I don't dare mention any names, but I have known certain ministers who for awhile enjoyed the blessing of God. Lamentations (The Commission of Isaiah - Emmaus Journal V4:1, Summer, 95). God did not lay a strong compulsion on Isaiah; Isaiah was in the presence of God and he overheard the call, and realized that there was nothing else for him but to say, in conscious freedom, "Here am I, send me." In fact Paul says that God dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see (1 Tim. 735715 B.C.). Notice the extent of his sense of sinfulness. What the hardening is. That's another way of saying that theology matters. Man can only see God as He has revealed Himself. Isaiah 6:8 THEN I HEARD THE VOICE OF THE LORD, SAYING, "WHOM SHALL I SEND, AND WHO WILL GO FOR US?" High on a lofty throne, in splendor bright, Woe (0188) (oy) is an interjection (a word thrown in between words connected in construction to express emotion or passion) which means alas, which in turn is an exclamation expressive of sorrow, grief, pity, concern, or apprehension of evil. 334733749636 Johannine Writings But the effect of this view of our Lord's divine glory upon the mind of the prophet is still more impressive: "Then said I, Woe is me! The effect of beholding GOD is to make one realize his own unworthiness and the corruption of his own heart. Isaiah refers frequently to the doctrine of the remnant (and a term often used synonymously = "survivors"), Remnant - Isa 10:20, 21, 22-note, Isa 11:11, 16-note, Isa 15:9, 16:14, 28:5, 37:4, 37:31, 37:32, 46:3, Survivor = Isa 1:9 Isa 4:2, 3 (he who is left and remains) Isa 37:32 Isa 66:19. 745727 B.C.) The essence of deity is inscrutable, but something of his glory can be seen if God is pleased to disclose it (Exod 33:17=23; Ezek 1:28). The New Testament As with most of our studies so far this month, we can't summarize everything the Bible teaches about God in a few lines. In a vision? Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. In Jn 8:58 He declared that He was "I Am", the name ascribed to God in Ex 3:14+. He then could say, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ" (Php 3:7-note). Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! How much more profound should be the humility and self-abasement of man! Ruined (01820) (damah) primarily means made to cease, come to one's end, cut off, undone, doomed to die. One cannot be dogmatic (in my opinion). (Preaching the Word Isaiah: God Saves Sinners). Isaiah confessed in Isa 6:5 ("I am a man of unclean lips") and the faithful God in His boundless mercy provided purification and forgiveness of his whole being (not just from unclean lips but from iniquity and sin). One of the most stirring portions of Scripture describes this vision. The year of King Uzziah's death (see similar dating Isa 14:28) (~ 740 or 739BC) (2Ki 15:1-7 where Uzziah = Azariah, 2Chr 26:1-23) Under Uzziah's 52 year reign Judah experienced prosperity (a "golden age") and power (cp 2Chr 26:8) during a time when Assyria was still weak. Isaiah written by John A Martin. Jacob said, I have seen God face to face (Gen. 32:30). (See context Believer's Bible Commentaryor borrow Believer's Bible Commentary) (Bolding added), Edwin Blum in the respected Bible Knowledge Commentary agrees writing, John wrote that this glory Isaiah saw was Jesus glory. In the sixth chapter he tells us, "in the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord" (Adonai). Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, invaded the coastal areas of Israel, marching toward Egypt on Israels southern flank. Do you ponder your true helplessness and vulnerability apart from Christ? (Isaiah 6 Commentary), Commenting on God's holiness Fish writes that, There is an incomprehensible contrast between what is divine and what is human. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will stink; the mountains will be soaked with their blood. For this reason, Isaiah needs the live coal from off the burnt altar, which is symbolic of Christ's death. 16:5; Is. Ahazs alliance with Assyria led to his introduction of a heathen altar, which he set up in Solomons temple (2 Kin. All rights reserved. by being cut in two with a wooden saw (cf. In the present context while elevation in regard to rank is certainly intended, it also suggests a more literal meaning, implying Isaiah had to look upwards to see the lofty Lord. Isa 6:7) and observes that the earlier generations stubbornly hardened their hearts, but Ps 81:11-12, recalling this same period, states that the Lord "gave them over to their stubborn hearts." So why in todays reading does Gods angel touch a burning coal to Isaiahs lips? When the boats come in, the former fishermen leave everything behind and follow Jesus. We still have to live in a sin-scarred world, of course, and that can wear us down at times. Study carefully Matt. ), J N Oswalt offer his explanation of why the vision is dated from Uzziah's death, He had been a true king. Keep on listening do not perceive keep on looking do not understand - Can you imagine Isaiah's first reaction upon hearing these words he was to speak to the people of Judah - to say they are not seeker friendly would be an understatement! Isaiah 58, Spurgeon's Verse Expositions of the Bible, One of over 125 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is from the most widely read and often quoted preacher in history, Charles Haddon Spurgeon Philemon This was Isaiah's response to a vision of the Thrice Holy God! Fulfillment of some of his prophesies in his own lifetime provided his credentials for the prophetic office. This Adonai is surrounded by the fiery seraphim, who not only cover their eyes before their thrice holy Lord, but with their wings are ready instantly to do His bidding. Criswell explains that "God in His omniscience knew in advance that the nation would not respond but would remain indifferent and unrepentant, and thus would become hardened. For example, at the completion of Solomons Temple (note) in Jerusalem, It happened that when the priests came from the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. This people (same phrase Isa 6:10, 8:11, 12, 9:16, 28:11, 14, 29:13, 14) - The phrase "this people" rather than "My people" seems to convey a sense of contempt with a clear implication that God sees Judah's unbelief and unclean lips (Read Je 7:4, 5,6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11)! Woe is me - It is interesting to note the prophet himself pronounced 6 woes on Israel (Is 5:8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22 - a different, albeit synonymous Hebrew word [hoy in Isaiah 5, 'oy in Isaiah 6] than that translated "woe" in this verse), but when confronted with the transcendent glory infinite holiness of God, in alarm and despair, he could only cry "woe". In about 745BC, five years prior to Uzziah's death, Assyria began to emerge as a new international power under Tiglath-Pileser (745-727BC) while Jotham was king (2Ki 15:19). The prophet lived until at least 681 B.C. (Notes from My Bible, p. 85). The prophet Habakkuk says of God, Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong (Hab. Thomas Burgess 11. John, on the Isle of Patmos, wrote, "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead " (Rev 1:17-note). By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. So in 701 B.C. Isaiah received the message of chapter 5, and in ch. FOR SALE! It was a time of national darkness, for Uzziah, Judah's great king, had died. 36: Word Biblical Commentary : John. Now the Evangelist takes for granted, that Isaiah saw the glory of Christ. We also catch a glimpse of the ceaseless worship that the angels of heaven render to God (Isa 6:3, cf. Cookie Notice: from youthful lusts, and pursue (present imperative - Continually. He condemned the empty ritualism of his day and the idolatry into which the people had fallen. The meaning of the smoke is uncertain, so we had best avoid dogmatic interpretation. Christ approaches, weeping love! The Apostle Paul entered into this when he spoke of being a sweet savor of CHRIST unto GOD both in them that are saved and in them that perish (2Co 2:15). (Bolding added), The glory of God that Isaiah saw in his vision (Isa 6:1-4) is identified with the glory of the Logos-Son, in accordance with John 1:18 and 17:5. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. The joyful strain of the trumpet betokens the splendor of his triumph, leading captivity captive, and well might the clarions ring out the tidings of Emmanuels victorious return. Although some of Isaiah's responsibilities might not seem very inviting, personal preferences and fear fade into the background when a person has had the privilege of seeing the glory of the Holy King. Any time a person sees God, it is an indication that God has adapted Himself to the limited capacity of the creature. 1 Thessalonians Then I said - Isaiah responds with no apparent hesitation. (See context in Be Comforted (Isaiah): Feeling Secure in the Arms of God) (Bolding added), Chapter 6 also serves a literary function as the conclusion to Isaiah 2-5 and the introduction to Isaiah. February 27, 2023 equitable estoppel california No Comments . ), Assyria captured Samaria, capital of the northern kingdom, and carried many of Israels most capable people into captivity (2 Kin. Paul uses this as an example of the inscrutable will of God and of His mercy toward men (Ro 9:14, 15, 16, 17, 18-note). Irving Jensen: Matthew's reporting skips most of the first year of Jesus' ministry. We don't have to ask Isaiah what he believed about God. It was when this passed away into shame and disgrace that Isaiah saw the Eternal King on his throne. By sending him, He drives the sinful people further from Him, for Isaiah's preaching, which focuses on the LORD's covenantal demands and impending judgment upon covenantal rebellion, forces the people to confront their sin and then continues to desensitize them as they respond negatively to the message. Damien Cook 10. John MacArthur is pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California and president of The Master's College and Seminary. 4:1-7+; Rev 11:19+; Rev 15:5-8+). We see a similar "judicial hardening" of men in the last days (during Daniel's Seventieth Week = the Tribulation), Paul describing the time when, that lawless one (Antichrist) will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming (Second Coming of Messiah), that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because (Here is the root cause of why God "hardens" hearts - His judicial hardening) they did not receive the love of the truth (They made a volitional choice to reject the only Truth that gives life Jn 14:6 and sets free Jn 8:31, 32) so as to be saved. The interested reader is referred to other resources for more in depth discussion (Smith: New American Commentary, Oswalt: The New International Commentary). ISAIAH 6:1-4.I SAW THE LORD SITTING ON A THRONE 1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. A tribe or village prone to violence invariably creates gods whom they believe delight in violence and blood. Genesis (The Commission of Isaiah - Emmaus Journal V4:1, Summer, 95), The divine commission in Isaiah 6:9,10 is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 13 in the context of issuing a rebuke to the hypocritical religious leaders who were making an external show of religion while failing to exhibit evidence of internal, heart change. Six wings had they, these messengers of Him. Lam 3:22, 23). We suggest that you use a physical object to help yourself grasp spiritual truth more vividly. 0:36. He said - Who? (Motyer, J. Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. The pattern of literal fulfillment of his already-fulfilled prophecies gives assurance that prophecies of Christs second coming will also see literal fulfillment. The Bible tells us that no one can see God and live, so awesome is His presence. Obadiah The concept of a believing remnant of Judah is alluded to again in Isaiah 7:3 where we encounter Isaiah's son whose name Shear-jashub (see ISBE note) means a "remnant shall return". In the midst of wrath, God remembers mercy. Beloved, perhaps it is not your mouth, but your wandering eyes which need to be cleansed of defiling, pornographic images. The following section gives some insight into these somewhat difficult to understand commands which Isaiah was to go and tell. He condemned the empty ritualism of his day and the idolatry into which the people had fallen. 11:8). The LORD of hosts - In Isa 6:1, 8, 11 the divine name is Adonai but the Seraphim acclaim Him as Jehovah Sabaoth, LORD of the armies. Ryrie -After the 70 years in Babylon, a tenth would return. Freely righteous! (See context Thru the Bible), Jerry Bridges -As Isaiah anguished over his newly discovered sinfulness, God sent one of the seraphim with a burning coal from the altar. Another purpose was to reveal God's holiness and worthiness to be worshiped. Tradition has it that he met his death under King Manasseh (ca. But what would happen if a human being were to look on the eternal God? Nor is He obligated to offer salvation to everyone forever. But none is more extraordinary than (and few are equal to) the verse to which we come now. Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then I said, Here am I. Helplessness is one such attitude. The Astonishing Servant of Jehovah (Isaiah 53) John MacArthur Published on Apr 16, 2012 by JohnMacArthurGTY Now for this morning, I finally want you to open your Bible to the fifty-third chapter of Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Simply amazing amazing grace! Despite her best efforts to find help, her terrible condition worsened and she desperately sought Jesus (Mk 5:26, 27). Hezekiah began his reign over Judah in 715 B.C. Lord give us men and women like Isaiah in these "difficult" last days, cf 2Ti 3:1-note). It is one thing to condemn the saints, it is quite another to take upon ourselves the confession of their sins as ours. (Ref). It would also deliver some folk from this easy familiarity that they seem to have with Jesus. From his viewpoint he was right, and he won the match against them. Series: The Gospel According to God. All rights reserved.For details about our copyright policy, click here: https://www.gty.org/about#copyright Rather His hardening is an element of His righteous judgment on recalcitrant sinners. 1Sa 20:1 Ps 59:3, or against God, mainly in the historical and prophetical literature. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God. It is true because God has accommodated Himself to the weakness of man so that there was a sense in which Isaiah was able to see God. What we must see, in the context of the whole Bible, is that this burning coal symbolizes the finished work of Christ on the cross. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. Dallas: Word, Incorporated), John Calvin commenting on John 12:41 writes, Lest readers should think that this prediction was inappropriately quoted, John expressly states, that the prophet was not sent as a teacher to a single age, but, on the contrary, that the glory of Christ was exhibited to him, that he might be a witness of those things which should take place under his reign. Now flee (present imperative - Command to make this your habitual practice. Israel would sprout like the terebinth (an oak-like tree from which, when cut, flows a fragrant, resinous juice) and oak trees. God of Grace and Glory! In the setting of death, God prophesies there will be life. Page183. A new visitors' center brings the mountain up close, satisfying the curiosity of many who want a firsthand look inside the famous mountain. If we did, we would see ourselves. MacArthur also referred to other biblical figures, such as the prophet Isaiah and the apostle Paul who delivered messages of judgment and that it was "too late" for some to be saved, respectively. The Greek title, Doxa Kurion, is translated as the glory of the Lord. Doxa means brightness, brilliance, or splendor, and it depicts how the Shechinah Glory appears. Then in the 1970s some restaurants tested the idea of "drive-through" service. Guzik writes that "The remnant will indeed return (Ed: From Babylonian exile back to Judah), but even the remnant will eventually be judged. Isaiah gave his life in service to God. And the LORD will be King over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one. When Job really saw who he was, he said. Ephesians Alex Johnston 3. Whether men hear or whether they forbear (Ezek 2:3, 4, 5), he who proclaims the Word faithfully has delivered his soul. Job 14:7ff. 15:3, 4; 2 Chr. Therefore, since Jn 12:41 refers to Jesus, it makes Him the Author of the judicial hardening of Israel. 6, he sought the Lord for understanding and instruction When he saw Him in the temple, he pronounced a woe on himself: Isaiah realized two things in ch. How different from some Christians who rush out to serve Christ before taking time to meet the Lord and be cleansed. The OT sacrifices never removed man's sin because it was "impossible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins" (Heb 10:4-note). GIVE. The Whole Bible In His character and essence, He is "Spirit," and thus invisible to man (Jn 4:24), but He has made Himself known to man through revelation by His many names and titles, by His attributes, by His written Word, and finally by His living Word, Jesus Christ (Jn 1:14). Multiple related passages dealing with "judicial hardening"and the related topic of Jesus speaking in parables - Dt 29:4+, Isa 6:9,10+ Mt 13:11-15+ Mk 4:11-12+ Lk 8:10+ Jn 9:39-41, Jn 12:38-40Acts 28:26,27+ Ro 11:7-10+, 2Co 3:14-15+, Eph 4:17-18+, 2Th 2:10-12+. Thus it is not surprising that of the 78 uses almost half are found in Leviticus. What will happen, then, when such a king dies, and coupled with that death there comes the recognition that a resurgent Assyria is pushing nearer and nearer? (See context inIsaiah 1-39: An Exegetical and Theological ExpositionBolding added), The NET Bible has a lengthy insightful note on this enigmatic passage. Uzziah was generally a good king (2Ki 15:3, 2Chr 26:8) but was struck with leprosy when he entered the Temple of the LORD (2Ki 15:5, 2Chr 26:16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) which led to his isolation as a leper for about the last 15 years of his life until his death (2Ki 15:7). Have we sought to veil-not our beauties, for beauty we have none-but our innumerable and flagrant deformities, even the "spots upon our feasts of charity," the sins of our best and holiest things; and, renouncing all self-glory, have we sunk, as into nothing before God? Isaiahs preaching was therefore to be a part of the judgment of God resulting in judicial blindness upon the nation. Him who called out - One seraphim calling out to another. The chosen ones are those who have come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ whereby their disposition has been altered and their ears unstopped, and they hear the still small voice (1Ki 19:12KJV) questioning all the time, "Who will go for us?" (Mt 12:34). 4:8). (Isaiah - Expository Notes). (Isa 37:31), Grogan -How astounding that God should use the word holy (qadosh) of the remnant of His people when it has been used already in Is 6:3 in relation to His own transcendent being! : Matthew 8-15 by John MacArthur. We see this strikingly illustrated by Peters words when the miraculous catch of fish convinced him that One greater than man was in his boat In weighing these words of Peter, we must, of course, remember when they were spoken. Nehemiah He touches the lips of Jeremiah, as of Isaiah, and promises His presence and protection. Proverbs The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, You will see the gospel detailed in God's own words as He reveals His Messiah, His love for Israel, and His promises for you. There was a man in the New Testament who also was "undone." ", and so should be read as "Until the LORD has removed men far away." 38) until 686 B.C. Luke-Acts They are listed to help give the reader have a general idea of the relationship of historical events in Isaiah's time. . Holy, holy, holy! The day of grace will end and there will be no more opportunity for salvation for those who have rejected the Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians He, that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. The message and the revelation are to be repeatedly before the nation, yet she is forbidden to perceive and understand. ), so the ruined Israel contains the indestructible germ of the future kingdom of God, the holy seed is wrapped up in it. At this we need not wonder. He touched my mouth with it - Isaiah's mouth was cleansed but represented cleansing of his entire person. (Beasley-Murray, G. R. (2002). Whats more, the Lord sent an angel to him with a live, cleansing coal from the altar before His throne. "Many are called but few are chosen," (Mt 22:14) that is, few prove themselves the chosen ones. John now added the explanation that it was Christs glory which Isaiah saw, and it was of Christ that he spoke. In light of this truth the great saint of yesteryear Andrew Murray prayed, Lord, I gladly accept the arrangement: I am nothingYou are all. (1 Jn 1:9-note). After crushing the Gentile kingdoms Messiah establishes His Millennial Kingdom(Da 2:34-35-note,Da 2:44-45-note). 33:20). In that passage Isaiah was saying that sin would yield captivity, but that God would bring a Redeemer (cf Isa 7:14). Isaiah 6:5 THEN I SAID, "WOE IS ME, FOR I AM RUINED! Peter was at best but a babe in grace, weak in faith, short of experience, and poor in knowledge. This vision is the glory of Christ (John 12:41). Wiersbe -The prophet knew that he could not faithfully preach for the Lord unless he was prepared and cleansed. It is then that the young man experiences one of the most solemn and significant visions of Scripture. Just as Pharaoh's rejection of Yahweh's ultimatum ignited judgment and foreclosed, at least temporarily, any opportunity for repentance, so the LORD may have come to the point where He has decreed to bring judgment before opening the door for repentance once more. Whenever the invisible God becomes visible, and whenever the omnipresence of God is localized, this is the Shechinah Glory. The implication is startling: Jesus is Yahweh! This is a frightful state. God's promises (whether to do good and bad [judgment]) are so certain that Scripture frequently speaks of them as already accomplished. While this may have been a literal coal, it is used symbolically (otherwise it would have literally burned Isaiah) and in the context was God's vehicle for purifying His prophet of his uncleanness.