SERAPHIM
The highest-ranking choir of angels is the Seraphim, the "Burning
Ones," whose light is so intensely bright that it would instantly
incinerate mortals. These Angels of Love, Light and Fire fly
around the throne of God singing the Trisagion, a hymn of praise
meaning "Holy, Holy, Holy." They absorb and reflect the
divine light of God onto the next choir. Their regent princes
include Saraphiel and Metatron.
CHERUBIM
The chubby baby cherubs we are familiar with from Renaissance are a far
cry from the mighty Cherubim, who rank as the second choir of
angels. They are second in awesome radiance only to the Seraphim
and reflect the knowledge and wisdom of God. In the Old Testament
they guard the gates of Eden following the Fall. There were
two carved Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, the fearsome secret
weapon of the Israelites. Their chiefs include Kerubiel and
Ophaniel.
THRONES
The Thrones are the "many-eyed wheels of fire" of the Merkabah,
the Holy Chariot, circling the throne of God in unison with the
Cherubim. They reflect faith in the power and glory of God and
are said to reside in the Fourth Heaven. Their ruling princes
include Tzaphkiel and Oriphiel.
