At the heart of Isaiah’s ministry lies this vision of God. In it he sees the glory of God, and yet he makes no attempt to describe God Himself, probably because what he saw was indescribable. So instead he is satisfied with describing all that surrounded Him, leaving the impression of what he saw to our imagination.

1. Isaiah has a vision of the glory of the Lord (vs. 1-4)

What a contrast there is here! Kings of this earth come and go but the King of kings lives on. The Lord has never sinned nor ever died. Isaiah saw this vision of the glory of God in the Temple. The Seraphim are mentioned only in verse 2 of this chapter and nowhere else in the Bible. Even the Seraphim cannot look upon God. No man can look upon God’s unveiled glory. In Heaven we shall see Jesus Christ but probably not the unveiled glory of God. The word “holy” means “separate” or “separation”. God is distinct or separate from everything else. The phrase “Holy, holy, holy … hosts” is a foreshadowing of the revelation of the doctrine of the trinity of God. (See also verse 8).

2. Isaiah’s confession and cleansing (vs. 5-7)

Isaiah realised his sin and his unworthiness before the presence of the Lord. See also Job 42:5-6. We need more of this attitude today. One of the angels brought a hot coal from the altar to make his lips clean. It was on the altar that the sacrifice was given and it was burned. Isaiah receives cleansing from God.

3. God’s calling for Isaiah (vs. 8-13)

After Isaiah’s cleansing he immediately heard the voice of the Lord (vs. 8). God is going to call him now towards something higher. God does not want to force anyone. Isaiah was a volunteer. Some men are called to preach that men might hear and not believe and be saved. Isaiah was one of those men. (Vs. 9-10). These verses are quoted by Jesus, Paul and John in the New Testament in connection with Israel. (See Matthew 13:10-14).

Isaiah realised that Israel could not be cut off forever and so he says “How long, Lord?” (vs. 11). The answer is that there will be judgment upon Israel but a remnant will abide (vs. 11-12). This refers to the time in 70 A.D. when Israel was scattered because of their rejection of the Messiah. A tenth shall return to a time of judgment (Tribulation), but out of their stock shall come a remnant who shall receive the promised blessings. (vs. 13). Like a tree which has its limbs taken off, the life remains in the trunk of the tree. See John 12:37-41. Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus Christ in the Temple.

Categories: Isaiah