Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, Holy, Holy

By:Vashti Graham

Artist Description:

This artwork depicts a seraphim, one of the highest heavenly beings described in Scripture, formed from living fire and radiant glory. (Many theologians interpret them as fiery beings.) Its wings erupt outward like flame, symbolizing purity, holiness, and the overwhelming presence of God. The swirling lines of red, gold, and yellow capture the movement of divine fire. This seraph stands as a reminder of God’s majesty, His holiness, and the awe that surrounds His throne. The Hebrew word “seraph” (שָׂרָף) literally means: “to burn” or “burning one.”

Scripture References:

Isaiah 6:1–3: “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him stood the seraphim; each had six wings: with two he covered his face, 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!’”

Isaiah 6:6 “Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.”

Additional Facts You May Find Interesting:

The Hebrew word שָׂרָף (saraph) comes from a verb meaning “to burn” or “to consume with fire.” Because of this, many scholars believe seraphim symbolize God’s purifying holiness, not just His power. Also, fire in Scripture often represents purification and God’s presence. In Isaiah 6:6–7 The burning coal touches Isaiah’s lips and cleanses his sin. (So the fire is not destructive; it is refining and holy.)

In Isaiah 6:3 it states "Holy, Holy, Holy" In Hebrew, repeating something three times means absolute emphasis. (So this isn’t just saying God is holy, it means God is perfectly and completely holy above all things. This same declaration actually appears again in heaven in Revelation 4:8.

Both Seraphim and Cherubim are heavenly beings that serve near God's throne (see Cherubim visual in previous painting). They are very different from the “human with wings” angels people usually imagine. In the Bible they are distinct types of heavenly beings that serve near God’s throne. Again, none of them resemble the cute baby angels (cherubs) you see in Renaissance art. Often when angels appear to humans, their first words are “Do not be afraid.” (Luke 2:10, Matthew 28:5, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:30) Which honestly makes sense if you suddenly saw a six winged flaming being or a four faced creature.

Seraphim

6 wings 2 for covering their faces 2 for covering their feet 2 used to fly The Hebrew word “saraph” means “burning one.” The plural form is “seraphim,” meaning “burning ones.” They stand above God's throne constantly worshiping Him. They stand above God’s throne proclaiming His holiness and worshiping Him. In Isaiah 6

Cherubim

4 faces, 4 wings Four Wings Four faces (Human, Lion, Ox, and Eagle) Guard sacred spaces. Guarded the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve left. (He placed the cherubim and a flaming sword… to guard the way to the tree of life.” Genesis 3:24) Guarded the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25) (Wheels appear beside them and move with them. “I looked, and behold, four wheels beside the cherubim…” Ezekiel 10:9) Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel 10, Genesis 3