ISAIAH 6

This may not be a general commissioning of Isaiah, but only for a particular mission connected with 

the threat of Syrian-Samarian invasion in 734.

v. 1 Vision takes place in the temple, indicating the very presence of God in the Holy of Holies. 

Interesting that the ultimate cause of Uzziah's death was his hubris in entering the temple himself as if 

he were a priest. In response, God turned him into a leper. By contrast, Isaiah is allowed to see God in 

the temple.

Vision shows God on an eternal throne in contrast to the earthly king who had just died.

John 12:41 indicates that at this point, Isaiah saw Christ's glory.

Revelation 4:8 describes the four living creatures in the same manner: they say “holy holy holy” and 

have six wings.

v. 2 feet = genitals

vv. 2-7 Ancient Jewish seals picture snakes with sets of wings (perhaps identical to winged poisonous 

serpents of Numbers 21:6-9 = seraphim, lit. burning. Others say that the word elsewhere applies to 

serpents). Snake punished by having wings removed?

First worship: covered face (awe), covered body (humility). Then served (wings to fly). All three 

elements will be paralleled by Isaiah's actions.

v. 3 Moses is called drawer of his people. Pun on Moses' name, which means “to draw” (see Exodus 

2:10). Triple repetition is one way to express a superlative. Some suggest it should be translated: holy, 

exceedingly holy. The basis for the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

vv. 4-5 echoes of Mt. Sinai theophany: mountain shaking, darkness, dismay

Burning coal comes from the altar and thus symbolizes that Isaiah's sins have been forgiven by 

sacrifice. He is not able stand in God's presence unless he has first been cleansed.

v. 5 R. C. Sproul—“The thing that quaked the most in the room was Isaiah's body.”

Isaiah had just pronounced six woes on Israel, and now he pronounces woes on himself.

As long as we compare our behavior only to other people, we can fool ourselves that we are righteous. 

This is no longer possible in God's presence.

Why the emphasis on impure speech instead of on impure actions or thoughts? James has the same 

emphasis.

vv. 6-7 Why was Isaiah able to stand hot coals on the most sensitive part of our body while the Seraph 

had to use tongs to handle the coal?

Like Jeremiah 1:9 in which God touched the prophet's mouth with his hand.

v. 8 Contrast the less than enthusiastic replies of some other prophets like Jeremiah or Moses. Could 

prior cleansing of sin have something to do with it? Notice that God does not take away Isaiah's 

personality or will.

vv. 9-12 Similar to the calls of Ezekiel and Jeremiah in that the prophets are warned that the people 

will not listen. Necessary to stress that non-acceptance of the prophetic word does not invalidate it.

vv. 10-13 quoted at least 6 times in NT. Should read through to the conclusion in vv. 11-13 where this 

judgment sets the scene for subsequent new growth.

v. 13 A remnant of a tenth probably refers to the tithe that is holy to God.

The last phrase is not found in the Septuagint and is left out of quotes by RSV as an editorial comment.