Call of Isaiah (Isaiah 6)

Introduction

Biblical Timeline

United Kingdom under the Kings of Saul, David, and Solomon.

Divided Kingdom - The nation of Israel split into two different nations; Israel in the North, Judah in the South.

God’s interaction with Judea

Exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel - 722 B.C.

God continues to relate with the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Isaiah and Jeremiah are lead prophets of this time period.

Isaiah - “Begins preaching to Judah before Israel falls. Assyria threatens but does not conquer Judah.” (Yvon Prehn for www.bible805.com)

Jeremiah preaches at the end of the Kingdom at the time of the exile of Judah.

Call of Isaiah (6:1-4)

Lord on His Throne (1)

Isaiah 6:1 (ESV)

1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.

King Uzziah - After a long reign of fifty-two years, the king died in 740 BC. (Walker, Larry L., Elmer A. Martens. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Lamentations. Vol. 8. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2005. Print.)

“Isaiah’s role in the narrative that follows concerns only Ahaz, grandson of Uzziah, as king of Judah. The death of Uzziah marks an end to a period of Judaean power and prosperity. At this time, the long-weakened Assyrian Empire begins to re-emerge as a superpower with Tiglath-Pileser III and his campaigns into the Levant in 740 BC.” (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)

King Uzziah dies, Assyrian Empire has grown to be a great threat in the world, Israel receiving prophets preaching repentance or coming judgment, and uncertainty of the future, God is going to call and commission a prophet for Judah, Isaiah.

“I Saw...” - to see a vision v., to see a vision that gives unknown information. Qal: Ge 31:10; Dt 22:4; 1 Ki 22:17, 19; 2 Ki 7:2; Is 6:1; 30:10; Eze 1:1; 8:2; 11:24; 13:3; 43:3; Joe 3:1; Da 8:2, 15; 10:5, 7–8 (23×) (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

“In biblical usage, dreams (חֲלוֹם, chalom) seem to be slightly distinguished from visions (חָזוֹן, chazon). Visions seem to occur while people are awake, while dreams occur in sleep. However, the information passed to a person through a dream or vision may be functionally equivalent. Both dreams and visions could be described as modes of transmitting prophecy; prophecy could also be described as distinct from dreams and visions in that it usually involves the act of the deity directly speaking, whereas a dream or vision often involves a visual representation of the deity’s will that could require interpretation (Jer 1:13–19; Amos 7:7–9; compare Zech 3:1–10; Acts 10:10–16).” (Barry, John D. “Vision.” Ed. John D. Barry et al. The Lexham Bible Dictionary 2016: n. pag. Print.)

Visions are visual pictures that bring a message from God to the messenger. As I understand visions, They are pictures that are a message to the prophet, but are not necessarily an accurate picture of reality.

Jeremiah 1:13–15 (ESV)

13 The word of the Lord came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north.” 14 Then the Lord said to me, “Out of the north disaster shall be let loose upon all the inhabitants of the land. 15 For behold, I am calling all the tribes of the kingdoms of the north, declares the Lord, and they shall come, and every one shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all its walls all around and against all the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah saw a boiling pot. God said this was kingdoms of the north to judge Judah.

In Isaiah, he is seeing a vision of the throne of God in Heaven with angelic beings. They are not necessarily accurate pictures of what heaven is like, but are to give a clear message to Isaiah. Is God on the throne? Yes. Are their angelic beings? Yes. Is this vision an accurate picture of what the throne room or angelic beings look like in heaven? not necessarily.

“the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up...”

high - to be high v., to be at relatively great elevation. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.) Exalted in authority above others.

lifted up - to be exalted v., to be raised or be higher up in rank, character, or status (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

Train of His robe - train n., a piece of cloth forming the long back section of a gown, robe, or other long flowing garment that is drawn along the floor (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

Isaiah had a vision of the Lord sitting on His throne with full authority and His power filled the temple (His presence among his people). After the death of Uzziah, the Lord is reassuring Isaiah that He is on the throne with full authority. Comforting Isaiah.

Seraphim (2-3)

Isaiah 6:2 (ESV)

2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.

Angelic beings are talked about in the Bible, however, there is still lots of questions about them. We read about Angels, Demons, Seraphim, living creatures, and Cherubim. We read about specific angelic beings: Satan, Michael, and Gabriel. We read about the grouping of angelic being: Divine Council, Legions, and all rule and authority and power and dominion.

Seraph

Verb use - The verb is much used and always is used for a literal burning...The word is used for destructive burning not usually for ordinary kindling of a fire or for metaphorical matters like burning with anger. There are over fifteen other words in Hebrew meaning “burn.” The most used are qāṭar “burn incense or sacrifices”, bāʿar “consume.” (Harris, R. Laird. “2292 שָׂרַף.” Ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament 1999: 884. Print.)

Noun Use -

“Fiery serpent. This word is used five times: of the poisonous snakes in the wilderness (Num 21:6, 8; Deut 8:15) and figuratively of threatened dangerous snakes (Isa 14:29; 30:6). The snakes in the wilderness were a natural phenomenon used by God to punish Israel’s murmuring. But the healing brought about by the brass serpent Moses made was as miraculous as that which it prefigured (John 3:14).” (Harris, R. Laird. “2292 שָׂרַף.” Ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament 1999: 884. Print.)

“Seraph (plural, seraphim). Used only in Isa 6:2, 6, these angelic creatures are surely to be compared with the cherubim of the temple decoration and of Ezekiel’s later vision. Indeed, the “living creatures” (NIV) of Rev 4 combine elements of Isa 6 and Ezk 1. Rather than the noun being interpreted from the word śārāp I “serpent” it should be related to the parent root of both words “fire.” These angelic beings were brilliant as flaming fire, symbolic of the purity and power of the heavenly court. They are kĕrûbîm (q,v.) described from their brilliant appearance. (Harris, R. Laird. “2292 שָׂרַף.” Ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament 1999: 884. Print.)

Seraphim praise God (3)

Isaiah 6:3 (ESV)

3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

The Lord called (4)

Isaiah 6:4 (ESV)

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.

“foundations of the thresholds” - doorpost n. — a jamb for a door. (Bible Sense) entrance n. — something that provides access to get in or out. (Bible Sense)

“Called” - to call aloud v., to utter in a loud voice or announce. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

God used this vision and incredible event as a call of Isaiah as a prophet to the kingdom of Judah. Isaiah, in the chaos of the death of King Uzziah, was given a vision of the Lord as the real king of Judah and the Universe.

Cleansing of Isaiah (6:5-7)

Isaiah’s Conviction (5)

Isaiah 6:5 (ESV)

5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

“A true vision of God and His holiness always makes us realize our own sinfulness and failure. Job saw God and repented (Job 42:6); Peter cried out, “I am a sinful man” when he saw Christ’s power (Luke 5:8). Self-righteous rabbi Saul saw that his own righteousness was but “garbage” next to the glory of Christ (Acts 9 and Phil. 3), and he believed and became the Apostle Paul. When believers have a true experience with the Lord, it does not make them proud; rather, it humbles and breaks them.” (Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1993. Print.)

“When Isaiah confessed his sins, he mentioned especially his unclean lips. Of course, unclean lips are the products of an unclean heart. The prophet knew that he could not faithfully preach for the Lord unless he was prepared and cleansed.” (Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1993. Print.)

Isaiah was confronted with his sinfulness and the sinfulness of God’s people when he saw the grandeur of God on His throne.

Isaiah’s Atonement (6-7)

Isaiah 6:6–7 (ESV)

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

ATONEMENT

Atonement is a biblical/theological The means of reconciliation between God and people. Emerges in the Old Testament as part of the sacrificial system; reframed exclusively around the person and work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Atoned for - to be atoned v., to be cleansed of sin or from the defilement of sin. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

Atonement was accomplished by sacrifice and the shedding of Blood. OT Sacrifice of animals. NT Jesus substitutional sacrifice.

“a burning coal ... from the altar.”

Alter is the place of the burning of the sacrifice and the pouring out of the blood.

In this vision, one of the seraphim took a coal from the alter and touched Isaiah’s lips and declared him atoned for. As I understand the text, God is showing Isaiah that He has atoned him to be His messenger.

Commission of Isaiah (6:8-13)

Lord Commission of Isaiah (8)

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)

8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Lord’s Message to Judah (9-13)

Message of Blindness(9-10)

Isaiah 6:9–10 (ESV)

9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people: “ ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ 10 Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Message of Isaiah to the Kingdom of Judah.

Message of God to Isaiah for His people.

Hearts Dull - to make dull ⇔ make fat v., to make dull or unresponsive, conceived of as making fat. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

Turn - to repent ⇔ return v., to turn away from sin, conceived of as returning to God or returning from a location. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

God is sending Isaiah with a message to make the people stay in their condition and not repent. That is very different than God’s usual message as a call to repent.

“God orders Isaiah to make sure the people do not repent and thus avoid judgment. The prophet is essentially being asked to allow the people to continue along the same path of disobedience they have been on. Acceptance of God’s message and true repentance only comes if God wills it. The passage is quoted numerous times in the NT to support the general lack of a positive response among the Jewish people to Jesus as the Messiah.” (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)

Message of God to Israel during the Messiah’s life.

Jesus Words

Matthew 13:10–17 (ESV)

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”

11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “ ‘ “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.

17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Divine hiddenness of Jesus as the Messiah is a part, if not full, fulfillment of the Words of Isaiah. The understanding of Jesus as the Jewish Messiah was hidden from them until Jesus accomplished the will of God. If they understood Jesus as their Messiah, they might have forced him to be king or would not have had him crucified. The understanding of Jesus as the Messiah of God was hidden from the religious leaders and the common people, but revealed to the disciples of Jesus.

The hiddenness was removed after the resurrection of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the proclamation of the Gospel through the Apostles. (proclamation of the Apostles at Pentecost and within the Sanhedrin) The understanding of Jesus as the Jewish messiah was proclaimed and understandable to the Jewish people and leaders. Later, it was proclaimed that Jesus is the Messiah of all creation, not just the Jews.

Isaiah’s message seemed to be applied to His ministry within the period between the exiles and the ministry of Jesus.

Message of Exile(11-13)

Isaiah’s Question (11a)

Isaiah 6:11a (ESV)

11 Then I said, “How long, O Lord?”...

God’s answer (11b-13)

Exile of the Land (11b-12)

Isaiah 6:11b–12 (ESV)

11b And he said: “Until cities lie waste without inhabitant, and houses without people, and the land is a desolate waste, 12 and the Lord removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.

There is a judgment of Exile coming to the Jews. Isaiah was primarily a prophet to the Kingdom of Judah, however, He also prophesied the judgment coming on Israel and foreign nations. I am not sure if this is talking about the Exile of Israel in 722 BC (Now 740 BC) or the Exile of Judah in 597 BC (Isaiah will not be around).

The destruction of the cities and exile of the people is a judgment of God coming upon the people. God wants Isaiah message to keep them dull to the proclamation until God accomplishes His plan.

Faithful remnant (13)

Isaiah 6:13 (ESV)

13 And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak, whose stump remains when it is felled.” The holy seed is its stump.

even if only a tenth part remain A hint that a small group of people will survive. From that remnant, God will rebuild His people. But they will still experience and suffer through the judgment. See note on Isa 1:9.

The seed of holiness will be her tree stump A foreshadowing of the messianic promise of 11:1. The messiah will come from the remnant of Israel and fulfill Israel’s obligation to the covenant in a way that they never could. (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)

Jesus is the Holy seed (offspring). (Isaiah 11-12)

Isaiah 11:1 (ESV)

1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

Lessons from Isaiah

God used a vision to call Isaiah to be His spokesman to His people. We are called by God to be His spokesman to the world around us.

When Isaiah was confronted with the awe inspiring sight of God, he became strongly aware of his and people’s sinfulness. When we come to a realization of who God is in perfect Holiness, we are aware of our sinfulness.

Isaiah confessed His sin to God.

God provided a way of atonement for Isaiah.

God’s message was one of judgment that was sure to come, but also the hope of restoration through His Chosen Messiah.

Although the Israelites were experiencing and will experience judgment for their sin, God wanted them to know that He was still working out His plan to restore them to Himself through the Messiah.

We can live in the same hope of restoration in Jesus Christ the true Messiah sent by God to all people.

Benediction

Romans 11:33, 36 - Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.