Over him stood seraphim, each having six wings, with two of which he covered his face, with two he covered his loins, and with two he hovered in flight. —Isa. 6:2, AT.

The name of these spirit creatures means 'fiery ones; burning ones'. Execution of Jehovah's judgment as by fire as well as the cleansing of his faithful remnant as by fire was at hand. The seraphim were most respectful of his person. Keenly sensing his holiness, they covered their faces and lower limbs with their wings, just as officials in the most dignified Oriental court in ancient times would do in the king's presence. Because of their closeness to the Sovereign of the universe, they were all the more self-effacing in order not to distract from his personal glory. But here Isaiah, a creature lower than the angels, was beholding with wide-open eyes the sight of the Most High God. It is now a solemn thought for us to reflect that Jehovah God is at his temple of judgment attended by these fiery seraphim. It is a most dignified, solemn, awesome circumstance. W 4/1