Who are the cherubim and seraphim?
Cherubim and seraphim are two of the most prominent classes of angelic beings in Scripture, associated with God’s throne and his holiness. Cherubim guard; seraphim worship. Both are awesome — and rarely look like Renaissance baby angels.
Cherubim guard the way to Eden (Genesis 3:24) and overshadow the mercy seat in the tabernacle (Exodus 25). Ezekiel 1 and 10 describe them with multiple faces and wings.
Seraphim ("burning ones") appear in Isaiah 6 around the throne, crying "Holy, holy, holy." Their continual worship reveals what they exist to do.
The repeated lesson: God is unapproachably holy, and even the most powerful creatures cover their faces before him. Our worship joins theirs.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.