What are the Seraphim in Isa. 6:2 and Other Questions

A forum on prophetical matters, designed to increase our interest and knowledge of the sure word of prophecy, whereunto we do well to take heed in our hearts until the daystar arise. Contributions, in a variety of formats as brief as those hereunder, are invited from interested readers, perhaps offering alternative interpretations. Simple questions are also invited.
(Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editorial committee.)

  • What is the significance of the phrase “From Dan to Beersheba”?

Dan was a town at the northern extremity of Palestine and Beer-sheba at the southern extremity, so that the phrase means “throughout Palestine”; see 1 Sam. 3:20.

  • Is Malachi the last book of the Old Testament?

It is the last book in the O.T. of my Bible (A.V-), but it isn’t the last book in the Catholic version, which includes the Apocrypha. Nor is it the last book in the Hebrew order, which is Chronicles-

Because the Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah (whom the Jews believe to be written by the same person) are the last books written in relation to time, they place them last.

Our canon in its arrangement has little regard for chronological sequence, being more concerned with other library sections and priorities.

Where would you place Malachi?

  • What are the seraphim? (Isaiah 6:2)

Evidently, heavenly attendants, who possess wings, countenances, feet and hands, and can speak in human language. N.B. The word “seraph” is also employed of poisonous serpents (Num. 21:6) which could fly. Isaiah tells us (cf. 14:29, 30:6). The connection cannot be ignored.

I cannot agree with those who see the source in ancient mythology, e.g. Herodotus (2:74) men­tions holy serpents found at the temple of Jupiter at Thebes. If there is a connection at all, I prefer to see it the other way: the ancient myths being a degeneration of the original.

The seraphim are personal, spiritual beings and understand moral concepts. But they are not to be Identified with the cherubim, for the functions of both were quite different, as were their appear­ances. The only relation which the seraphim sus­tain with the fiery serpents is that they have wings and are burning creatures-

But since this is the only place in the O-T- where this particular creature is mentioned, we have little to go on. I have a little theme in which they are connected to the “hayah asher hayah” revelation at the burning bush. What about the readers; have you any suggestions?

  • Why is the personality of one prophet (e.g. Jer­emiah) so prominent, whilst with another (e.g. Isaiah) it is not?

It is a fact, as you say. I think the personality is prominent where it has a teaching purpose to perform. Jeremiah, like Hosea, foreshadowed dra­matically the Messianic traits in his life; Isaiah less so, because with him his message was the teaching point which stood out, with his person receding into the background- But for all that. it was there, and we can sketch out some of his chief features.

  • When the Psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psa. 19:1), is he referring to God’s glory as a Creator, or as a Redeemer?

To His glory as Creator- In the primary sense God’s handiwork reveals His glory, as the Psalmist says, reflecting on the works of His hands. They reveal “his everlasting power and divinity”, says Paul (Rom. 1:20).

The “heavens” do not reveal God’s glorious pur­pose (cf. Job 11:7-9). That is the work of Christ and his disciples. That is the function of the Word of God.

But if you are reading “heavens” in a figurative sense for “Christ and his saints”, why not? For the Psalm certainly goes on to speak of conver­sion and cleansing, and sees the LORD as “my strength, and my redeemer” (v.14).

And isn’t that how Paul used v.4 in Romans 10:18, when he says that by A.D.57 the gospel had been preached in every part of the world where there were Jewish communities?