Prophet
Isaiah: 1 It was in the year
King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord (Christ Jesus our Lord and Master). He was
sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of His robe filled the Temple. 2
Attending Him were mighty seraphim (fiery angels), each having six wings. With
two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with
two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy,
holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies! The
whole earth is filled with His glory!” Isaiah 6:1-3, New Living
Translation 2nd Edition
Isaiah 6 has been called by many
scholars the most important chapter in the book of Isaiah. In this chapter, the
prophet Isaiah receives his call as a prophet or messenger of the living LORD
of Heaven’s Armies (see Isaiah 6:8). More importantly, this chapter reveals the
glory of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and Christ Jesus our Lord (Messiah) in the
glorious Throne Room of Heaven (see Isaiah 6:1-8)!
In this all-important chapter, the
prophet Isaiah saw the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) in the year King Uzziah died
(see Isaiah 6:1). King Uzziah, also known as Azariah in some biblical
translations, ruled in Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, from 792 to 740
BC (e.g., see 2 Kings 14:21-22; 2 Kings 15:1-7, 13, 30, 32, 34; Chronicles
26:1-23). Sadly, a civil war split and divided the Israelites into the north
(Israel), and the south (Judah) after King Solomon’s death, and the prophet Isaiah
lived in the more pious southern kingdom of Judah where Jerusalem and the
Temple was located (Isaiah 1:1; see also 1 Kings 11:9-13; 1 Kings 12:16-20). The
prophet Isaiah ministered and served during four kings of Judah – Uzziah,
Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (e.g., see Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 7:1; Isaiah
37:2-39:8).
When Isaiah began his prophetic
ministry, Judah and Israel seemed strong and wealthy. However, the prophet
Isaiah saw people using their power and wealth to harass and oppress the poor,
the widow, the orphan, and the alien (e.g., see Isaiah 1:16-20, 23; James 1:27).
Men went around drunk, and women cared more about their clothes than their
neighbor’s hunger and the oppressed (e.g., see Isaiah 3:16-24; Isaiah 5:7-12).
People gave “lip service” to God with their outward religious ceremonies,
rituals, and fasts, and they kept up an appearance as righteous and good, but
inwardly they neglected mercy, truth, justice, and goodness (e.g., see Isaiah 1:10-15).
In the year King
Uzziah died, the prophet Isaiah saw in a vision the Lord Jesus (see Isaiah
6:1)! The New Testament confirms that the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord Jesus’
glory and spoke about Him (see John 12:41). Moreover, the apostles Peter,
James, and John also witnessed the Lord Jesus’ glory when He walked the earth
(e.g., see Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:29, 32; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
The prophet Isaiah saw the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and His Son – the Righteous
Servant Jesus – sitting upon the Throne high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1; see also Isaiah
52:13; Isaiah 53:12; Isaiah 57:15; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 19:28; Matthew
20:21; Matthew 25:31; Acts 2:33; Acts 3:13; Philippians 2:9). The Lord Jesus
was so glorious and BIG that only His train (hem or seam) filled the Temple
(Isaiah 6:1; see also Revelation 1:13).
Hovering above the Lord Jesus were
mighty, six-winged angels of fire (Isaiah 6:2; see
also Revelation 4:6, 8-9). Amazingly, the prophet Ezekiel and John, the author
of the book of Revelation, saw similar vision of the Throne Room of Heaven, and
the prophet Ezekiel and John saw around the Throne six-winged fiery heavenly
beings (e.g., see Ezekiel 1:4-6, 11, 13-14, 26; Revelation 4:6-9; Revelation
5:6; Revelation 6:1). These angels of fire are also called seraphim in some
biblical translations (e.g., see Isaiah 6:2, RSV). The Hebrew word seraphim mean “flames.”
Throughout the Holy Scriptures, fire is
the symbol for the living LORD God. The prophet Daniel had similar vision of
the living LORD God’s Throne surrounded by flaming and blazing fire (see Daniel
7:9-10). Moreover, when the living LORD God Almighty appeared to the ancient Israelites
at Mount Sinai (Horeb), He descended on Mount Sinai with smoke and in fire (see
Exodus 19:18). To the Israelites, the glory of the LORD God Almighty looked
like a consuming fire on top of Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:2; Exodus 24:17-18; Deuteronomy
5:4-5, 23-26; Deuteronomy 9:3; see also Genesis 15:17; Hebrews 12:29). For
the LORD God Almighty is a consuming and powerful fire (see Deuteronomy 4:11,
24, 33, 36; 1 Kings 18:24, 38-39).
With two of the fiery angels’ wings,
they covered their faces with two others they covered their feet, and with two
they flew (see Isaiah 6:2). In a great chorus, the winged angels of fire called
to another and sang:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s
Armies! The whole earth is filled with His glory!” Isaiah 6:3, New Living Translation 2nd Edition
The angels’ singing shook the Temple’s foundations,
and suddenly the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke at
the presence of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies (Isaiah 6:4 see also Exodus 19:17-18;
Exodus 40:34-35; Ezekiel 43:4-5; Ezekiel 44:4). The winged angels of fire
humbled themselves before the all-powerful and holy LORD of Heaven’s Armies!
The TRIPLE repetition of God’s holiness
emphasizes God’s endless and infinite holiness. The prophet Isaiah saw the wonderful
glory and complete holiness of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies (see Isaiah 6:3). As
mentioned earlier, in some biblical translations the LORD of Heaven’s Armies is
translated LORD of Hosts, the GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, and the LORD Almighty
(see Isaiah 6:3). After seeing the LORD of Hosts, the prophet Isaiah
acknowledged that the whole earth is full of the living LORD God’s glory
(Isaiah 6:3; see also Exodus 15:11; Numbers 14:21-22; Psalm 72:18-19). Importantly,
the Holy Scriptures repeatedly calls upon God’s creation – all humans – to be
holy as the LORD of Heaven’s Armies is holy (e.g., see Exodus 19:5-6; Leviticus
11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7, 26; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians
4:7; 1 John 3:3). One day in the future, the whole earth will be filled with
God’s holy people and the LORD of Heaven’s Armies’ glory will be the light of
the world (e.g., see Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 61:1-2; Revelation 21:1-22:21).
Wonderfully in the book of Revelation,
John sees a similar vision of both Christ Jesus our Lord and His Father the
living LORD God Almighty receiving a similar praise and worship in heaven
(e.g., see Revelation 1:4-5, 8; Revelation 4:1-3, 8, 11; Revelation 5:13-14).
The glory and holiness of the living LORD God Almighty is equally the glory and
holiness of His Son, the Lord Jesus because the living LORD God and His Son are
One (e.g., see John 1:18; John 10:30, 38; John 14:9-11, 20; John 17:11, 21-23).
Importantly, the prophet Isaiah
proclaimed: “I have seen the King, the
LORD of Heaven’s Armies” (see Isaiah 6:5, New Living Translation 2nd
Edition). The prophet Isaiah saw with his own eyes the true and living King
and Judge of all the earth! Truly, the living LORD God Almighty is the
Sovereign and eternal King and Judge who rules the whole earth (see also Jeremiah
10:10; Daniel 6:26; Hebrews 12:23). The living LORD God Almighty reigns over
the nations, and the exalted King is seated on His Throne (e.g., see Psalm
47:6-9; Daniel 7:9). Moreover, the living LORD God Almighty is righteous, and
He sees and rules EVERYONE on His earth (see Psalm 11:4-7; Psalm 103:19; Isaiah
66:1-3, 7; Daniel 4:17. Matthew 5:34; Matthew 23:22). The living LORD
of Heaven’s Armies is not simply the greatest of many gods — He is the only
true God and everlasting King and LORD of lords (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy
10:17; Psalm 10:16; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 10:6, 10; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy
6:15; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16). As the apostle Paul proclaimed: “To the King of the ages, immortal,
invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (see 1
Timothy 1:17, English Standard Version).
After seeing the glory and holiness of
the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and His Righteous Servant, Christ Jesus
our Lord, the prophet Isaiah confessed and acknowledged his sinfulness
and guilt and the sinfulness and guilt of all races of people (Isaiah 6:5; see
similar confessions in Judges 16:21-22; Job 42:6; Jeremiah 10:14-16; Luke 5:8).
Next, one of the mighty angels flew over to the altar and with a pair of tongs
picked out a burning coal (see Isaiah 6:6). Then, the mighty angel touched the
prophet Isaiah’s lips with the burning coals and said,
See, this coal has touched your
lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.
Isaiah 6:7, New Living Translation 2nd Edition
Thus, the living LORD God Almighty
cleansed, forgave, purged, and atoned for the prophet Isaiah’s sins and
wickedness (Isaiah 6:7; see also 1 Timothy 1:12-17; 1 John 1:7-9). Similarly, the
living LORD God reached out His hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth and placed
His words in Jeremiah’s mouth to take His messages throughout the world (see Jeremiah
1:9-10; Jeremiah 26:12, 15). Moreover, the living LORD of Hosts placed His
words and authority on the prophet Daniel’s lips (see Daniel 10:16-21).
Then, the prophet Isaiah heard the Lord
Jesus asking, “Whom shall I send, and who
will go for Us?” (see Isaiah 6:8, New American Standard Bible). The prophet
Isaiah offered his services to the Lord Jesus and said, “Here am I. Send me!” (see Isaiah 6:8, New American Standard Bible).
The apostle Paul received a similar heavenly message from the Lord Jesus on the
road to Damascus (see Acts 9:4).
Significantly, the phrase Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?
has been debated by scholars throughout the centuries. This plural pronoun for
God – the word “Us” – has been seen in Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7
as well as here in Isaiah 6:8. Some scholars believe the “Us” refers to the
heavenly council of God or the Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son
(Jesus), and God the Spirit.
The Holy Scriptures teach that surrounding the
LORD God’s Throne are all the armies of heaven (hosts) on His right and
His left (e.g., see Deuteronomy 33:2; 1 Kings 22:19; Job 2:1; Psalm 89:5-8; Hebrews
12:22). The Holy Scriptures also call the armies of heaven surrounding the LORD
God the “heavenly council,” “heavenly court,” “hosts of heaven,” or the “Sabaoth”
(e.g., see Job 1:6; Job 38:7; Jeremiah 23:18, 22; Luke 2:13; Romans 9:29; James
5:4). The Holy Scriptures speak of a “heavenly court” or “heavenly council”
(e.g., see Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7; Job 15:8; Psalm 82:1;
Isaiah 6:8). Revelation chapters 4 and 5 give a beautiful picture of the Throne
Room of God with His heavenly council (see Revelation 4:1-5:14). Because of the
LORD God’s mighty armies, the Holy Scriptures will sometimes translate the
living God the “LORD of Hosts,” “the God of the armies of Israel,” “LORD of
Heaven’s Armies,” or “LORD Almighty” (e.g., see 2 Samuel 5:10; 1 Samuel 17:36, 45;
1 Kings 18:15; Isaiah 6:3; Zechariah 4:6, 9).
The
Lord Jesus Christ is Commander of God’s armies of heaven as the Firstborn Son
of the living LORD God (e.g., see Joshua 5:13-15; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew
16:16; John 20:30-31; Revelation 19:11-16, 19). Even more, the Lord Jesus
Christ is One with His Father the LORD God (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4;
John 10:30; John 14:9-10; John 17:11, 21-23). The New Testament rightly
proclaims that Jesus is Lord and Christ (the Anointed One, Messiah) filled with
the Spirit who currently sits in the throne room of heaven (e.g., see Acts 2:36;
Revelation 5:6). The Lord Jesus Christ is seated “on the right hand of the
Majesty on high,” the place of honor beside His Father, the LORD God (Hebrews 1:3, 13; see also Psalm 110:1-2; Matthew 22:43-44;
Matthew 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 22:68-69; Acts 2:33-34; Acts 5:31; Romans 8:34;
Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1
Peter 3:22). The fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is seated at the right
hand of the LORD God indicates that He is actively ruling and reigning with His
Father as Lord of All (see Hebrews 1:2, 13). The hosts of heaven worship
the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8, 11-14). One
day coming soon, EVERYONE will worship in heaven and on earth and under the
earth Christ Jesus as Lord, to the glory of God the Father (see Philippians
2:9-11). Moreover, one day Christ Jesus as the Great I AM will come on the
clouds of heaven at His Second Coming with the heavenly hosts (e.g., see Psalm
110:1; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30-31; Matthew 26:64; Mark
14:62; Revelation 1:7).
Many other faithful servants of God have
had the privilege of seeing the LORD God Almighty with all His multitudes of
heaven standing around Him on His right and on His left, including Jacob (later
renew Israel) (see Genesis 32:30-32); Moses and the ancient Israelites (see
Exodus 3:1-6; Exodus 24:9-10, 17); Joshua (see Joshua 5:13-15); the prophet Micaiah
(see 1 Kings 22:19); Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 1:7-10); Ezekiel (see Ezekiel
1:26), Daniel (see Daniel 7:9-14); and John of Revelation (see Revelation
4:1-5:14). The prophet Isaiah, like many other faithful servants of God, saw
the living LORD God’s Throne of heaven and His Son Jesus (Isaiah 6:1-4; see
also e.g., see Exodus 24:10; Numbers 12:8; 1 Kings 22:19; Psalm 123:1; Isaiah
52:12; John 12:41; Hebrews 11:26; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 4:1-5:14).
A
true prophet of the living LORD God has had the privilege of seeing the LORD
God sitting on His throne with His heavenly council or court (e.g., see Exodus
24:9-10; 1 Kings 22:19-22; 2 Kings 2:11-12; Isaiah 6:1-7; Jeremiah 23:16-22;
Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9-14; Amos 3:7). Long ago the LORD God, again and
again, spoke through His faithful prophets (messengers) in many and various ways,
including visions, dreams, and even face to face (Hebrews 1:1; see also see Numbers
12:6, 8; 2 Kings 17:13; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Jeremiah 7:3, 13; Jeremiah 25:4;
Jeremiah 26:5; Jeremiah 29:19; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 14:6; Ezekiel 18:30).
The living LORD God gave the prophets His plans, warnings of repentance, divine
will, and purposes for all people (Hebrews 1:1; see also 2 Kings 17:13;
Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 18:31; Amos 3:7).
The Lord Jesus declared to the prophet
Isaiah,
“Go and tell this people: Be ever hearing,
but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. Make the heart of this people calloused; make
their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be
healed.” Isaiah 6:9-10, New International Version
The Lord Jesus commanded Isaiah to go
and tell the people that they will listen and listen, but they will not understand,
and they will look and look, but they will not learn (see Isaiah 6:9-10).
Importantly, the Lord Jesus wanted the people to repent and turn
to His Father, the LORD God so that they may find healing (salvation) (see
Isaiah 6:10). In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 at
Matthew 13:14-15; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10, and John 12:39-40. Also, the apostle
Paul quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 or versions of these verses at Acts 28:26-27 and
Romans 11:7-10, 25. Sadly, during His public ministry on earth, the Lord Jesus
experienced a similar rebellion and rejection by Israel to Him and His Father’s
message despite many His heavenly signs and wonders (e.g., see John 12:37-50). Moreover,
many people rebelled and rejected the apostle Paul’s message about the Lord
Jesus and the Good News of the Kingdom of God (e.g., see Romans 10:16). The
Lord Jesus warned Isaiah that the people would not pay attention, but he was to
continue to proclaim God’s truths to the people (see Isaiah 6:9-10).
Then, the prophet Isaiah asked the Lord
Jesus, “Lord, how long will it be before they are ready to listen?” (see Isaiah
6:11, Living Bible Translation). The Lord Jesus warned and replied to the
prophet Isaiah’s questions, “Not until their cities are destroyed — without a
person left — and the whole country is an utter wasteland, and they are all
taken away as slaves to other countries far away, and all the land of Israel
lies deserted!” (see Isaiah 6:11-12, Living Bible Translation). The people’s
lack of hearing and repentance will lead to God’s wrath (Isaiah 6:11-12; see
also e.g., Daniel 9:3-15). The Lord Jesus warned the prophet Isaiah, that
Israel will be invaded and purged again and again and destroyed because of
their unfaithfulness and rebellion against God and His righteous commands
(e.g., see Leviticus 26:14-45; Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Throughout the centuries,
the land of Israel has again and again been subject to chastisement (burning)
but not complete destruction (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:7-23; see 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2
Chronicles 36:17-20). The Lord Jesus promised Isaiah that Israel will be like a
tree cut down; however, a holy seed like a stump or offspring still lives to
grow anew – the faithful remnant (see Isaiah 6:13). Significantly, the Lord
Jesus informed the prophet Isaiah that God’s faithful and obedient people — a
remnant — will survive (Isaiah 6:13; see also Nehemiah 1:5; Isaiah 10:22;
Daniel 9:4).
In Isaiah 7, the prophet Isaiah sees the
Lord Jesus’ predictions coming true during the reign of evil King Ahaz (see 2
Chronicles 28:1-4). During the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, Jerusalem in the
southern kingdom of Israel was attacked by King Rezin of Syria (also known as
Aram) and wicked King Pekah of Israel’s northern kingdom (also known as
Ephraim) (Isaiah 7:1, 8; see also 2 Kings 15:25, 37-28; 2 Kings 16:5). King
Pekah of Israel was the son of Remaliah, and Ahaz was the son of Jotham and
grandson of king Uzziah of Judah (Isaiah 7:1, 5, 9; see also 2 Kings 16:1; 1
Chronicles 3:12-13; Isaiah 1:1). However, King Rezin and King Pekah of
Israel were unable to carry out their devious plans against Jerusalem, and
Jerusalem city stood (see Isaiah 7:1, 6-7).
The news had come to the royal court of
Judah that Syria (Arameans) was allied with Israel against Judah (see Isaiah
7:1). In some biblical translation, Israel is referred to as “Ephraim” as
Ephraim was Israel’s dominant tribe in northern kingdom (e.g., see Isaiah 7:2,
KJV). Now, the hearts of the King Ahaz and the people of Jerusalem trembled
with fear, like trees shaking in a storm (see Isaiah 7:2).
However, the LORD God said to Isaiah,
“Take
your son Shear-jashub and go out to meet King Ahaz” (Isaiah 7:3; see also
Isaiah 8:3, 18). The name Shear-jashub means “a remnant shall return” (Isaiah
7:3; see also Isaiah 10:20-22). The LORD God through His prophet Isaiah said
to tell King Ahaz to calm down, quit worrying, and do not be afraid of the
fierce anger of your enemies, King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah because
their kingdoms will be defeated (Isaiah 7:4; see also Isaiah 8:12-13; Isaiah
10:24; Isaiah 35:4). The living LORD God declared through His prophet Isaiah
that both the kings of Syria and Israel have created an evil plan against Judah
to terrorize and throw the people into a panic (see Isaiah 7:5-6). King Rezin
and Kings Pekah’s planned to fight their way into Judah and install the son of
Tabeel as Judah’s king and removed Ahaz (see Isaiah 7:6). However, the Sovereign
LORD announced to His prophet Isaiah that Rezin and Pekah’s plans will not
succeed because this invasion will never happen nor take place (see Isaiah
7:7). The living LORD God – Yahweh – was with Judah if Judah will
wholeheartedly trust in Him (Isaiah 7:10-14; see also -Isaiah 8:10; Romans
8:31).
The LORD God announced through His
prophet Isaiah that Syria (Aram) is no stronger than its capital, Damascus, and
Damascus is no stronger than its king, Rezin (see Isaiah 7:1, 8). As for Israel
(Ephraim), the LORD God announced that within sixty-five years, the northern
kingdom of Israel would be crushed and destroyed because their continued disobedience
and unfaithfulness to Him (Isaiah 7:8; see also 2 Kings 17:24; Isaiah 8:4). Samaria,
who was at that time the capital of Israel (Ephraim) and King Pekah’s power did
not increase (Isaiah 7:1, 9; see also 2 Kings 15:29). Samaria was overthrown by
Assyria in 722 BC, ten years after the downfall of Damascus, fulfilling the
prophecy.
Most important, the LORD God through His
prophet Isaiah declared to Ahaz:
“If
you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all” (see Isaiah 7:9, English
Standard Version). Another biblical translation reads, “If you don't take your
stand in faith, you won't have a leg to stand on” (see Isaiah 7:9; The
Message). In other words, King Ahaz had to BELIEVE and TRUST in the Sovereign
LORD God Almighty and not his present circumstances. If King Ahaz wanted the
LORD God’s blessings and success, he had to live by faith in the LORD God alone
(Isaiah 7:9; see also 2 Corinthians 5:7). Humble trust and obedience to the
LORD your God in EVERYTHING will lead to VICTORY because the living LORD God
fights and protects His faithful people (e.g., see also Exodus 14:13-14;
Joshua 10:8; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Proverbs 16:3). The living LORD God is good to
those whose patiently and humbly hope is in Him, who honor
Him, and to the one who wholeheartedly seeks Him (e.g., see Isaiah
8:12-14; Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 40:31; Lamentations 3:25-27). Even though the holy
LORD God is high and exalted, He comes to EVERYONE – rich, poor, young,
old, black, white – who humbly and wholeheartedly loves, trusts, and obeys Him
with His blessings (e.g., see Deuteronomy 5:32-33; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 138:6; Isaiah
57:15; Isaiah 61:1-3; Isaiah 66:1-2; Matthew 5:3-10).
Second Kings 16:5-18 and 2 Chronicles
28:1-21 record the historical background of Isaiah 7. Sadly, evil King Ahaz did
not believe and trust in the LORD God and Judah was eventually defeated! Moreover,
Aram (Syria) was crushed in 732 BC, and Israel lost
her national existence in 722 BC because of their unfaithfulness and
disobedience to the living LORD God.
References
Amplified
Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).
ESV
Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Bibles, 2008).
Message
Bible (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002).
The
Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).
Zondervan
NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
2008).
Schwab, George, Senior Professor of Old
Testament (Due West Campus, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2018).
