Lectionary Calendar
Friday, April 26th, 2024
the Fourth Week after Easter
the Fourth Week after Easter
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Bible Commentaries
Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary Garner-Howes
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of Blessed Hope Foundation and the Baptist Training Center.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of Blessed Hope Foundation and the Baptist Training Center.
Bibliographical Information
Garner, Albert & Howes, J.C. "Commentary on Isaiah 6". Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ghb/isaiah-6.html. 1985.
Garner, Albert & Howes, J.C. "Commentary on Isaiah 6". Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary. https://www.studylight.org/
Whole Bible (50)Old Testament (1)Individual Books (4)
Verses 1-5
Isaiah CHAPTER 6
A PROPHET’S CALL AND COMMISSION
Verse 1-5: A TRANSFORMING VISION
1. The vision is located "in the year that king Uzziah died"; whether before or after his death is not specifically stated - though Isaiah was definitely in the prophetic office before his death, (Isaiah 1:1).
2. In the midst of trying times, Isaiah was granted a glimpse of Judah’s Divine King - enthroned, exalted, glorious and adequate to meet her deepest need, (Revelation 4:2-3; Revelation 20:11; comp. Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 4:19).
3. Above him hovered the six-winged seraphims (burning ones) proclaiming, in antiphonal chant, or responsive song, the perfect holiness and earth-filling glory of "Jehovah of hosts" - the pre-incarnate Christ and covenant-God of Israel, (John 12:41; comp. Revelation 4:8; Revelation 5:9-13; Numbers 14:21; Habakkuk 2:14; Psalms 22:27).
4. At the sound of the angelic voices the doorposts of the temple trembled, and smoke (probably suggestive of divine displeasure against sin) filled the house, (comp. Exodus 19:18; Isaiah 33:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29).
5. This was truly a humbling and prostrating experience for Isaiah - the man of God, who identified himself with Judah and her sins, comp. (Nehemiah 9:32-37; Daniel 9:4-19) - the deep sin-consciousness resulting from his beholding "the king, the LORD of hosts", (comp. Exodus 33:22; Job 40:4-5; Job 42:5-6).
Verses 6-13
Verse 6-13: CLEANSING AND A NEW COMMISSION
1. In response to Isaiah’s anguished confession, one of the seraphims took a live coal from off the altar, laid it upon his mouth, and declared his iniquity atoned for; his sin purged, (Verse 6-7; comp. Jeremiah 1:9; Daniel 10:16; Isaiah 40:2; Isaiah 53:5-6; Isaiah 53:11; 1 John 1:7).
2. It is then that the Lord’s own voice is heard: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And the response of the prophet is immediate: "Here am I; SEND ME!"
3. Only after Isaiah’s whole-hearted commitment to proclaim the Lord’s message does the Lord reveal that it is to be a hardening, deafening, blinding and condemning word - the result of Judah’s persistent rebellion and unbelief, (Verse 9-10; Nehemiah 9:24-31).
4. In response to the prophet’s impassioned cry of "How long?" the Lord tells him that the message of impending judgment must be proclaimed until the sentence is fully executed in: the laying waste of their cities and farmlands, the vacating of their luxurious houses, and their deportation to a strange land, (Verse 11-12; Psalms 79:5; Leviticus 26:31; Isaiah 1:7; Isaiah 3:8; Isaiah 3:26; Jeremiah 4:29).
5. Though a remnant be spared (a holy seed), it will be subjected to constant testing; but, the Redeemer of Israel will not leave Himself without a people for his own possession and service! (Deuteronomy 7:6-10; 1 Peter 2:9-10).
a. God will not utterly forsake them (2 Samuel 7:24); the discipline of dispersion and desolation is but a proof of their election (Amos 3:2); the casting off will not be permanent, (Zechariah 10:6).
b. A holy remnant (root-stump) will remain - ultimately to sprout, bud, blossom and bear fruit to the glory of God!