Isaiah 6:8 – If God is omniscient, why does He ask for a volunteer to deliver His message instead of simply choosing someone? I. Overview of Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8). In this well-known passage, the prophet Isaiah responds to a divine call. The question arises: If God knows all things perfectly, why does He pose a question that appears to invite a volunteer rather than simply selecting the individual He has foreordained? II. The Immediate Context of Isaiah’s Calling Isaiah 6 presents a vision in which the prophet finds himself before the throne of the Almighty. Leading up to verse 8, Isaiah experiences awe at God’s holiness, recognizes his own sinfulness, and receives a cleansing touch from a seraph (Isaiah 6:5–7). This cleansing sets the stage for God’s commissioning. God’s question, “Whom shall I send?” serves as a direct invitation in the midst of Isaiah’s freshly realized insight about sin, holiness, and redemption. Although set within a historical period—the era of King Uzziah’s death (Isaiah 6:1)—its theological significance has continued through the centuries. Further manuscript support from the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaᵃ) discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls indicates remarkable consistency of Isaiah 6 with the Masoretic Text, emphasizing that this passage has been preserved accurately through centuries. This documentary evidence reinforces that the question recorded in Isaiah 6:8 is part of the authentic inspired text. III. God’s Omniscience and the Nature of Divine Questions Scripture consistently teaches that God knows all things (e.g., Psalm 139:1–4). Therefore, there is no genuine deficiency in God’s knowledge when He asks, “Whom shall I send?” His questions in Scripture often serve a deeper purpose than information-gathering. For example, in Genesis 3:9, when God calls to Adam, “Where are you?” God is fully aware of Adam’s whereabouts but seeks human response, repentance, and engagement. Similarly, in Isaiah 6:8, the question is a deliberate and relational invitation. God’s omniscience is not diminished by asking a question; rather, the question highlights a divine-human interaction, affirming human responsibility and willingness to step forward. IV. The Role of Human Will and Participation 1. Voluntary Cooperation: By asking, “Who will go for Us?” God affords Isaiah and, by extension, all who later read this account, the opportunity to respond freely. This is a pattern repeatedly observed throughout Scripture where God invites trust, obedience, and submission rather than automatism (e.g., Joshua 24:15). 2. Demonstration of the Heart: Isaiah’s immediate response, “Here I am. Send me!” displays his heart of obedience and willingness. This revelation of the heart is central to the biblical portrayal of authentic service. God’s questions in the biblical narrative often elicit public declarations of faith—reflections not for God’s knowledge, but for the benefit of the hearers and the one who answers. 3. Transformation through Availability: Before volunteering, Isaiah experienced purification (Isaiah 6:5–7). Only after his guilt was taken away did he become ready. God’s question underscores transformation: Isaiah is able to recognize God’s invitation and commit to it wholeheartedly. V. Scriptural Consistency with Divine Calling 1. Other Prophetic Call Narratives: The calling of prophets often features a personal response. Jeremiah confesses his youth and inability (Jeremiah 1:4–7). Moses hesitates due to speech difficulties (Exodus 3:11–4:13). Each story shows God’s initiative combined with the prophet’s free, albeit sometimes reluctant, response. 2. New Testament Parallels: In the New Testament, Jesus commands the disciples to proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:19). While it is clear that Christ, being God incarnate, knows who will obey, the invitation remains open for believers to respond in faith. This parallels Isaiah’s moment, highlighting active human participation merging with divine will. VI. The Philosophical and Behavioral Perspective 1. Reinforcing Commitment: From a behavioral standpoint, responding to a question fosters ownership of the task. Isaiah’s affirmative response—“Send me!”—cements personal commitment and voluntary alignment with divine mission. 2. Moral Agency and Personal Growth: Philosophy underscores that acts freely chosen hold deeper moral profundity. God’s omniscience does not negate human agency; rather, it upholds a context where growth, decision, and accountability matter. Isaiah’s choice exemplifies authentic moral agency within a theocentric worldview. 3. Relationship over Compulsion: The biblical narrative often reveals God desiring a relationship with His people. Invitations rather than mandates underscore the importance of sincere devotion. Isaiah’s volunteering flows from encountering God’s holiness and grace, leading to a desire to serve. VII. Application and Theological Significance 1. God’s Character: The calling in Isaiah 6:8 highlights the loving nature of God, who involves individuals in His work. By asking for a volunteer, God showcases a pattern of relational engagement rather than dictatorial imposition. 2. Human Responsibility in God’s Plan: Though God knows who will respond (Romans 8:29), He still extends the invitation. Believers and non-believers alike can glean that divine mission calls for cooperation rather than coercion. 3. Encouragement for Modern Readership: This passage encourages all who read it to consider their readiness to respond to divine leading. The call is not forced; it is an open challenge to stand up and say, “Here I am!” VIII. Conclusion Isaiah 6:8 presents not a contradiction to God’s omniscience, but a powerful demonstration of it. God’s question “Whom shall I send?” is intentionally directed at Isaiah—one who has just encountered God’s majestic holiness and experienced His cleansing grace. The prophet’s willing response, “Here I am. Send me!” showcases that divine calls often involve human choice and confirm God’s relational character. Far from diminishing God’s sovereign knowledge, this scene magnifies His desire to draw people into active partnership. |
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