2 Nephi 16:2

[pam]

Reference Search: 2 Nephi 16:2

2 Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

Quotes for Discussion

Seraphim

Hebrew dictionaries define a seraph in the Old Testament as a mythological being with six wings. The fact, however, that the word “seraphim’ is not attested elsewhere in the Old Testament may suggest that Isaiah employed the word here in a unique meaning. As Isaiah and his schooled contemporaries knew, the meaning of the root from which this noun is formed denotes in its verbal aspect to burn or be fiery. Knowing this, Latter-day Saints should have no trouble recognizing that these wings represent celestial beings who attend God at his throne. (See the explanation of Revelation 4:6 in D&C 77:2.)

Based on the explanation in Doctrine and Covenants 77:4 of the three sets of wings of the beasts in Revelation 4:6, Latter-day Saints should recognize that the wings of the seraphim symbolize power….

For instance, in Malachi 4:2 the Son of righteousness shall “arise with healing in his wings,” i.e., the Son of righteousness will come with the power of healing.

Paul Y. Hoskisson, The Old Testament and the Latter-day Saints: Sperry Symposium 1986 [Randall Book Co., 1986], 196-97

The seraphim, in covering their faces and feet, symbolized reverence.

Ellis T. Rasmussen, A Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament [salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1993], 507

[rameumptom]

Isaiah 6/2 Nephi 16, shows Isaiah receiving a theophany - a vision of God on his throne. This is an interesting event, as it symbolizes the Great Divine Council prior to the world, where all the "great and noble ones" gathered around God's throne to plan the creation (Abraham 3). With both this vision and in the Grand Council, we have one key question presented to the group by God: "Whom shall I send?"

The seraphim are represented by wings, which denote power, movement, greatness. They could also represent a special covering, such as a holy garment.

While some think that God on his throne represent Jehovah/Jesus, given the Grand Council theme, it is very likely that it is God the Father on the throne. The seraph that heals Isaiah of his sins by placing a sacred coal on his tongue would represent the Messiah, who atones for the sins of all mankind, and makes them worthy to stand in God's presence.