Zeraphim. Aurifices, Conflatores. Numbers xxi. 6.or Founders. Also the Name Seraphim or Saraphim is given to those winged fiery Serpents, that destroy’d the Israelites in the Desart, and which we have spoke of under the Article SARAPH, and shall mention again under the Title Isai. vi. 2. Sheraphim.SERPENTS. Lastly, Seraphim, in Isaiah, is put for a Kind of Angels, which were over the Throne of the Lord, and had six Wings; with two of which they cover’d their Face, with two they cover’d their Feet, and flew with the two others. They cry’d to one another and said; Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, the whole Earth is full of his Glory. The Word Seraphim taken in this Sense, is found only in this one Place of the Old or New Testament. Their Name is writ with שShin or Schin; but the Signification is still the same as if it had been writ with צTzade. In the Distinction of the nine Choirs of Angels, the Seraphims are put in the first Rank, and above the Cherubims.
Library / Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, Complete and Unabridged
Volume II · S
Seraphim
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Augustin Calmet, O.S.B., “Seraphim,” in Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, Complete and Unabridged, English translation, Mind of the Church, https://mindofthechurch.com/works/calmet-dictionary/s/seraphim/.