Isaiah study & commentary

Isaiah 6:1-2

There are two primary schools of thought regarding this chapter.

1. Since the commissioning is six chapters into the book, it may not be Isaiah's initial commissioning as a prophet.  It may be that he was commissioned for a specific time and specific message.  If this is so, then Isaiah had been proclaiming the word of the Lord prior to this chapter.  It may be an event like King Uzziah's death brought a change in status and intensity.
2. The other thought is that the first five chapters are set out to be a prologue, an indication of what was going on in Israel and a reason for the calling of the prophet of God. 

Why the commissioning is in chapter six is interesting, but the more important elements seem to be found in the glimpse we are given into the throne room of God. 

King Uzziah died somewhere around 740B.C. and his passing marked the end of a period of power and prosperity for Judea.  Isiah's ministry started at a peak and followed the decline of the nation at the same time the Assyrians were rising from a low point to become a world superpower. 

Isaiah saw the Lord on his throne (see also Psalm 11:4 and Isaiah 66:1).  We can't begin to imagine what he was able to feast his eyes on that day.   If we are in Christ, we will set our eyes on His throne one day.  We will see with our eyes what we know to be true; He is high and lifted up.  The more important and mighty a king was, the higher his throne was built.  God is enthroned high, above any other power or authority of any kind.  His throne is higher than any other.  Because of this, He is lifted up; exalted and the only one worthy of such.  This phrase is repeated by Isaiah in 52:13 and 57:15. 

Isaiah notes the Lord first, then His throne, followed by train.  A long train showed the eminence of God.  A king could have a long robe when he was the high king with servants.  He didn't have to rise and move around and if he did there were attendants to tend to his train.  When God is seated on His throne in heaven, the train of His robe filled the temple.  The train is the hem of His robe, just the lower edge.  It is just this lower edge that filled the temple.  The Ark of the Covenant was seen as the footstool of God's throne, we can take this to show the connection of heaven to the temple.  The lower hem of God's robe extended to the temple.  It was a just the smallest representation or presence of God.  Amazing!

Above the throne of God were the Seraphim.  The name of these heavenly beings is derived from a Hebrew word meaning 'fiery serpent'.  Seraphim are only mentioned twice in the bible; both time is this chapter.  Seraph shows up seven times and is translated fiery serpent (Num 21:6, 8; Deut 8:15; Isaiah14:29; 30:6).  It's fascinating that Isaiah speaks of them as if he had seen them before and knew what they were as it were a well-known fact.  These beings had 6 wings, two covered their faces, two covered their feet, and they flew with two.  This is the only place that Seraphim appear; it appears they were created to be in constant praise and worship of God.  It is thought they needed the two wings covering their face to show their unworthiness; a bowing of their countenance before the Almighty in adoration.  Two wings covered their feet; this covering of the feet was an act of humility.  The two wings used for flying showed their eagerness and ambition to serve God.  Some have noted that the six wings for different purposes show a balance when serving God;

• One third adoration
• One third humility
• One third active and energetic service. 

Isaiah 6:3-4

The angels are calling holy, holy, holy to each other.  The Seraphim aren't talking to the Lord, they are crying this song out to each other.  The repeated word makes it not just a superlative, but a super superlative.  It's another step above anything that can be imagined.  It's the only thrice repeated superlative in the Hebrew bible.  In John's vision of Revelation, it is repeated.  The Hebrew language would repeat a word to give it emphasis.  Some of the implements and furnishings of the temple were holy, holy.  At the sound of Seraphim voices everything shook and the temple was filled with smoke.    

Isaiah 6:5-8

Isaiah feels unworthy and unclean before the throne of God.  He immediately understood the depravity of men, but more importantly at that moment, his own unworthiness.  Isaiah confessed the uncleanness of his lips.  The sin Isaiah felt the weight of at that moment was not taking the sin of his speech seriously, or at least too lightly.  When we come to an understanding of the just how high and holy God is, we also realize how low and profane we are.  Isaiah was undone at the sight of God and the voice of these holy servants at the throne.

One of the seraph flew to Isaiah to minister to him in His predicament.  Isaiah didn't deserve this attention or cleansing.  This is God's mercy, cleansing and preparing him for ministry.  In service to God, the Seraphim do His will.  Using the tongs of the altar, they brought a live coal and touched it to his lips.  Isaiah was declared forgiven; his guilt taken away and sin atoned for.  The fire from the altar had the affect of cleansing and purging his sin.  This is the fire of holiness and the fire that judges and purges. 

With this done, Isaiah is ready for service.  He hears the question posed to the divine counsel.  The Lord asked who He should send.  Isaiah rightfully speaks up, "Here am I, send me."  This is the answer we should have.  We have to be atoned for at the altar and then we should enter into his service boldly proclaiming, "Here am I, send me!"

What would the response be today?  What if the church were called?  Would God hear: 

• I'm too busy to help out.
• I don't have time.
• It's not my calling.
• I'll pray about it
• Can I just make a donation and go home?
• I don't feel equipped for this.
• What if I don't know what to say?
• I don't know how to be a prophet.

Isaiah 6:9-10

Isaiah said 'send me' and God responded by saying 'Go".  Not only was it the appropriate response by Isaiah, it is the expected response from God.  He'll send us when we finally ask to be sent. 

This is God's message for Isaiah to deliver to his people. His ministry would:

• Deliver God's word; they would hear but not understand.
• Display God before their eyes, but they wouldn't perceive Him.

God knew this people to be dull hearted.  They would not see and hear the things of the Lord in a way that brought understanding to their heart.  An understanding heart was one that changed and corrected the course of life accordingly.  For if they would understand, they would return to Him and be healed.

In Matthew 13:10 the disciples ask why Jesus spoke in parables.  His reply was that the knowledge of the Kingdom has been given to them.  Whoever has will be given more.  Whoever doesn't have, what he has will be taken.  That's why he speaks in parables to fulfill Isaiah 6:9-10. 

Isaiah 6:11-13

We can only imagine how awestruck and intimidated Isaiah was. This commissioning was a lifechanging for sure; but how long would he preach a message no one would hear or listen to.  Imagine preaching to those who stop their ears, turn their back or stare through you with no response at all.  God's reply was that this was to continue until everything was in ruins.  Isaiah would speak to them, call to repentance and inform them that judgment was coming.  Their hearts had become calloused beyond repentance.  Yet, even in the desolation, the Lord would keep a remnant.  They would be like the stump that's left after tree is cut down.  From that stump would grow a shoot that in time would become mighty. The is a picture of the messiah coming from this shoot. 

©2018 Doug Ford